getting windows tinted need suggestions

Hey guys,

I have a DCLB with the factory tint and am not satisfied with the tint. Am gonna go with a local tint shop here in my town but was had some questions. What tint should I go with? the shop here in town carries all the 3m variety. From the premium to the least expensive. My main objective is to keep the sun and heat out as much as possible. Any suggestions on type of film (ceramic or what have you). I don't remember the types he has but he says he carries all the 3m types. Just wanted to get suggestions and opinions from those who have gotten their windows tinted.

Thanks!

 

3M. I went with 30ish all way around. Too dark for fronts in my opinion. Getting used to it but might just switch to the next lightest which is 20 something.

EDIT: Sorry, I have the numbers reversed. I have 20 all the way around. But the side front windows are a tad dark for me. I should have when a little lighter which would have been 30.

 

your local laws will dictate how dark you can go, but I'd go as dark as legally allowed... as far as type, I think that the only kind that makes a difference is if you can opt for a ceramic tint. I had that on my Mustang and it made a difference. Don't forget to use a windshield sunshade when you're parked....

 

I live in So Cal. I got limo in the rear doors and window and 30 up front

 

Go with a ceramic film. It will not crack or fade like cheap dye film

 

Go with the best you can afford. You are protecting your investment.

 

You got that backwards champ. Lower the number, the darker the tint.
I did however go 20% all the way around. Over the factory tint in the back it's pretty dark.. great for back seat privacy. The front windows is just right IMO. Not too dark to raise any flags yet just enough to not have people staring at me. And blocks some sun.

 

LOL, yep sorry about that. I have 20 all way around, should have had 30 in front.

 

yeah if you get the legal max up front and do the same tint on the rears, it will add to the factory tint already in the rear, and you'll get limo tint. i suggest you are sure about it before choosing... limo tint is way too dark for many when driving at night. i have it but I'm in North Texas and feel i need it during the day so am willing to be extra careful at night. it affects my night visibility for sure.

 

Awesome thank you guys you have been extremely helpful. I was thinking of going ceramic with what California allows on darkness and probably get that small strip at the top of my windshield

 

I got 5% all the way around and 50% up front. From Florida, currently living in Kansas. I hate having a hot vehicle and don't like pesky people looking at my when I drive by them on the highway. Worth the risk for me, but definitely illegal, so that decision is up to you. I personally love it and just roll all the windows down if I get pulled over. If in an unlit area at night, it's difficult to see and you will need to roll your windows down to park in tight spaces. Not a big issue for me with the backup camera to assist me. In well lit area at night you can see just fine. I'd definitely recommend looking at 5%, 20% and 30% to get a feel for what your interested in. Your local shop should have samples.

 

I went with a ceramic-nanotechnology. 27% on the front and 70% in the rear. With the factory window dye they match perfectly.

 

How is visibility at night?

 

The back still has a factory tint, the front is ceramic coated at 35%. Ceramic tints are a bit darker than traditional tints just a heads up. Honestly anything darker in the front would be pretty damn hard to see at night.

Good luck.

 

Just fine. I had 35 on my corolla and haven't noticed a huge difference dropping to 27. I also got a 5% brow across the top of the windshield. I probably would not get that again, something to get used to.



Clear windshield with 5% brow and 27% side window. Can see the difference.



Exterior look. Yes that's pikes peak in the distance.

 

I went with 3M Crystalline.

It's expensive, but a worthwhile investment; especially if you live in a hot climate. I made sure to have it added to my auto coverage as a custom line item in the event I need a replacement window.

• Windshield: 90%
  • Technically illegal in my state; not allowed to have any on it unless a L.E.O. or have doctor exemption letter.
  • It's basically clear, but this film rejects IR and UV.
  • Wanted to protect my dash and reduce IR heat
• Front: 60%
  • State max allowed
• Rear, Back, Sunroof: 40% film + stock dye

 

You tinted the sunroof? Be careful, might explode one day.

 

I did. If it does, then that's what insurance is for.

Also, at least the film will contain majority of the shards.

 

I live in SoCal and ended up doing limo(5%) up front and rears were 15% on top of factory. The film is ceramic made by Madico. It is the Black pearl version. I payed a stupid amount for that tint ($545), but I am expecting it to last 15 plus years. The rears came out lighter than the fronts. When I open the door, the film looks like an opaque gray which kind of looks cool. If I could go back, I would have done 5% all around. It is not necessarily noticeable in the picture, but in person, you can still see through into the vehicle depending on the time of day. I know my tint is dark and if I get pulled over, I will probably get a fix it ticket. Just understand the consequences and if you're okay with it, get it. If not, just get go with the light one, it will still get the job done.

26708.

(a) (1) A person shall not drive any motor vehicle with any object or material placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied upon the windshield or side or rear windows.


(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), clear, colorless, and transparent material may be installed, affixed, or applied to the front side windows, located to the immediate left and right of the front seat if the following conditions are met:

(1) The material has a minimum visible light transmittance of 88 percent.

(2) The window glazing with the material applied meets all requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 205 (49 C.F.R. 571.205), including the specified minimum light transmittance of 70 percent and the abrasion resistance of AS-14 glazing, as specified in that federal standard.

(3) The material is designed and manufactured to enhance the ability of the existing window glass to block the sun’s harmful ultraviolet A rays.

(4) The driver has in his or her possession, or within the vehicle, a certificate signed by the installing company certifying that the windows with the material installed meet the requirements of this subdivision and the certificate identifies the installing company and the material’s manufacturer by full name and street address, or, if the material was installed by the vehicle owner, a certificate signed by the material’s manufacturer certifying that the windows with the material installed according to manufacturer’s instructions meet the requirements of this subdivision and the certificate identifies the material’s manufacturer by full name and street address.

(5) If the material described in this subdivision tears or bubbles, or is otherwise worn to prohibit clear vision, it shall be removed or replaced.

 

Did they give you lube too?