Window Tinting: Stay Cool, Protected & Private on Michigan Roads
precise, professional, perfect.
Michigan summers can be surprisingly brutal – if you’ve ever opened your car door in July to a blast of heat, you know the feeling. And in winter, low sun and glare off the snow can be just as tough on your eyes during the commute. Automotive window tint is more than just a style upgrade for your car; it’s a functional improvement that helps with heat reduction, UV protection, and privacy. At Ascension Automotive in Milford, we’ve installed premium tint on countless Oakland County vehicles, helping drivers stay comfortable and protect their cars’ interiors from sun damage. In this post, we’ll break down the benefits of window tinting, what’s legal in Michigan, and how a professional tint job can make a world of difference in your driving experience.
Key Benefits of Car Window Tint
1. A Cooler, More Comfortable Cabin: One of the biggest advantages of tinting is heat rejection. By filtering out a portion of the sun’s infrared energy, window tint keeps your car interior significantly cooler on hot days. With quality ceramic tint films, you can block up to 80% of the total solar energy that enters through the glass. That means when your car is parked in the sun at Kensington Metropark or in a mall parking lot, it’s not a sauna inside. Your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to bring the temperature down, which can even improve fuel efficiency a bit. Stepping into a tinted car on a summer afternoon is simply much more pleasant than entering an un-tinted “greenhouse” car.
2. Blocks Harmful UV Rays: Good window tints block 99% or more of UV radiation. This is huge for both your health and your car’s longevity. UV rays are what cause sunburns and long-term skin damage – and they also fade and crack your car’s interior plastics and upholstery. By installing tint, you’re effectively adding a sunscreen layer to your car. The Skin Cancer Foundation even recommends window tint as an effective UV protectant. For you, that means less risk of sun exposure on long drives, and for your vehicle, it means your dashboard, leather seats, and trim are far less likely to dry out and discolor from sun damage.
3. Reduced Glare: Tinted windows cut down the glare from sunlight, snow, and other vehicles’ headlights. Have you ever driven westward toward the sunset on I-96 or I-696 and found yourself squinting even with sunglasses on? Tint can help with that by dimming the intensity of bright light coming through the windows. At night, tint can also reduce the blinding glare from headlights in your side mirrors or through the rear window. The result is less eye strain and safer driving, since you won’t be as dazzled by sudden bright flashes. (Of course, you should still use a sun visor and good driving glasses as needed – tint isn’t a cure-all, but it makes a noticeable difference in comfort.)
4. Privacy and Security: Let’s face it, sometimes you just don’t want prying eyes peeking into your car – whether you’re parked or on the road. Window tint acts like a privacy curtain. It’s much harder for anyone to see valuables left on the back seat or to scope out your belongings through the windows. When you’re sitting in traffic or parked, a tinted side window means a lot more personal privacy (no more feeling like you’re in a fishbowl). This can be especially reassuring if you often carry equipment or packages in your car. Many SUV owners, for example, get the rear windows tinted dark to secure their cargo area. And beyond security, a well-chosen tint shade just looks sleek – giving your car a clean, unified appearance by harmonizing the look of all the windows.
5. Interior Protection from Fading: Michigan sees its fair share of sunny days (plus reflections off our winter snow), which can be tough on your car’s interior over the years. The combination of UV light and heat causes fabrics to fade and leather or vinyl to crack. By blocking UV and some heat, tint preserves the interior. For instance, that rich black leather or deep red fabric in your car will stay richer longer instead of gradually bleaching out. Many luxury car owners tint specifically for this reason – to keep their interiors looking new. It’s a simple step to slow down aging of the cabin materials.
6. Shatter Resistance: This is a lesser-known benefit – window film can actually hold glass together if the window is broken. The adhesive layer on tint film keeps the pieces of glass from exploding everywhere in an accident or if a window is struck. While it’s not a substitute for safety glass, tinted windows can provide an extra margin of safety by preventing shards from spraying inside the vehicle during a collision or break-in attempt.
Michigan Window Tint Laws: What’s Allowed?
Before you tint your vehicle, it’s important to know Michigan’s laws on window darkness to avoid any legal issues. Michigan has some of the more restrictive tint regulations, especially for the front windows:
Front Windshield: You cannot tint the entire windshield, except for a top strip along the upper 4 inches. A non-reflective tint (or the factory shade band) is allowed on that top portion only. This strip can help with sun glare without impeding the driver’s view.
