When it comes to protecting your passengers from the harsh sun and keeping your car's interior cool, two popular options come to mind: Snap Shades and Car Window Tinting. Both offer a variety of benefits, but choosing the right one depends on your needs and preferences. In this post, we will break down the key differences between Snap Shades and car window tinting to help you make an informed decision.
Snap Shades are custom-fit, magnetic car window shades designed to block harmful UV rays while providing privacy and keeping the car's interior cool. These shades are easily attachable and detachable, without any permanent modifications to your car's windows. They are specifically designed for each vehicle's make and model, offering maximum coverage and a seamless look.
Window tint refers to a thin layer of film applied to the windows of a vehicle. The film helps reduce the amount of sunlight that enters the car, minimizing glare and harmful UV rays. Car tint can range from clear to very dark and is available in different grades depending on how much light and heat you want to block. Tinting is a permanent or semi-permanent solution, as removing it typically involves professional assistance.
1. Installation and Removal
2. UV Protection
3. Heat and Glare Reduction
Snap Shades: Snap Shades block a significant amount of sunlight, helping to reduce heat and glare, particularly in the rear seats. Their custom-fit design provides maximum sun protection, offering a cooler environment and relief from direct sunlight for passengers.
Window Tint: Window tint can cover all windows, reflecting solar energy and reducing glare throughout the car. It helps maintain a comfortable interior temperature while minimizing glare.
4. Aesthetics and Vehicle Appearance
5. Privacy
Snap Shades: Snap Shades are custom-fit, removable shades that offer privacy primarily for rear-seat passengers, significantly blocking visibility from the outside while still allowing passengers to see out. They provide flexible privacy when needed without permanently altering the windows.
Window Tint: Tint generally darkens all windows applied on, offering constant privacy for the entire vehicle, including the front seats if applied on front door windows. The level of privacy depends on the darkness of the tint, though it may be subject to legal restrictions.
Both Snap Shades and Window Tint have distinct strengths, and the best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, they don’t need to be an either-or choice—Snap Shades and Window Tint can actually complement each other. Snap Shades offers flexibility, especially for rear-seat passengers and situations where you may want to adjust the level of or sun protection and privacy on the go and is a great addition to any car with window tint already applied as it offers additional UV protection as well as help to filter light and glare.
Please note: Visibility out of windows does differ for everyone and depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to: angle looking out, tinting and lighting/weather conditions. Snap Shades should be removed when vision is impaired.
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What’s the best way to protect your passengers, your interior, and yourself? Do you need car window shades with tinted windows? Could it be that you need both? Let’s unpack car window shades vs. tints: the difference, the pros and cons of each, and when it makes sense to combine them for maximum comfort and protection.
The Australian sun is no joke. To combat its effects, drivers often turn to one of two solutions:
Both serve a similar purpose: reducing sunlight, heat, and glare. But they do it in very different ways. Understanding these differences helps you decide which is best for your lifestyle, or why using both might be the smartest move of all.
Snap Shades are custom-fit, magnetic car shades that attach directly to your window frames:
Designed for specific makes and models, they snap neatly into place for a seamless, factory-style finish.
Each shade blocks up to 84.6% of UVA and UVB rays, reducing glare, heat, and UV damage. Unlike tints, they can be removed whenever you like, making them ideal for leased vehicles, parents with kids, pet owners, or anyone who values flexibility.
Benefits include:
Window tinting involves applying a thin film to the inside of your windows. Tinting reduces sunlight and glare, adds privacy, and protects the car’s interior. However, because it’s permanent, you can’t remove it easily if your preferences or vehicle situation change.
Key features:
|
Feature |
Snap Shades |
Window Tint |
|---|---|---|
|
UV Protection |
Up to 84.6% |
Up to 99% |
|
Heat Reduction |
High |
Very High |
|
Installation |
DIY magnetic |
Professional |
|
Removable |
Yes |
No |
|
Legal Limits |
None |
Regulated |
|
Cost |
$50–$150 |
$150–$600 |
|
Aesthetic |
Factory-fit, internal |
Sleek, external look |
When it comes to the battle of tint vs sunshade in UV protection:
However, UV isn’t the whole story. Heat and glare are where Snap Shades really shine (or prevent it!). Because they cover the window area more directly, they prevent sunlight from even reaching the glass, keeping your car cooler. Here’s how it breaks down:
Absolutely, that’s one of the best setups for Australian conditions. Many drivers ask:
“Do you need a sunshade with tinted windows?” The answer is yes, if you want to take protection to the next level. Even with tinted glass, sunlight still generates heat.
A custom-fit Snap Shade adds another layer of defence. Because Snap Shades are magnetic and removable, you can easily adjust or take them off as needed, something you simply can’t do with a tint.
Tinting is regulated in most Australian states. Each region has its own rules for VLT (Visible Light Transmission). Go too dark, and you risk fines or a failed inspection. Before booking a tint job, it’s worth checking the Australian Tint Laws.
One of the biggest perks of Snap Shades is their flexibility. You can install or remove them in seconds; no adhesive, no residue, no hassle. They’re ideal for seasonal use; just pop them on during the summer for UV protection and remove them in winter for more light.
Tints create a sleek, uniform exterior that enhances your car’s look. Snap Shades, on the other hand, are more visible from the inside, but they don’t permanently alter your windows. They provide an OEM-style finish that looks clean and professional, not like a temporary accessory.
Window tinting typically costs between $150 and $600, depending on your car type and the quality of the film. Professional installation takes a few hours, and if the film bubbles, fades, or peels, you’ll need to replace it, meaning another trip to the shop.
Snap Shades, by contrast, range from $50 to $150 depending on the window and car model. They’re:
If you change vehicles, you can simply order a new custom-fit set; no waiting, no workshop visits.
The choice of Snap Shades vs window tinting really comes down to what matters most to you: permanence or flexibility. If you want a one-time, set-and-forget UV solution, tinting is a great option. But Snap Shades are the way to go if you value:
The truth is, you don’t have to pick one over the other. Using both together gives you unbeatable protection: tint handles UV, while Snap Shades handle UV, heat, and glare.
Yes. Even with an adhesive tint applied, Snap Shades add extra protection from glare and heat, especially for kids and pets in the back seat.
Each has its strengths. Tint offers long-term UV protection, while Snap Shades offer additional protection and are removable, stylish, and adaptable. The best option is to use both.
Definitely. Snap Shades work perfectly with tinted glass, providing an extra layer of cooling and privacy without any legal issues.
Yes. Because they’re removable, they don’t affect your car’s compliance with tint laws or visibility standards.
Less than a minute per window - just snap them on and go!
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