The Three Sources of Heat from the Sun and How XPEL PRIME XR and XR Plus Help Protect Your Car

A black and white drawing of three lines on a white background.

Certified, Climate Controlled Facility, Trusted

Certified, Clean Room Facility, Trusted

When it comes to keeping your car comfortable and protected from the heat of the sun, understanding where that heat comes from is key. Many people think of sunlight as a single, unified force, but in reality, solar energy is divided into three primary components: UV rays, visible light, and infrared radiation. Each source contributes differently to the overall heat inside your vehicle, and knowing how to combat them can make a big difference in your driving experience.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these heat sources and how window tinting technology from XPEL PRIME XR and XR Plus can help reduce their effects, providing you with a cooler, safer, and more enjoyable ride.

The Three Sources of Heat from the Sun

  • Ultraviolet (UV) Rays – 3%
  • Although they only make up 3% of solar energy, UV rays are incredibly damaging. They can cause skin aging, sunburn, and even increase the risk of skin cancer. UV rays are also responsible for fading and deteriorating the interior surfaces of your vehicle, like the seats, dashboard, and other materials.
  • Visible Light – 44%
  • Visible light comprises a larger portion of the sun’s energy, around 44%. This is the light that we see and that allows us to perceive colors. Although it’s essential for vision, it also contributes to the heat you feel in your car. The more visible light that enters your vehicle, the warmer it gets.
  • Infrared (IR) Radiation – 53%
  • Infrared radiation accounts for the largest portion, around 53%, of solar energy. It’s a major contributor to the heat build-up inside your car. Infrared rays are invisible, but we can feel their heat. When infrared energy enters your vehicle, it heats up the interior quickly, making it uncomfortable for you and your passengers.



A pie chart showing uv rays infrared radiation and visible light

How XPEL PRIME XR and XR Plus Protect Against Solar Heat

At Blue Ocean Auto Spa, we offer high-quality window tinting solutions using XPEL PRIME XR and XR Plus films. These advanced ceramic tints are designed to block a significant portion of UV rays, visible light, and infrared radiation, making your car’s interior a much more comfortable place to be. Here’s how each of these products works to keep you cooler and more protected:

  1. UV Ray Protection
  • Both XPEL PRIME XR and XR Plus tints block up to 99% of harmful UV rays, giving you and your passengers an added layer of protection against sun damage. This feature also helps preserve the quality and color of your car’s interior.
  1. Visible Light Rejection
  • XPEL tints are designed to reduce visible light transmission, which means less sunlight enters your car. By doing so, the tint minimizes glare, making it easier for you to see the road, and helps reduce the amount of heat caused by visible light.
  1. Infrared Radiation Rejection
  • Infrared radiation is the biggest contributor to the heat in your car. PRIME XR and XR Plus films are designed with advanced technology to block up to 98% of IR radiation, significantly reducing the amount of heat inside your vehicle. This high-performance rejection helps keep the car interior much cooler, even on the hottest days.

Benefits of Choosing XPEL PRIME XR and XR Plus

With XPEL PRIME XR and XR Plus, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable and energy-efficient ride. These films help keep your car cooler by blocking the sun’s most intense heat sources, reducing the need to blast your AC and helping improve fuel efficiency. Plus, by blocking UV rays, these tints help protect your skin and preserve your vehicle's interior.


If you’re ready to upgrade your vehicle with advanced sun protection, stop by Blue Ocean Auto Spa in Cedar Park, TX. Our team is XPEL-trained and certified, so you can trust us to deliver top-notch window tinting services that enhance comfort, style, and protection for you and your passengers.

Take control of your vehicle’s comfort with XPEL PRIME XR and XR Plus and experience the difference today!

2026 Tesla Model Y Ceramic Window Tint with 70% Windshield Tint for Heat Rejection

By Jon Barnes • August 6, 2026
There is a particular kind of confidence that comes with returning for the same service on a new vehicle. With this 2026 Tesla Model Y, the owner already knew what properly selected ceramic window tint could do. This was their second Tesla, and after experiencing the difference heat-rejecting tint made on the first one, tinting the new Model Y was less of an experiment and more of a priority. Of particular importance was the windshield. The owner had previously experienced a 70% VLT ceramic window tint on the front windshield and remembered how much of a difference it made. A 70% film remains very light in appearance, but its purpose here was not to dramatically darken the glass. The goal was heat rejection and a more comfortable cabin while preserving a clear, natural view through the windshield. 

2026 Tesla Model Y Protected with XPEL XR Plus Ceramic Window Tint

By Jon Barnes • August 5, 2026
The latest Tesla Model Y continues to refine an already familiar design, pairing smooth body lines with a minimalist exterior that seems to come alive under bright lighting. Finished in a deep metallic red, this example arrived looking every bit as modern as its engineering suggests. With its expansive glass roof, large windshield, and generous side glass, it also presented one of the most common concerns among Tesla owners: managing interior heat without compromising visibility or aesthetics.

2026 Tesla Model Y Protected with XPEL XR Plus Window Tint and Ceramic Coating

By Jon Barnes • July 30, 2026
The latest Tesla Model Y continues to refine its clean, minimalist design, and this 2026 example arrived with a clear objective. Its owner wanted to make every drive more comfortable while preserving the vehicle's finish for years to come. Rather than focusing on appearance alone, the goal was to reduce cabin heat, block harmful ultraviolet rays, and elevate the paint with long-term protection that complements Tesla's modern styling. Finished in a sleek metallic gray, the Model Y's smooth body panels and uninterrupted lines provide the perfect canvas for subtle enhancements. Once complete, the improvements feel integrated into the vehicle rather than added to it, allowing the factory design to remain the center of attention. To improve cabin comfort, we installed XPEL XR Plus window tint throughout the vehicle. The windshield received 70% Visible Light Transmission (VLT) film, maintaining exceptional visibility while significantly reducing infrared heat and blocking harmful UV exposure. This lighter shade is ideal for drivers who want the benefits of advanced heat rejection without dramatically changing the appearance of the windshield. The side and rear glass were finished with 20% VLT XPEL XR Plus , creating a refined, uniform look while adding another layer of protection against heat and sunlight. The darker side windows complement the gray exterior beautifully, giving the Model Y a more finished appearance while making the cabin noticeably more comfortable during everyday driving. Beyond temperature control, premium window tint plays an important role in protecting what owners don't always see. Constant UV exposure can gradually fade upholstery, trim, and dashboard materials over time. High-performance ceramic window film helps preserve those interior surfaces while also reducing glare and improving overall driving comfort. With the glass protected, attention shifted to the paintwork. Like many newer vehicles, the finish displayed light wash-induced swirling that softened the clarity of the metallic paint. Before applying any protective coating, proper preparation is essential.