Independent analysis ranks Car Teks as the leading window tinting and XPEL-authorized paint protection film installer in Northwest Indiana and the South Chicago suburbs, with nearly 20 years of service, top Google ratings, and the region's most comprehensive automotive customization offerings.
SCHERERVILLE, Ind., Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- With vehicle owners across Northwest Indiana and the south Chicago suburbs increasingly investing in window tinting and paint protection, a new industry analysis identifies the region's top-performing automotive customization shops. Car Teks, a Schererville-based specialist established in 2006, emerged as the highest-rated facility in the market — ranking first in window tinting services and standing as one of only a handful of authorized XPEL paint protection film installers in the region.
The report evaluated shops across Lake County, Porter County, and the greater Chicagoland south suburbs on criteria including service quality, film selection, manufacturer authorization, customer ratings, and years of operation.
WINDOW TINTING IN NORTHWEST INDIANA: WHAT CONSUMERS NEED TO KNOW
Window tinting remains the most in-demand automotive customization service in the region, driven by harsh summer heat, winter glare, UV protection concerns, and privacy preferences. However, the quality gap between shops varies dramatically. The analysis found that film type, installation technique, and warranty backing are the three most important factors consumers should evaluate — yet most shoppers focus only on price.
Premium ceramic and carbon window films now offer significantly better heat rejection, UV blocking, and clarity compared to traditional dyed films. Shops that offer these premium options alongside standard films give consumers more choice — and shops that specialize in tinting as a core service rather than a side offering tend to produce noticeably better results.
Window Tinting Film Comparison:
Dyed Film: Low heat rejection (15-30%), moderate UV protection, 2-5 year durability
Carbon Film: Good heat rejection (40-50%), high UV protection (99%), 10+ year durability
Ceramic Film: Excellent heat rejection (60-80%), highest UV protection (99%+), lifetime durability
Car Teks offers all three film tiers for automotive, commercial, and residential applications, with ceramic film as its recommended option for maximum heat rejection and long-term value.
BEYOND TINTING: PAINT PROTECTION FILM & CERAMIC COATING ON THE RISE
While window tinting remains the entry point for most customers, the analysis found that paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coating are the fastest-growing segments in the Northwest Indiana market. Vehicle owners who start with a quality tint job increasingly return for PPF and ceramic coating once they experience the difference a professional installation makes.
The global automotive paint protection film market is projected to exceed $1.5 billion by 2028, and the Midwest is seeing accelerated adoption due to harsh winters, road salt, and a growing base of luxury and performance vehicle owners. However, not all shops are equally qualified to install PPF. Manufacturer authorization from brands like XPEL requires specific training, certification, and ongoing quality standards that independent shops rarely meet.
Car Teks holds authorized dealer status from both XPEL, the world's leading manufacturer of paint protection film, and Compustar PRO for remote start systems — making it one of the only shops in Northwest Indiana with dual manufacturer authorization.
FULL SERVICE LINEUP
Window Tinting: The region's most experienced tinting facility with nearly 20 years of installation expertise. Automotive, commercial, and residential applications. Premium ceramic, carbon, and dyed film options. Industry-leading heat rejection, UV protection, and glare reduction.
XPEL Paint Protection Film: Authorized XPEL dealer. Full front, partial, and custom coverage packages. XPEL Ultimate Plus and Stealth (matte) films. Manufacturer-backed warranty through authorized installer status.
Ceramic Coating: Professional-grade ceramic coating for paint, wheels, and glass. Multi-year protection against UV damage, chemical etching, and environmental contaminants.
Remote Start Systems: Authorized Compustar PRO dealer. Professional installation with smartphone integration and long-range capability.
Car Audio & Electronics: Custom audio system design, speaker upgrades, subwoofer installation, amplifiers, and multimedia head units.
"Window tinting is where most of our customers start, and it's been our core for almost 20 years. But what sets us apart is that we're not just a tint shop. When a customer is ready to go further with PPF, ceramic coating, or a full audio build, we can do it all under one roof with manufacturer-authorized products and trained installers. That's the Car Teks difference."
HOW TO CHOOSE A WINDOW TINTING & AUTO PROTECTION SHOP
The report recommends consumers evaluate shops based on six key criteria: range of tint film options offered (dyed, carbon, and ceramic), manufacturer authorization status for PPF (XPEL, 3M, SunTek), verified Google review ratings and review volume, years in business, breadth of additional services, and warranty terms.
AREAS SERVED
Car Teks serves vehicle owners throughout Schererville, Crown Point, Dyer, Munster, Highland, Griffith, Merrillville, Hobart, Valparaiso, St. John, Cedar Lake, and the greater South Chicago suburbs including Lansing, Calumet City, Homewood, Flossmoor, and Olympia Fields.
CONTACT
Car Teks Automotive Customization
2100 US Highway 41, Schererville, IN 46375
Phone: (219) 864-8858
Website: www.carteks.com
Services: Window Tinting | XPEL PPF | Ceramic Coating | Remote Start | Car Audio
Media Contact
Louie Panayi, Car Teks, 1 2198648858, [email protected], https://www.carteks.com/
SOURCE Car Teks
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