Tinting your headlights is a wonderful way to customize your car. There are various options to consider. One question that often comes up is whether you can use window tint on the headlights. And whether it reduces light.
You can use window tint on your headlights with a special film. It eliminates any heat-related problems from the lamps that may affect the tint. The tint may reduce light from the headlights when not done properly. Cleaning or adjusting the lamp alignment can improve brightness.
Tint protects your headlights from scratches, damage, chips, and debris on the road. It also lowers the risk of your light getting yellow, filthy, and toneless because of UV rays and dirt. Quality headlight tint comes with exceptional temperature resistance and UV protection.
Are Tinted Headlights Legal?
Before knowing whether you can use window tint on your headlights, you must understand whether it’s legal. There’s no clear answer since most states don’t have regulations regarding tinting headlights. However, it may be a violation of other existing motor laws.
The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards regulated the visibility and performance of vehicle lighting including headlights. According to the regulations, all headlights must be white or yellow. They must sufficiently illuminate the driver to see the road and potential hazards.
Some states require the headlights to cast a white beam. Others restrict the use of colors such as amber and red on headlights. The rule of thumb is to contact the local authorities in your state before tinting your headlights.
Roadworthy headlights must project light within a distance recommended by the state. So, timing the headlights alters the illumination distance.
Can You Use Window Tint On Headlights?
You can apply window tint on your headlights but with a special light film. Afterward, you apply a clear coat to prevent chipping and to create an even finish. Once the tint has been applied, let it dry overnight or for about 12 hours.
Remove excess film using a chemical then re-install the headlight assembly and check the light output. Window tint blocks UV rays and warm temperatures. It protects your headlights from becoming yellow or dirty over time.
The tint maintains light visibility for safety so ensure that it sends light directly without diffusion. Diffused light may cause accidents. If you’re not sure about how to do the job, let a professional do it. Alternatively, check the vehicle user manual for the proper procedure.
The application of window tint on headlights is done using a special light film. You must use the right product for the job. Avoid using regular window tints made of polycarbonate plastic instead of laminated safety glass.
Does Tinting The Headlight Reduce Light?
The effect of tinting on visibility and brightness matters before undertaking the procedure. Dark headlights are likely to make your car less visible at night or in bad weather. The tint may lower light passing through the lenses onto the road. However, it depends on the tint color.
The wrong tint on the headlights limits visibility and brightness. It blocks necessary light to illuminate the road ahead. A good idea is to choose a less intense tint and the right film. Darker tints can drastically change how your vehicle appears.
It also makes the light less visible. Avoid driving with tinted headlights that make it challenging for other drivers and pedestrians to tell where you’re going. You must weigh your options on whether to install dark or light tint on your headlights.
Can I Improve Brightness After Tinting The Headlights?
The ideal tint must not make 50% of visibility unavailable. A daytime running light helps improve headlight brightness after tinting. The light makes your headlight significantly more visible from behind you at night. It allows driving without any visibility impairments.
Cleaning the headlights using a restoration kit can also make them brighter. Just be sure that the cleaning material won’t leave any residue which will impair vision while driving. Adjusting the alignment can also improve the brightness of the headlights.
This is because the film may distort or make streak lines on the lights. Adjusting the alignment offers optimal visibility after tinting. If the distortion or streak lines don’t disappear, have the problem fixed by a professional mechanic immediately.
What Is The Risk Of Using Regular Window Tint On Headlights?
It’s possible to use window tint on headlights but it has risks you must be aware of. If you don’t use special light film, the construction and placement of the tint and lights may lead to various problems.
Car windows are built from laminated safety glass while headlight lenses are made from polycarbonate plastic. Adhesives in window tint are built for use on glass. It makes them less effective on plastic. Getting them off without leaving a residue is very hard.
This will require a lot of time or money to remove. There’s also a risk of ruining the headlight lenses. You’ll end up having to leave with the damaged headlights or replace them. The placement of the headlights also makes the application of the window challenging.
Car windows that support the application of tint aren’t exposed to heat and direct sunlight. It makes the tint not reliable on exposure to extreme heat. It makes car headlights with halogen lamps not suitable for window tint application.
The lamps generate heat which accelerates the degeneration of the tint since it will melt when the lamps are on for extended periods. When not removed, the tint will deform and affect the light from the headlights.
How Long Do Tinted Headlights Last?
The lifespan of tinted headlights depends on the type and color of tint used. Tint can last from one to four years. Colored PPF has the potential to last up to 10 years. Fortunately, you can always switch to a lighter shade or different film wherever you wish.
Can I Tint My Tail Lights And Fog Lights Too?
Some people tint their tail lights and fog lights for their cars to get a sportier look. It depends on personal preference but you must check the driving laws in your state. A light tint is generally acceptable although the transparent vinyl film is a good option to tint.
It comes in various colors including green, blue, red, and other shades of each. There’s smoked film in two shakes including darker and lighter options. Using them is safe and efficient and will give your car a custom look.
How Can I Remove The Tint On My Headlights?
If you want to give your headlights a new look, you can remove the tint. You need the right tools including a squeegee, soft cloth, and ammonia-based window cleaner. This is through simple steps highlighted below:
- Spray window cleaner on the headlight lens.
- Don’t get any window cleaner on the car paint job
- Use the squeegee to spread the cleaner evenly
- Use the cloth to wipe away any residue
- Repeat until all tint is removed from the headlights
What Else Can I Use To Tint My Headlights?
When not using window tint, you can use adhesive-backed tinting film on your headlights. It’s a thin plastic sheet with one side having an adhesive layer. You cut the film to the shape of your headlights and then apply it on the surface.
It creates a smooth and seamless finish. Apart from more durability, tinting film is more heat resistant and you can easily remove it where necessary. You can also tint your headlights using tinting spray or wrap.
The specialized product is applied the same way as spray paint but formulated to be durable and resistant to fading or heat. Some sprays come with a warranty from the manufacturer for extra protection for your investment.
Final Thoughts
You can use window tint on your headlights but with a special film. Otherwise, you may experience problems because of the construction of the lights and the tint. Whether the tint reduces light from the headlights depends on the installation procedure.