Driver and Front Passenger Windows: Similar to the windshield, Michigan law allows tint only on the top 4 inches of the front side windows. In practice, this means any significant tint on the main part of those windows is technically illegal. The law basically wants these windows largely clear for driver visibility and police safety during traffic stops. (Medical exemptions do exist – a driver with a qualifying medical condition and doctor’s note can have deeper tint on front windows, but absent that, the 4-inch rule stands.)
Rear Side Windows and Rear Window: Good news – you can tint the windows behind the driver (rear passenger windows and the back glass) as dark as you want in Michigan, within reason. The only limitation is that if you tint them very dark, you must have dual side mirrors on the car (most cars have this anyway). The law also forbids reflective or mirror-like tint over 35% reflectivity on these windows. But if you want limo-black on your back windows for privacy, that is permitted.
What do these rules mean in practice? Many Michigan drivers choose a compromise: they might apply a lighter tint (or clear heat-rejection film) on the front windows to stay legal, and a darker tint on the rear windows. For instance, you could do a virtually clear 70% VLT ceramic film on the front doors (which cuts heat but is almost invisible), and something like 20% VLT on the rear doors and back window for privacy. VLT stands for Visible Light Transmission, so 20% VLT is a common “dark smoke” that lets only 20% of light through. We can help you select a combination that meets your needs while keeping you on the right side of Michigan’s laws.
(Always remember that overly dark front window tint can get you pulled over in Michigan. At Ascension Automotive, we’ll advise you on legal options and install films that keep you safe and compliant.)
Professional Installation & The Ascension Difference
Not all tint jobs are equal. Maybe you’ve seen cars with purple, bubbly windows – that’s what cheap tint and poor installation looks like over time. At Ascension Automotive, we take pride in doing things right the first time, so your tint will look great and stay looking great for years to come.
Here’s what sets our tint service apart:
Premium Ceramic Films: We don’t use bargain-basement dyes. We exclusively install high-performance ceramic window films that are color-stable and long-lasting. These films won’t turn purple or lose adhesion. They also have the best heat rejection and clarity, so you get the most benefit. Ceramic tint is also non-metallic, meaning it won’t interfere with your cell phone, GPS, or radio signals (a problem with older metallic tints).
Computer-Cut Precision: Our shop uses computer-cut patterns for your specific vehicle make and model. That means we’re not using razors freehand on your glass or paint, avoiding any risk of scoring. The film patterns are cut to exact size, so once applied, the edges are neat and OEM-like. This gives a factory finish with no uneven gaps or ragged edges. It also speeds up the installation and reduces the chance of human error.
Clean, Expert Application: Tinting is as much an art as a science. Our installers have tinted hundreds of vehicles for Oakland County clients. We apply film in a clean indoor environment to prevent dust or debris from getting trapped. We use special squeegees and techniques to ensure no air bubbles. The result is a smooth, distortion-free tint. We even remove door panels if needed to get the film perfectly tucked at the edges (so you don’t see a clear line at the top of the window when it’s rolled down).
Lifetime Warranty: We stand by our work and the films we use. The premium tints from our suppliers come with a lifetime warranty against bubbling, peeling, fading or discoloring If you ever have an issue with the film, you can bring it back and it will be made right. We’ve had customers come in with 10+ year old tint jobs from us that still look as good as new – no exaggeration. That’s the difference quality makes. As long as you own the vehicle, your Ascension-installed tint is protected.
Great Looks, No Hassle: Our goal is that your tinted windows will look like they were done at the factory – no messy edges, no weird gaps around defroster bars, just a cool, dark glass finish. We also ensure you’re informed about how to care for your tint (like waiting a few days before rolling down windows, and cleaning with ammonia-free cleaners). With us, the whole process is quick and convenient – most tint jobs are completed in a few hours, and you’ll drive away with a transformed car.
Get a Quote for Window Tinting
Whether you drive a sedan in South Lyon, an SUV in Novi, or a classic car in Milford, window tint can be a fantastic upgrade. It makes driving more enjoyable and keeps your car looking sharp. If you’re considering tint for your vehicle, reach out to Ascension Automotive for a consultation or quote. We’ll explain the various film options (and shades that are legal for your situation) and ensure you get a result you’ll love. As a local Oakland County business, we’ve tinted everything from daily commuters to exotics, and we treat every car as if it were our own.
