Automotive Update

Archive for November, 2011

When it comes to ways one can save on their expenses, there are many measures which are expected to enter the conversation. One that is certain to come to light is the topic of fuel costs. Let’s face it, getting around can be expensive. For those who live in warmer climates, there is in fact a highly feasible way to save on fuel costs: window tinting. Let us ask ourselves: What’s the first thing we do upon entering a car on a warm day? We turn up our air conditioning units. When kept on for a prolonged period, they in fact use up a sizable amount of your car’s fuel reserves. Installing a tint on your car reduces the heat inside your vehicle. For that reason, it will be possible to consume less air conditioning, and ultimately, get better gas mileage from fuel savings.

Now, before we go installing any type of car window tinting, let’s make sure that we’re installing something that’s actually doing it’s job (not the cheapest variety). Looking for too steep a bargain, like many other things, can backlash. Imagine spending $120 (on very inexpensive side for tinting) and getting almost no heat protection and not making much of an investment at all. Instead, opt to spend the extra $100 that are sure to save you well beyond the difference you pay (in fuel savings). Look for a film that will block at least 50% of the heat prom your car. Remember, “99.9% UV Protection” does not mean that its 99.9% heat protection; this is a sales gimmick used by some companies; as an educated consumer, you should know the difference. Be sure to ask what the heat protection rate. If a company can’t tell you that, it may be best to move on.

So, is it really worth it? Can window tinting save me that much at the pump? Well, the answer depends on many things. First of all, do you drive your car a lot? How long do you plan on keeping it? Do you use the air conditioning in your car a lot…or not so much? These are all things that will influence the return you get on investing in tint. If you drive your car 60 miles a day, live in a warm climate, and plan on keeping your car for a while, then certainly window tinting will save you a sizable amount of money on fuel expenses.

Being a savvy consumer is important when it comes to window tinting. Know which film will give you the best bang for your buck. What would 20% more heat protection be worth to you? Not only in comfort, but in actual savings in fuel. As people look to places for savings, window tints are not as far-off of an option as some would initially believe.