Questions about glass tinting

Florientale · 07-18-07, 04:20

Hi,

I've got a few questions about window tinting, hope this is the right board.

The law in my state specifies 35% for rear window, front/back side windows, and 5" at the top for the windshield. Having never had glass tinted before, I'm not sure how dark this is or if it affects nighttime visibility. Does anyone have any pictures and can you tell me how, if at all, it affects nighttime driving?

One of my reasons for tinting is UVA/UVB protection. There is a UV Shield made by Formula One which serves this purpose but it is almost clear and I was going for a more tinted appearance. Do the darker tints provide the same type of sun protection (UVA)? This is for health reasons, so it's really important.

Finally, any suggestions for choosing a decent place to have tinting done. This is probably fairly obvious but I just wanted to check in case there is anything I should know before I begin the search. Many shops in my area advertise "computer cut" films, is this advantageous? Thanks in advance for any tips. Cheers!

Jakerooni · 07-18-07, 05:05

35% is really light. It won't effect nighttime driving much at all. Most tinted glass from the factory is around the 35% mark. (I think dodge does 25%)

5% is considered limo black and is very dark. Being on the side windows it really shouldn't effect your driving much either. THe combo will look decent. 35% all away around is almost not even worth doing. But being able to go down to 5% on the side will darken up the car considerably.

Professional films are a much higher grade film than anything you can buy at a autozone or such. I would personally let a professional do it. The results are garunteed and the film in just so much better it's worth the cost. And as far as the UV protection goes just ask your tinter what their film is rated. You can get more or less protection in all shades of tint. so yes you can definatly have deep tinted glass and goodUV protection as well

Florientale · 07-18-07, 07:51

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. That kinda blows about the 35% VLT. The nearby states all have the same laws.

What I can't figure out is that I keep seeing all these cars in this area going around with very tinted windows, many of them including the front side windows. They don't all look like gangbanger cars either, some of them have been family-looking mini-vans, owned by the sort of people who actually care whether their vehicle is legal. How are they not all being pulled over and ticketed? Do most states actually enforce these laws on the road or do you only have to be concerned with it if you're going through inspection?

BlueZero · 07-18-07, 07:55

I have 15% all around and it's almost too dark at night. My buddy has 5% all around and he has to roll his windows down sometimes at night to see.

qballjr13 · 07-18-07, 07:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakerooni

35% is really light. It won't effect nighttime driving much at all. Most tinted glass from the factory is around the 35% mark. (I think dodge does 25%)

For reference my 2004 Toyota 4-Runner has 20% in the rears from the factory. So I matched it on my front two.

paul34 · 07-18-07, 08:01

If you have clear windows, I know that at least with Toyota, the stock tint is around 70%, which is the legal limit in places like Pennsylvania.

Regardless, most OEM glass these days come with nearly 99% UV protection. The only place that they are lacking in is IR protection - so the sun's heat still comes through the glass. Oh, and obviously the lack of privacy with such a light tint, too.

I run legal (for Florida) - 28% all around. Technically, I could do 28% on front two, 15% on rear, and unlimited on the hatch.

Joshua312 · 07-18-07, 08:05

I use to have 5% on my rear windows and it was difficult to see at night, all you can see is lights. You have to be very careful w/ pedestrians at night. I have 15% all the way around now and still get stopped, but it is a lot lighter compared to the 5% I had

Here is 15% all around

and 15% front windows - 5% rear

Note: On white cars the tint seems a little darker due to the contrast

MotorCity · 07-18-07, 08:22

32% front - 23% rear

Jakerooni · 07-19-07, 07:42

Just keep in mind the combination of the two will provide good results. 35% all the way around is not very good IMO but with the 5% on the sides it will make that back window look alot darker. I need to find a pic of my vibeGT I had. It was 5% on the sides and 35% on the back and it looked really good. and I could still see at night.

mikebai1990 · 07-19-07, 08:26

Wait a second.. Is the smaller percentage of tint=darker? I think I'm getting a bit confused

MotorCity · 07-19-07, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikebai1990

Wait a second.. Is the smaller percentage of tint=darker? I think I'm getting a bit confused

The % = amount of light that passes through.

35% = 35% of the sunlight comes through

5% = 5% of the light comes through

smaller % number = darker tints

mikebai1990 · 07-19-07, 08:41

Okay, thanks for the clarification.