🚘 Do Factory Car Windows Already Block UV Rays?

The short answer:

Partially, yes—but not enough.

Let’s dig into what your car comes with and whether it gives you real UV protection.

🔍 What Does Factory Glass Really Do?

Most modern vehicles come with:

  • Laminated windshields (two layers of glass + a plastic layer in between)
  • Tempered glass on side and rear windows

✔️ Windshield (laminated)

  • Blocks nearly 100% of UVB (the sunburn rays)
  • Blocks around 95–98% of UVA depending on the manufacturer
  • This is the best-protected window on your car, hands down

❌ Side & Rear Windows (tempered glass)

  • These block most UVB rays
  • But only block ~20–30% of UVA—the rays responsible for skin aging, deeper tissue damage, and most interior fading

So while your windshield offers decent built-in protection, the rest of your car is basically letting UVA rays in like an open door.

☀️ Why That Matters:

  • UVA rays cause premature skin aging, wrinkles, and contribute to skin cancer
  • They also fade your upholstery, damage leather and dashboards, and heat up your interior faster
  • And yep—even if you don’t feel it, those rays are still hitting you every time you drive

🧪 Window Tint = Full-Spectrum UV Defense

Adding a high-performance tint to side and rear windows (even a clear film) brings that UVA rejection up to 99%—same as your windshield, or better.

🎯 Bottom Line:
  • Your factory windshield? Mostly protected.
  • Your side and rear windows? Not even close.
  • Add tint, and you’ve got full-body, full-interior UV defense—every drive.

Want to test the UV levels in your car windows before and after tint? We’ve got the tools—and we’ll show you the difference in person.