What Window Tint Shade Should I Choose

The stokes auto spa guide to choosing the right tint percentage for your vehicle

first- what do tint percentages actually mean?

Window tint percentages refer to how much visible light passes through the film. The LOWER the number the DARKER the tint.

Example:

• 5% tint lets in very little light
• 50% tint lets in much more light

A lower percentage generally creates:

• more privacy
• darker appearance
• stronger visual contrast

A higher percentage creates:

• lighter appearance
• greater nighttime visibility
• more subtly aesthetics

There is no "best" tint percentage

This is important. The best shade depends entirely on"

• your goals
• your comfort preferences
• your vehicle type
• your driving habits
• your visibility preferences

Some drivers prioritize privacy and aggressive aesthetics while other prioritize nighttime visibility and a clean factory-style look. At Stokes Auto Spa, our goal is not to push you toward the darkest tint possible - it's to help you choose the shade that fits YOU best.

5% Tint - Limo tint

BEST FOR:

• maximum privacy
• aggressive appearance
• rear SUV glass
• show vehicles

5% tint is extremely dark and offers the highest level of privacy. During the daytime, it becomes very difficult to see into the vehicle from outside.

This shade creates a bold, aggressive look and is popular among clients wanting a highly private appearance.

However, it's important to understand:

5% tint can significantly reduce nighttime visibility. For many daily drivers, especially those driving in poorly lit areas at night, this may feel too dark on front windows.

At Stokes Auto Spa, we typically see 5% used most often on:

• rear SUV windows
• back glass
• clients specifically prioritizing privacy

20% tint - the balanced choice

BEST FOR:

• daily drivers
• balanced appearance
• customers unsure how dark to go
• clients wanting comfort without excessive darkness

20% tint is one of the safest and most versatile options available. It provides:

• noticeable shading
• improved privacy
• a clean, premium appearance
• excellent daytime comfort while still maintaining strong visibility for drivers

This is often the perfect middle ground for clients who:

• don't want an overly aggressive look
• still want noticeable improvement
• want excellent daily drivability

For many vehicles, 20% creates a refined, upscale appearance without feeling too dark.

35% tint - factory plus

BEST FOR:

• luxury vehicles
• clients prioritizing visibility
• conservative drivers
• OEM+ appearance

35% tint is subtle, clean, and refined.

Instead of dramatically changing the look of the vehicle, 35% enhances it in a way that feels:

• intentional
• classy
• factory-inspired

This shade remains very comfortable to see through at night and is extremely popular among:

• professionals
• luxury vehicle owners
• clients nervous about darker tint

Many clients are surprised by how much comfort improvement ceramic film still provides at 35%. This is one of our favorite options for drivers wanting comfort and refinement without an overly dark appearance.

50% tint - barely noticeable

BEST FOR:

• windshields
• maximum visibility
• heat rejection without dark appearance

50% tint is much lighter visually, but still offers meaningful heat rejection, glare reduction, and UV protection. This shade is extremely popular for windshields because it helps reduce harsh sunlight, improve comfort, and reduce eye fatigue without dramatically changing visibility.

Many clients are shocked at how much more comfortable their vehicle feels after adding ceramic windshield tint.



70% tint - virtually invisible comfort

BEST FOR:

• windshields
• maximum visibility
• clients wanting heat rejection without changing appearance
• drivers wanting a completely OEM look

70% tint is one of the most underrated ceramic tint options available. While it appears extremely light visually, it can still provide meaningful heat rejection, glare reduction, UV protection, and infrared heat blocking without noticeable changing the overall appearance of your vehicle. In fact, most clients choose 70% windshield tint specifically because they want the comfort benefits of ceramic film without making their windshield look tinted. 

This makes 70% an excellent option for:

• luxury vehicles
• daily drivers
• professional vehicles
• clients sensitive to nighttime visibility
• drivers wanting a factory-style appearance

At Stokes Auto Spa, 70% windshield is extremely popular  among clients who spend a lot of time driving in Utah sunlight, want to reduce cabin heat, experience glare or eye fatigue, and want added comfort without drawing attention to the vehicle. Another major advantage of 70% film is that is pairs well with 20%, 35%, and factory privacy glass because it enhances overall cabin comfort while maintaining a very clean, refined appearance.

For many clients, 70% windshield tint becomes one of the upgrades they barely notice visually - but immediately feel every time they drive.

Utah Windshield Tint Note:

In Utah, 70% is the legal limit for windshield tint.

Factory privacy glass vs ceramic tint

One of the biggest misunderstandings in window tint

Many SUVs and trucks come with factory privacy glass on the rear windows. However, factory privacy glass is NOT the same as ceramic tint. Factory glass primarily provides a darker appearance and privacy, but it does not provide the same level of heat rejection, UV protection, and infrared blocking that premium ceramic film provides.

This is why clients still feel significant heat coming through factory rear glass. Adding ceramic tint over factory privacy glass helps create a more uniform appearance, significantly improved comfort, and enhanced heat rejection throughout the cabin.

Most popular tint setups at stokes auto spa

clean and balanced daily driver

20% sides and rear

Great for:

• balanced aesthetics
• comfort
• visibility

Dark truck/SUV look

20% fronts + rear

Great for:

• stronger privacy
• sporty appearance
• truck/SUV owners

Luxury OEM+ Appearance

35% all around + 70% windshield

Great for:

• luxury vehicles
• professionals
• subtle refinement

maximum comfort setup

20% sides + 50% windshield

Great for:

• Utah heat
• long commutes
• maximum driving comfort

This is one of the most popular setups for clients focused on heat rejection and overall comfort.

night driving considerations

This is something many tint shops avoid discussing honestly.

The darker the film:

• the more privacy you gain
• but the more nighttime visibility can decrease

Everyone's comfort level is different.

If you:

• drive frequently at night
• live in darker rural areas
• are sensitive to visibility

You may prefer:

• 20%
• 35%
• lighter windshield film

rather than extremely dark setups.

At Stokes Auto Spa, we always want clients to feel confident and comfortable with their decision long-term. 



what we typically recommend most

While every client is different, these tend to be our most commonly recommended options:

Still unsure? don't stress.

Choosing the right tint shade can feel overwhelming at first, but the good news is you do not have to figure it out alone. At Stokes Auto Spa, we guide clients through the shade selection every single day and will help you choose the option that best fits:

• your vehicle
• your goals
• your comfort preferences
• your driving habits
• the overall look you want to acheive

Our goal is simple:

Help you leave excited and confident in your decision- not uncertain.

If you still have questions before your appointment, feel free to reach out anytime. We're always happy to help guide you in the right direction.