Window Tint

In our area any amount of aftermrket tint on the front windows is illegal.

Just my opinion: tint detracts from the vehicle. If I was picking between 2 used vehicles to buy and one had tint, I would not pick it: the stuff is too problematic, looks tacked on.

Also, I don't believe it cools the interior more, if anything it collects more heat. Again, just my opinion, and likely depends on the film. I have used it on previous vehicles, then swore off it.

 

I have 30% all around, which I am very happy with. However, if I had it to do over, I would go with 25% all the way around.

 

Tint DOES NOT detract from the vehicle. Have you ever seen show cars? Concept cars? Car commercials? They all have tinted windows, and for some reason always look better than what you get from the dealer.

I only tinted my back windows and hatch, all at 18%. But if I tinted the front windows it would be less than the back windows to give an even gradient, and probably no greater than 50%. 70% is the legal limit in CA for front windows and factory windows (without tint) are already close to 70%. So you see the problem with tinting front windows? You can't do much of a tint and make it look legal. That's why even my idea of 50% is already pushing it, but I think you could get away with that.

This is what my car looks like now. It's not a Gen III but you get the idea.

 

BTW, are those actually the legal limits for you guys in Florida? If so you're very lucky, and I would do 5% rear 30% front in a heartbeat. ADAP (as dark as possible). :rockon:

 

How does the defroster affect tint on the hatch?

 

A properly installed and cured tint won't affect the defroster and vice versa. If you ever have the tint removed, however, you need to be careful they do not peel the defroster lines with it (Professionals won't).

There is one minor thing though. Unfortunately with the hatch tint, at night you'll see a ray of horizontal lines from other people's headlights from the defroster lines. It's completely normal and happens with every tint, and just might take some getting used to.

 

This is the darkest my state allows. I think all states have similar percentage rates. In my opinion tinting not only is an effective sun blocker, it also darkens enough to somewhat hide the contents of the car's interior. Giving you a little more security as well as the UV protection and heat reduction. Plus it looks kinda cool to me.

 

Tint also enhances the occupants appearance.

 

I wanted to go with huper on this vehicle, but the dealership already had them tinted. My guess is it would be about $500 to do a Prius, so I gues it is just saving me money.

Hüper Optik - Nano Ceramic Window Films - Consumer Room

Here in the desert, tint is not really an option. It is a necessity.

 

I didn't think you could see through my windows that well. :drum: <Rim Shot>

 

20 everywhere is gooood.

 

Wish I'd found this sooner. My fav after many years of refining:

20% everywhere except the rear hatch. 35% there. Makes night-time reverse manuevers so much easier. And honestly, NOBODY can tell that the back is ligher than the rest - because the 20% lets so little light in, the back looks equally dark.

For Mendel: Looks tacked on? Really? Have you seen a professional job? Yes, the DIY crap looks like crap. The pro stuff looks like it came from the factory. And you do realize that many cars (SUVs and minivans mostly) come tinted from the factory, yes?

 

I think:
Tinted = Modern (new car)
Non Tinted = Classic (old car)

 

We had pro jobs, and I've done some myself: just side windows: my hat's off to the pros that deal with the compound curves and heater wires of the back window. But, ultimately I don't like the stuff. Not trying to push my opinion, just stating it.

To me it's similar to tattoos, if that makes any sense.

Plus, since it's not really been addressed: it reduces vision. At night especially, I need all the help I can get.