Ready to beat the heat and boost your privacy? Contact Ascension Automotive in Milford, MI to get started with a quality window tint installation. We’re happy to answer your questions and provide a free quote – no pressure, just honest advice to help you make the best choice for your ride.
Window Tint FAQ
Q: Is window tint legal in Michigan?
A: Yes, but with strict limitations on front windows. In Michigan, you can have any tint darkness on the back windows (rear sides and rear windshield), but the front driver and passenger windows cannot be heavily tinted by law. The rule is you may only tint the top 4 inches of those front windows (and windshield) with a strip – essentially, the rest of the front glass must remain clear. This is unlike some states that allow, say, 35% on front windows – Michigan’s law is more restrictive. It’s always best to follow these rules to avoid tickets. If you see cars with dark front tints here, know that those owners are risking a citation. We advise sticking to legal options or very light tints on the front windows. When we do your tint, we’ll make sure you understand what’s allowed so you stay compliant.
Q: What is the best tint percentage for me?
A: It depends on your goals. A higher VLT% (like 50% or 70%) means a lighter tint that you can easily see through – good if you mainly want heat/UV protection without a darker look. A lower VLT% (like 20% or 15%) is a darker, more private tint – great for privacy and a sleek aesthetic on back windows. Many people choose around 20% on rear windows because it’s similar to factory “privacy glass” darkness found on many SUVs. For front windows (where legal, e.g. with a medical exemption), something like 50% is common to balance heat reduction with visibility. We’ll help you decide by showing samples. Remember that at night, darker tints make it harder to see out of the car, so going extremely dark (e.g. 5% limo tint) is not practical for most drivers except perhaps on limos or show cars. Our team’s experience can guide you to the right level for your comfort and style.
Q: Will window tint affect my ability to see at night?
A: With a moderate tint, not significantly. A quality film like the ceramic tints we use maintains clear visibility even at night because it primarily cuts glare and infrared, not your view. If you choose a very dark film, especially on the front windows or windshield (which in Michigan you wouldn’t do unless you have an exemption), it could reduce your nighttime visibility. Typically, tints of around 30-40% on the sides provide a nice cut in headlight glare for night driving while still being safe. We generally don’t recommend anything darker than 20% on side windows if you drive a lot at night, because below that it can be like wearing dark sunglasses after sundown. For the rear window, dark is usually fine since you have side mirrors and a backup camera to assist. During your appointment, we can let you sit in a car with a certain tint to get an idea of the night visibility before you commit.
Q: How do I clean and care for tinted windows?
A: After getting new tint, you should not roll down your windows for at least 2 days (48 hours) to let the film fully cure. When it comes to cleaning, use a gentle, ammonia-free glass cleaner and a soft microfiber towel Household glass cleaners like Windex often contain ammonia which can turn tint purple or brittle over time, so avoid those. Instead, look for “auto glass cleaner” or any product that specifically says safe for tinted windows. Spray it on your cloth (not directly on the glass) and wipe gently. Also, do not scrape at the tint or use any abrasives – if you have stickers or decals on the inside, have us remove them properly rather than scraping with a razor. With basic care, your tint will stay clear and intact. And remember, if it’s a quality film like we use, you shouldn’t see bubbling or peeling; if you ever do, it’s covered under our warranty so just come see us.
Q: Can you tint my windshield or sunroof?
A: By Michigan law, the main part of the windshield must remain clear (only the top 4 inches can be tinted). Some people opt for a nearly invisible ceramic IR transparent film on the full windshield that cuts heat but is almost clear – this can be done legally if it’s essentially clear (around 70% VLT or higher). It won’t look tinted, but it will reduce infrared heat and UV. We do offer that kind of windshield film for those interested in maximum heat rejection. As for sunroofs or moonroofs, yes we can apply film there too. Many sunroofs come factory tinted, but if you want to cut more heat, a ceramic tint on the sunroof can help keep your car cooler (just note that sunroofs are usually heavily angled, so the effect is less noticeable). We make sure any film applied doesn’t trap heat that could damage the glass. It’s a bit of a specialty request, but we can certainly discuss it if you’re interested.
