GPS and window tint

Isn't the GPS antenna on the outside of the car?

 

The GPS antenna is located under the dash in front of the MFD. The antenna looks up through the slanted windshield.

Tinting the windshield does not automatically bother the GPS; it all depends on the type of tinting material. Some types of tinting block radio signals, which of course hurts GPS reception.

Tom

 

Most states don't allow you to tint the front window.

 

My side and rear windows are tinted with 35% and I have never had a problem with the GPS. I don't think you will have a problem either.

 

If you are looking for a good tint shop & since you are in MD, I can give you the # to the guy who did mine. Total car price was about $150.

 

There are different formulations of window tints. Some, like Gila, are metallic based, and may interefere with NAV reception. Others, like Huper Optik and at least some 3M are ceramic based and do not affect any radio reception.

 

I have NAV and my windows (rear sides, back, and under spoiler) are all tinted as dark as they can be (limo tint) - I've never had any problems with my GPS!

 

This is a follow-up to my question "isn't the GPS antenna on the outside of the car?":

What is the other antenna on my roof? I've got a 2008 Package 6 with Sirius Radio. So I've got the AM/FM antenna, the Sirius antenna and this other small one. Don't know what that's for.

 

AF1PRIUS,

Attached is a link showing my wife's Prii and my Prii together so you can see the difference of 20% tinting vs. 35% tinting.

http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-main-forum/45993-tint-comparison-pics.html

As a FYI, the little window below the rear spoiler is tinted to 35% from the factory. I went with ceramic tinting on both cars as Toyota cautions against using tinting with metal flakes in it. I had one of our local Toyota Dealers install the ceramic tinting all-around for $299/car. I did not have the little window or the front windshield tinted in either car. The owners manual cautions that metal flake tinting may interfer with your Nav signal, and/or your low tire pressure and bluetooth phone signals.

If you have night vision problems, I would recommend against the 20% tinting as it restricts your side vision when driving in unlit areas. Hope this helps.

 

The AM/FM antenna is the whip. The NAV antenna is not visible; it is hidden under the dash. I don't know about your Sirius antenna, but if that's not it, you might ask yourself if the Feds are interested in your whereabouts.

Tom

 

I had a "smack head" moment while driving home from work today and thinking about this. There's the AM/FM whip antenna, the Sirius antenna and the "mystery antenna" that looks like a small teardrop shape. That is, of course, the spray nozzle housing for the back window wiper fluid. :crazy: