Window tinting - can the smaller piece of rear windshield be tinted?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eae @ Jun 25 2006, 08:07 PM) [snapback]276673[/snapback]</div>

Hear that rumble? That's the hoarde of people coming to tell you that that's BS. You can tint the bottom window, and many people here have gotten it done (although not me personally).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eae @ Jun 25 2006, 07:07 PM) [snapback]276673[/snapback]</div>

But isn't that it's already tinted?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mcsj @ Jun 26 2006, 11:43 AM) [snapback]276820[/snapback]</div>

It is moderately tinted, but many people here would like to have it tinted more.

 

I had a Honda Insight with a similar rear window, when I had it tinted I was told they could not tint the small area because the tint is in the glass and if they do tint it then it may shatter from the heat. I have heard this before with other cars on regular windows (doors, etc) where the glass from the factory has the tint in it and not the way you can peel it off. Now I have a 2006 Prius that I need tinted, so I'll probably just leave that portion alone, not like it catches any sunlight or anything... It never bothered me in the Honda, it was actually great to have that portion not tinted for backing up at night (although the Prius has very bright reverse lights as well as a backup camera...)

 

It can be tinted darker than it already is, but I opted not to when I got my windows tinted. The rear windows are 20% tint (dark) and honestly when I'm standing behind the car in broad daylight, I can't tell any tint level difference between the rear windshield and the pre-tinted lower portion of the rear window.

 

Got my windows tinted less than a week after I picked up my 2006 Prius. I had the front windows tinted at 50% and the rear windows, hatch, lower hatch as well as a windshield "banner" tinted at 20% (I always get confused, this is the amount of light that is allowed to pass through, not the percentage of shading -- this is how my shop describes the darkness). My shop never said anything about whether or not the lower hatch window could or be tinted, but this is the shop my Toyota dealer uses (they gave me the number directly so I wouldn't have to pay for any Dealer Mark-up). They included the lower hatch with everything else.

I'm not worried about whether or not there is a problem with that window being tinted -- I have a lifetime guarantee on the tint. Regardless of who does what damage (auto accident, kid with a sharp toy, replacing a rock-chipped windshield, breakages, scratches, discoloration of tint, bubbling of tint, etc), I get the tint replaced for free.

This tint shop has been in business for several years. Even my brother who owned a body shop for over 22 years and who has now been an insurance claims adjuster for the last 5 years said that he has used their services and has been impressed with their work. So, I'm not worried about any problems with the lower hatch tinting.

It did appear a little tinted anyway from the manufacturer, though. And now it's darker.

I haven't noticed a problem with the self-dimming rearview mirror (perhaps because the headlights behind me aren't so bright anymore anyway), but if I find I do have a problem, I'll just use one of the suggestions/modifications listed by other posters (sorry guys, can't find your original posts so I don't know who to credit with these ideas):

1) Turn the rearview mirror upside down to change the location of the sensor which also may help with viewing over the tailfin, or

2) Tape a little patch of semi-opaque something over the rearview mirror sensor so it will notice the difference in light more readily.

 

Mine tinted just fine. Had the tint shop use a lighter tint (small rear window already tinted) to make it look the same as the hatchback window when tinted.