Should I get my windows tinted?

I had tinting done to help keep it a little cooler in the summer, reducing the need to run the AC somewhat, hence helping fuel mileage; and for privacy. A side benefit is that it dims the brightness of headlights from cars behind me at night. I have the auto-dimming mirror, but it doesn't always dim as much as I'd like.

I have a seaside, and I have a picture somewhere, but not with me (it's probably on my laptop in my car). Meanwhile, here's a pic from a fellow PC member, efusco.

 

yep, i've got a medical reason. we have yet to tint the windshield (required prescription, now requires money ) but the rest of the windows are tinted.

i couldn't drive without it anymore, and on black it looks really nice.

 

I have the Seaside Pearl, and had the tint done before delivery. The car feels cooler, I think it looks sleeker, and I'm hoping it will protect the interior from long term sun damage.

There's also an intangible feeling - like it's a little more ... I do not know... soothing, protected, private. Like you're rolling around in the shelter of a comfortable little cave. I know that sounds wacky, but my point is that I really like the tint and I think anybody would.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(CMonster @ Mar 1 2007, 09:53 AM) [snapback]398428[/snapback]</div>

What I didn't say previously: Where you can pick your nose without being seen.

 

I guess I'm the only guy in the world that hates tinted windows. To me it cheapens the car and gives it the gangsta look. I know there are lots of benefits, sensitive eyes, theft deterent, etc, etc. That's just my opinion, since you asked. I like to see the people driving next to me, whether they're shaving, cell gabbing, picking their nose, or whatever. Also I hate following tinted car windows because you cant see thru them for traffic stops, etc. The effectiveness of third brake lights are negated when cars have tinted windows. I have taken demo drives in cars with tinted windows, one at night on the freeway, and didn't like the view at night, and my wife agreed. My flame suit is on, but that's the way I see it.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(subarutoo @ Mar 2 2007, 03:36 PM) [snapback]399207[/snapback]</div>

I think you're picturing a much darker tint than what most of us have. If you can't see through the windows, the car wouldn't pass inspection in NC and other states.

 

You can actually get clear-ish tint with all the benefits of regular tint as far as heat rejection is concerned.

 

Be sure and check your state laws, however. Each state has different laws regarding things like: can you tint the front side windows? How dark a tint is allowed? etc.

In California, I THINK you absolutely cannot tint the windshield, and the front side windows can't be tinted very dark or at all (I'm not sure which).

That said, I had the rear side windows and hatch tinted in my barcelona red 2007 and I'm very happy with it.

Oh, yeah. Something else to consider: If you have a GPS in your car, be sure to get a non-metalic tint, otherwise it might interview with the GPS.

J.

 

That's correct, its like laminating your windows.

 

I put too dark a tint on my 04 Prius. It was great during the day but almost dangerous at night. To go around a corner I had to lean forward and look out my front window rather than the side window.

On the 06 Prius we have a much lighter tint. On the front window we just tinted the upper 6".

It definitely keeps the car cooler in our Florida sun. I also installed the window visors or deflectors. This shade the windows a little more but more importantly I can have the windows cracked a bit for ventilation when parked. The tint and the deflectors make a huge difference in comfort.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(razzledazzlebee @ Mar 4 2007, 12:01 AM) [snapback]399816[/snapback]</div>

But would that matter with a side curtain airbag? I love tint I got 20% all around, looks good and keeps the car cool when its in the parking lot at work.
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I too think the dark tints make cars look like thug-mobiles. My cars are tinted with the lightest tint available on the side windows and one shade darker on the rear window. I have never been stopped by the police for it and one can easily see in or out of the car. All of the beneifits and none of the problems.

 

I also had my car lightly tinted. California requires that the front side windows allow at least 70% of the light through so I had all of my side windows tinted with a 30% tint, which is a bit under 70% since the glass was already slightly tinted. I've never been stopped or anything for it and can still easily see in and out. I had the back window tinted darker to match the lower part and that had a noticeable improvement on the glare from the rear view mirror. It also helps keep the car a bit cooler in the summer and helps protect the interior from UV. That is one feature I missed in my old car, since the window glass was already tinted.

 

Tint definitely keeps the car a bit cooler after it has been in the sun. I have tinted my past four vehicles and noted improvements with all of them. Especially helpful with all the near-horizontal glass over the rear hatch. I'm running 50% 3M on all side and rear windows right now. Not too dark, for those of you who think it makes the car look thuggish. Just right IMHO with seaside pearl.

Make sure you check the WA state tint laws to be sure you stay legal.

 

When I see a completely untinted car I think the person must be poor or living at the end of their means. It's crazy not to have tint in Texas. I've got to get mine done pronto!