How Car Window Tinting Can Interfere with your Mobile Electronics

If you’ve been inside a 21st century vehicle lately one thing you may notice is the abundance of mobile electronic devices. From GPS navigations systems to Bluetooth headsets, the list is nearly endless. One thing we know is that drivers overwhelmingly rely upon mobile devices while driving; and now more than ever. What many drivers do not know about is a popular modification that may interfere with inbound and outbound signals from these mobile devices, window tinting.

Window tinting is installed on vehicles in order to protect from unwanted exterior elements. In order to accomplish this, there are a variety of materials used to construct window tint films. While most materials are highly unlikely to interfere with your GPS or Bluetooth system, there is one type that consumers should keep in mind:

Whilst metalized films are lauded for many of their strengths (namely heat protection and aesthetics), one significant drawback is this: The metallic properties that make up the film are often reported as to interfere with mobile device signals. This is because when a signal runs into a metalized particle, it causes the signal to divert from its intended destination. That is why it’s most sensible for drivers (wishing to utilize mobile devices).

Although metalized films have been reported to interfere with device signals, there are plenty of device-friendly tinting materials that experts recommend. Highly recommended, non-interfering materials include polyester dyed films, carbon films and ceramic films amongst others. Although manufacturers have ramped up their attempts to produce metalized films with reduced interference, it may be your best bet to look away from metalized films for now.

Window tinting is an investment that will cost roughly $150-$400 to install on a full vehicle. With that type of expense, doesn’t it make sense to understand the purchase you’re making? One thing is for certain: Nobody would wish to spend that kind of money for an installation that impedes on their lifestyle. That’s why it’s most sensible to ensure that there are no metallic properties in your film that could potentially interfere with GPS or Bluetooth signals.

This has been a guest post:

JD is a window tinting freelance contributor with Detail Wiz. He enjoys automotive restoration projects during spare time. He writes on a variety of topics ranging from consumer electronics to commercial window tinting.