Tinting is a cool idea if done by professionals
AS MERCURY RISES, MOTORISTS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REVISED LAW INCREASING LIMIT TO 50%
The revised federal traffic law allowing darker car window tints will help motorists stay cool this summer, but it’s important to get it done professionally, workshop managers said.
The revised federal traffic law on July 1, 2017, allows carowners to tint windows up to 50 per cent, except the front windscreen. The maximum tinting allowed earlier was 30 per cent. The revision does not cover trucks and taxis.
Fines for tinting beyond the stipulated 50 per cent begin at Dh1,000. Fines vary among emirates, but increase according to the degree of excess tint.
Car tinting these days is less of a job and more of an art.
The variety of tints, pricing, purpose and comparative merits and demerits are an important consideration.
Poonam C., a Dubai resident who recently got a new ceramic tint on her SUV, told Gulf News that she was very happy with her decision. “It cost me Dh380, but my car definitely feels cooler. I do not have to wear cooling mittens to hold the steering wheel when I return to a parked car in the afternoon.
“The air-conditioning also seems to be more efficient. However, I have to be extra vigilant at night when the darker tint reduces visibility a little. I take care to roll down the windows to get a better view when I am manoeuvring the car in a side parking or reversing during the night. I would recommend residents get tinting done.”
Why is tinting important?
Anil Chacko, business development manager at Fantastic Auto Workshop, Sharjah, explained: “Car tints are made of Polyethelene Terepthalate [PET], a thermoplastic polymer resin that absorbs heat, provides thermal insulation, and filters out harmful ultraviolet rays.
“In this region where summer temperatures go up to 50 degree Celsius, it is important to tint your cars. Tinting not only provides privacy, but can help prevent skin cancer and excessive sun and heat exposure that can cause skin cancer and tanning, among other things.”
As the mercury spikes, Chacko is getting an average of three tinting orders per day.
How to get the right tint?
Poor quality film not only hampers visibility, but it can also damage the glass when removed, said Maksim Odnorozhenko, managing director at Tint n Sun, Dubai and a veteran of car tinting.
“Poor tinting material can interfere with navigation and air-conditioning and can also interfere with radio signals, creating disturbances in your phone conversations in your car. Cheaper material tends to bubble in a matter of a few months, or changes colour.”
Odnorozhenko added: “A good professional tint can cost anywhere between Dh300 and Dh1,200 depending on the size of your car, and the average life is up to five years. The best come with a lifetime guarantee.”
He cautioned against sham workshops that charge Dh3,000 to Dh4,000 to tint an SUV.
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Odnorozhenko said the three main types are metallic, ceramic and regular carbon nano fibre. Ceramic tints, which are the top-end option, are the best ones available. They are made
Tinting not only provides privacy but can help prevent skin cancer and excessive sun and heat exposure that can cause skin cancer and tanning.” Anil Chacko | Business development manager at Fantastic Auto Workshop, Sharjah
of ceramic nano fibres and allow for better ultraviolet (UV) rays absorption and cooling.
“The main task of a highquality film is to block 99 per cent of UV rays, help in considerable heat and glare reduction and not fade. It is not about using a famous brand of tinting material. One can use an affordable brand, but make sure the material used is professional grade and the individual doing the tinting knows his job.” Odnorozhenko said.