How to Choose The Right 3M Window Tint for Your Car
When it comes to 3M window tinting for your vehicle, choosing the right kind of tint is essential not only for looks but also for heat rejection, privacy, and comfort.
Pro Tint of Orlando offers a range of high-quality 3M window films that cater to different needs, preferences, and budgets. Plus, they’re backed by 3M’s nationwide lifetime warranty against fading, peeling, cracking and bubbling for as long as you own the vehicle.
3M window films are also non-metalized, which means they don’t interfere with electronics, such as Bluetooth, GPS, or mobile data.
If you’re unsure which 3M window tint is right for your vehicle, we’re breaking down Pro Tint of Orlando’s four tiers of 3M window tinting options below:
3M Obsidian – Affordable & Effective UV Protection
Best for: Budget-conscious car owners looking for solid UV protection and improved aesthetics.
3M Obsidian is Pro Tint of Orlando’s entry-level option in their 3M window tint lineup. Made with patented infused technology, this dyed window film offers solid performance for a wide range of customers.
The Obsidian Series from 3M is made using dyed polyester film, which helps to reduce heat buildup inside the car and provides up to 99% UV protection.
Choosing a darker tint gives your car a sleek, stylish appearance, perfect for those looking to add privacy and enhance their vehicle’s appearance without breaking the bank.
Why Choose 3M Obsidian Window Tint?
• Comprehensive UV Protection: Blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays, which helps to protect both your skin and the interior of your car from fading over time.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a classic, darkened look to your vehicle’s windows.
• Added Privacy: Provides good privacy for passengers, especially when applied to the rear and side windows.
• Affordability: It’s the most cost-effective option in the Pro Tint of Orlando’s lineup.
While it may not reject as much heat as the higher-tier options, 3M Obsidian is a great choice for those on a budget who still want to improve their car’s aesthetics, privacy and comfort.
3M Color Stable strikes a great balance between price and performance, offering superior quality and reliability that’s backed by 3M’s industry-leading nationwide lifetime warranty.
3M Color Stable (CS-IR) – Hybrid Ceramic Protection
Best for: Drivers who want better heat rejection, aesthetics, and durability.
If you’re looking for a mid-range option that offers a combination of good looks, heat rejection, and long-lasting durability, 3M Color Stable is the way to go. This carbon-ceramic film offers significant advantages over the Obsidian series, providing more heat rejection while maintaining a dark, consistent color that won’t fade over time.
Plus, 3M Color Stable (CS-IR) was redesigned from the ground up in 2024 to offer markedly improved heat rejection & UV-blocking performance compared its previous generation, which featured a nano-carbon polyester construction.
Why Choose 3M Color Stable Window Tint?
• Advanced Film Technology: Incorporates both carbon and ceramic particles, allowing for enhanced heat rejection and overall performance.
• Long-Lasting Color: The film’s color is guaranteed not to fade, ensuring your vehicle’s windows retain their sleek appearance for years to come.
• Better Heat Rejection: Provides up to a 64% reduction in infrared energy buildup inside the vehicle, improving overall comfort and efficiency.
• Reduced Glare: Eliminates up to 91% of visible glare, helping to increase visibility and driver safety in all road conditions.
3M Color Stable strikes a great balance between price and performance, offering superior quality and reliability that’s backed by 3M’s industry-leading nationwide lifetime warranty.
3M Ceramic IR – Cutting-Edge Heat Rejection
Best for: Drivers who want cutting-edge technology for maximum heat rejection and advanced comfort.
For those who want a high level of protection, comfort, and performance, 3M Ceramic IR is a fantastic option. This full ceramic window tint is designed to reject heat and glare without compromising visibility. Ceramic window tint is ideal for those living in hot, sunny areas like Central Florida.
It’s also a great choice for anyone who spends a lot of time in their vehicle, such as Uber or Lyft drivers. 3M Ceramic IR uses non-metallic ceramic technology to provide superior heat rejection while also blocking up to 99.9% harmful UV rays.
Why Choose 3M Ceramic IR Window Tint?
• Superior Heat Rejection: Rejects up to 95% of infrared rays and up to 93% of visible glare without sacrificing visibility or aesthetic appeal.
• Non-Metallic Construction: Unlike metalized films from other brands, 3M Ceramic IR doesn’t interfere with electronics, such as GPS, radio, or mobile data.
• Up to 99.9% UV Protection: Blocks up to 99.9% of harmful UV rays, protecting both your skin and the car’s interior from fading over time.
• Clear Visibility: The film’s full ceramic construction ensures a clear and consistent view, even at the darkest tint shades.
3M Ceramic IR is perfect for those who prioritize heat rejection, comfort and overall performance without losing visibility. It’s also backed by 3M’s nationwide lifetime warranty.
3M Crystalline – Ultimate Performance & Comfort
Best for: Car owners who demand the absolute best in performance, comfort, and aesthetics with no compromises.
Featuring proprietary, multilayer optical film technology that combines over 200 layers in a film thinner than a Post-it note, 3M Crystalline is arguably the highest-performing window tint on the market today.
This film offers industry-leading levels of infrared heat rejection and UV protection without compromising visibility or the overall appearance of your vehicle. Despite being offered in lighter tint percentages, 3M Crystalline provides excellent heat rejection comparable to a much darker window tint.
For example, at 20% tint, 3M Crystalline has similar heat rejection capabilities as a 5% ceramic limo tint. Since 20% is a lighter tint, it allows more natural light into the vehicle.
Thanks to its advanced optical technology, 3M Crystalline allows car owners to achieve unparalleled performance without significantly changing the appearance of their vehicles.
Plus, 3M Crystalline is backed by a nationwide lifetime warranty against fading, peeling, bubbling and cracking for as long as you own the vehicle.
Why Choose 3M Crystalline Window Tint?
• Unmatched Heat Rejection: 3M Crystalline delivers the highest heat rejection possible, keeping your vehicle cool and comfortable even in the hottest climates.
• Ultra-Low Reflectivity: The non-reflective nature of Crystalline keeps your windows looking natural, without the mirror-like appearance some darker films have.
• Best UV Protection: Blocks up to 99.9% of UV rays, providing maximum protection against skin damage and fading of your car’s interior.
• Clear and Luminous: Unlike most films, 3M Crystalline allows more light inside your car while still rejecting substantial amounts of heat, providing clear visibility and a sophisticated outward appearance.
3M Crystalline is ideal for customers who demand the ultimate in window tint performance—offering unmatched protection, comfort, and style.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 3M window tint ultimately depends your specific needs. If you’re on a budget, or you won’t be owning your vehicle for more than a year or two, 3M Obsidian provides a cost-effective solution with great UV protection and aesthetics.
For a small step up in price, 3M Color Stable provides a durable, high-performance carbon-ceramic tint. For those who want exceptional heat rejection and comfort, 3M Ceramic IR is the clear choice.
Finally, for unmatched performance and clarity, 3M Crystalline stands at the pinnacle of heat rejection, UV protection, and visibility.
No matter which option you choose from Pro Tint of Orlando, 3M window tint is an excellent investment to improve your overall privacy and comfort and helps to preserve both your vehicle’s aesthetics and long-term value.
Call or visit Pro Tint of Orlando to find the perfect fit for your needs – we’re open 7 days a week and have won numerous awards for our longstanding commitment to excellence in both workmanship and customer service.