The couple suspected of multiple car thefts around Scottsdale, Arizona have been arrested. Among their victims was former NASCAR driver Danica Patrick. According to Patrick, she returned from a hike on July 18, 2018 to find the passenger side window of her Land Rover broken. The thieves had stolen her Valentino purse, worth $3,000, along with $2,000 in cash and her credit cards.
Patrick is only one of many car owners that the suspects have allegedly stolen from around Scottsdale. The security of your car depends on several factors, one of which is window tinting.
Gain a Lot by Showing Less
Professionally-applied window tint can provide several benefits for you and your vehicle. Here’s what you could be missing out on.
Theft deterrence. Seeing valuables in vehicles can be one of the motivations of car thieves. We sometimes leave behind wallets, purses, or cellphones by accident or on purpose. Tinted windows can hide these items from passers-by with sticky fingers.
Glare reduction. Sunlight reflected from shiny surfaces can cause accidents by blinding drivers, no matter how temporary. All it takes is a few seconds with your eyes off the road for something unfortunate to happen. Reliable tinting can prevent this and protect your eyes, and your life. Reduced glare also makes driving more comfortable and free from eye strain.
Shatter-proofing. Technicians tint windows by applying a film over them. This film can hold the glass together and prevent it from shattering. During an accident, the film can potentially prevent shards of glass from spraying into the car and injuring its occupants. This shatter-proofing can also make it harder for thieves to break into your vehicle.
UV Protection. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the primary cause of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. Windshields and your car windows can filter out some UV, but this depends on the car’s price and manufacturer. Having your windows tinted can protect your family from these harmful rays. This can also lower the interior temperature of your car, keeping you cool and preserving your leather and upholstery.
Sleek appearance. Your vehicle is an extension of yourself, and most people want their cars to be as impressive as possible. Good window tints can highlight your car’s paint job and give it an appearance fit for a magazine cover.
Be Aware of Tinting Laws
While aftermarket tinting has all the benefits listed above, remember to check any laws that your state has on window tinting. Although there are currently no federal laws regulating it, each state has their own guidelines on the matter. This can cause you a little trouble, especially if you regularly take your car out of state. Do your research on tinting laws in your home state and any state that you frequently drive to.
Safety should always be the priority of any car owner, more so if you don’t drive alone. Window tinting may not be cutting edge in vehicle security, but when it comes to safety, every little thing counts.