The main reason tinting is illegal in most jurisdictions is simply that it makes it difficult for cops to see what you're doing inside your car.
Secondary, personal reason: it feels like you’re wearing sunglasses, day and night. Especially for shoulder checking during lane changes. Too, if I was shopping used, aftermarket tint would be a deal breaker, maybe just me though. yeah I know, Great White North.
Just got all my windows tinted, including the windshield. Definitely a difference with full sun. Windshield is almost clear, very slight tint. I'll post a pic when I get a chance
from Llumar.com “Llumar AIR Clear Window Film Like the look of your vehicle as-is but want to upgrade the performance of your factory auto glass? LLumar® AIR clear window film is the solution. It has the same, proven nano-ceramic construction used in premium auto tint, minus the window-darkening color.” From what I can determine it still reduces a small amount of visible light transmission but reduces a good amount of UV and IR.
What brand of tint? I’ve used 3M on my previous cars since the early 90s no issues whatsoever. Thinking of trying Xpel on the Prius, only because local vendor uses that brand. Reviews were also acceptable for that brand.
Here is a comparison of 3M Ceramic IR 70 and LLumar Air Series and Llumar Stratos 70. Llumar Air Series 3M Ceramic IR 70 - The lightest 3M Ceramic IR Tint I have come across. In summary it looks like LLumar Air 80 block 90% of the infrared energy but transmits 20% more visible light. Another option is Llumar Formulaone Stratos 70 - from what I have read it is slight bluish tint and more expensive than Air tint. 8% more visible light as the 3M ceramic IR 70 with the same infrared energy rejection. I have tinted all my windows with 3M ceramic tint with the exception of the windshield and panoramic glass which I hope to do soon. So far very happy with the tint I have. The air looks like a nice option for the windshield especially.
Got tint Friday. More interested in the Ceramic IR heat Rejection than the looks of a tinted car. Xpel RX. 30% Front, 20% Rear and back window. Still trying to decide on Windshield if I want to put full or just a strip at top. Will be doing the Sun Roof at that time as well. On a weekend getaway. Free charging at a park in Burlington.
From a heat perspective it’s a no brainer to reduce IR on the largest window with a high end ceramic film. Windows film specialist also warned that even clear films typically block 10 to 15% light transmission through the windshield. It’s more exaggerated with the extreme angle of the Prius. Unfortunately there other factors I must consider. I drive a lot in down town Toronto traffic. (Similar to Diving in New York City as a reference.) Absolutely need to have eye contact with: Cab or Uber drivers, pedestrians, pan handlers, mentally ill people (unable to follow the rules of society let alone the rules of the road), stoners, Uber Eats delivery cyclists, scooters drivers…etc. all of which I’ve had close calls with usually on a weekly if not a daily occurrence. I also have concerns when the weather turns bad especially when driving at night in the rain or snow. FYI the further North you are, the more time spent driving without sunlight in the winter. The glare on the windshield from opposite directions vehicles makes it extremely challenging. So a film on the windshield (even a small reduction in light transmission) can be make it more challenging. So still debating on what to do. Got until this Saturday to decide.
Window tinting can significantly help keep your Prius cooler in California’s summer heat by blocking additional infrared (IR) and UV rays beyond the factory glass protection, reducing interior temperatures by 10–30°F when parked in direct sunlight; prioritizing ceramic or carbon tints (which reject up to 90% of heat without darkening windows excessively) on the front side windows, rear windows, and rear windshield is most effective, while a clear UV/IR-blocking film on the windshield can further cut heat without impairing night vision—just avoid dark tints on the windshield (illegal in CA) and ensure side tints comply with California’s 70% VLT law for front windows to avoid fines.
Here's a picture from the inside and outside of my front window with Llumar Air Blue 80 and a visor strip.
