1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

Anyone With 15% Tint On Their Rear Hatch?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by The Critic, Jun 27, 2011.

  1. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,315
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Thinking about tinting my rear hatch 15% to prevent the blinding from headlights during nighttime driving.

    However, I am a bit concerned about nighttime visibility with this shade. Does anyone have any experience in this area?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Acedano16

    Acedano16 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2011
    1
    0
    0
    Location:
    castaic
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I have limo tint on mine and can see fine at night
     
  3. Troyroy

    Troyroy Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2010
    373
    30
    0
    Location:
    Troy, NY
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I have 35% on mine.....love it.....don't have to move mirrors anymore
     
  4. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
    791
    135
    0
    Location:
    Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I have 18% on all my windows, including the rear hatch. It's fine. A little dark if there are no street lights or cars around - but it's definitely the right shade. Would have done 15% if they had it.
     
  5. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,315
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Should I also tint the small piece of glass under the spoiler? or should I leave it alone?
     
  6. samsprius1

    samsprius1 HEV Fanatic

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2008
    690
    156
    0
    Location:
    USA
    Vehicle:
    2023 Prius
    Model:
    Limited AWD-e
    No need to do the lower rear glass! Did my rear window 40% the lower is a little darker,so it's fine.My tint guy talked me out of the 35% on the whole car, Glad he did! The 50% works fine, and the cops don't follow me around! I Would not want the back window darker than the lower window! Try to match it as close as you can! Hope this helps.
     
  7. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
    791
    135
    0
    Location:
    Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Definitely do it in my opinion, or else the rear of your car will look funny. I can still see out fine with my 15%.
     
  8. oxnardprof

    oxnardprof Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2004
    249
    17
    0
    Location:
    Oxnard, CA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    How can one determine how much tint is applied to a car? I bought a used Prius, and it is tinted in all windows, but I don't know how much.

    Would it be a simple light meter test, with and without the window glass? Then a simple ratio of lux?
     
  9. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
    791
    135
    0
    Location:
    Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    Could you take a picture for us? Maybe we could judge from there. However, you can't simply tell the exact percentage with your eyes. Police use these (see picture below) to measure the tint on vehicles. Maybe your police department would be kind enough to let them measure yours - but if it turns out to be illegal tint, they may make you take it off there. Another recommendation is maybe to ask local tinting shops around your area if they have a meter. I'd take a picture and upload it first though in various lighting conditions.
    Tint O Meter: [​IMG]
     
  10. F8L

    F8L Protecting Habitat & AG Lands

    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    19,011
    4,080
    50
    Location:
    Grass Valley, CA.
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    I MOyou do not need to tint the lower window. From outside the car it matches 5% tint. From the inside looking out it is lighter which helps night visibility. I rare have issues with 5% tint in the rear unless trying to parallel park on an unlit street. :)

    If live along I-80 I'd be happy to show you what 5% looks like on a genii.
     
  11. nedear88

    nedear88 My 1st Prius.

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2011
    245
    140
    0
    Location:
    San Bruno, California
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Four
    I had mine done by Automalltint Specialist in Fremont CA, they put 30% on the rear hatch, 35% on the small window under the spoiler, from inside view, it's good visibility day and night, now my auto dimming rearview mirror seems not working that much. I had the most expensive 3M Crystalline 95% tint in the front windows and the small tri-angle windows just to block UV and heat, I don't want to deal with those "fix-it" ticket, the rear passenger windows and the small tri-angle window I had it tint at 30%. Overall it blend in well and it's looks factory finished.

    I notice that the A/C works differently and it cools the interior faster than before the tint job.
     
  12. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,315
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    I am going to guess that the tint guy shipped a piece of Llumar CTX 15% for that tiny rear hatch window. And assuming he did, I do not know if I want to waste it either.

    Does anyone know what the VLT of the dark rear hatch window?

    MB860 ?
     
  13. LulzChicken

    LulzChicken Prius Enthusiast

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2009
    791
    135
    0
    Location:
    Alabama
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    II
    It's 29% apparently.

    Look at the second attachment
     
  14. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2005
    3,193
    2,315
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    Think I'm just going to have your same installer install Suntek Carbon CXP 18% on the rear windows + hatch and CXP 55% on the front windows. As you guys probably saw in my other thread, my BYO tint experience failed miserably and I'm ready to just pay someone to do this entire job from start to finish.