Factory or Aftermarket Tint

Factory or Aftermarket Tint

When you're thinking about window tinting for your vehicle, one of the first questions that comes up is whether to go with factory tint or have aftermarket film applied. We work with both types here at Flores Tint in Jonesboro, and we want to help you understand what each option really means and how to decide which is right for you.

What Is Factory Tint?

Factory tint is built into the glass during the manufacturing process. The tint is part of the glass itself—the color runs throughout the material rather than being applied as a layer on top. Most modern vehicles come with at least some degree of factory tint on the rear windows and back windshield. It's typically a light tint that helps reduce heat and UV rays from entering the vehicle.

Factory tint is permanent and integral to the glass. You can't remove it or replace it without replacing the entire window. It also tends to be a lighter shade, usually somewhere in the range of 15 to 20 percent light transmittance or higher.

What Is Aftermarket Tint?

Aftermarket tint is window film that we apply directly to the glass after the vehicle leaves the factory. It's a separate layer that adheres to the interior or exterior surface of your windows. Aftermarket tint gives you much more flexibility in terms of darkness level, color, and type of film. You can choose from various opacity levels and even specialized films designed for heat rejection or safety purposes.

Because it's applied as a separate layer, aftermarket tint can be removed and replaced if needed. This flexibility makes it popular among vehicle owners in Jonesboro who want customization options.

Key Differences

Darkness and Customization

Factory tint comes in one fixed darkness level determined by the manufacturer. Aftermarket tint lets you choose exactly how dark you want your windows, giving you complete control over the look and functionality of your vehicle. Whether you want light protection tint or a dramatic dark appearance, aftermarket options exist to meet your needs.

Durability

Factory tint, being part of the glass itself, lasts as long as your windows do. It won't bubble, peel, or degrade over time. Aftermarket film, when professionally installed and maintained properly, can last many years, but it's ultimately a separate layer that can eventually need replacement or touch-up work.

Heat Rejection

Many modern aftermarket films are engineered specifically for superior heat rejection, using advanced materials that block infrared radiation without necessarily darkening your windows significantly. Factory tint typically provides basic heat reduction but isn't as specialized. If heat protection is your main goal, high-quality aftermarket films often outperform factory tint.

Cost

Factory tint is included with your vehicle purchase—you don't pay extra for it. Aftermarket tinting requires a separate investment, though this cost varies depending on how many windows you tint and which type of film you select.

Which Should You Choose?

If you're happy with your vehicle's existing level of tint and don't need additional darkening or specialized film properties, factory tint is already doing its job. There's no need to add aftermarket film on top.

You might want to consider aftermarket tinting if you'd like a darker appearance, if you want superior heat or UV rejection beyond what factory tint provides, if certain windows came without factory tint, or if you want specialized film features like safety enhancement or glare reduction. Many of our customers here in Jonesboro choose aftermarket tint because they want to customize their vehicle's look and performance beyond what came from the factory.

It's also worth noting that aftermarket tint can sometimes cause issues if the factory tint is already very dark—layering film on top of factory tint can create optical problems or interfere with visibility. We evaluate each vehicle's existing tint before recommending an approach.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Both factory and aftermarket tint have their place. The right choice depends on your specific goals, your vehicle's current setup, and what you want to achieve. We'd be happy to discuss your windows and recommend the best solution for your situation. Give us a call here at Flores Tint in Jonesboro, or request a quote online to get started.