luxury/"clear" tints on the windshield?

paul34 · 07-19-07, 08:32

I'm not sure how many of you own or have driven in Scion tCs during the summer, but you may have noticed that the dark interior, while nice looking, is certainly no friend when it comes to the hot Florida summer sun.

In addition, the AC in this car is definitely not the most powerful out there. So in addition to that, the dash literally gets so hot when driving that you'll burn your hand on it if you touch it for longer than a few seconds (no doubt also heating up the AC ducts and such under the dash, making the AC even less effective).

Anyway, I already have 28% regular tint all around - which helps tremendously - however, the biggest source of heat still comes through the windshield. So much heats constantly radiates off the dashboard. No matter what, I am always sweating during a daytime summer drive...

I was thinking about tinting the windshield. Yes, I know what you're thinking, but I've heard of a type of high-end tint that keeps a high light transmittance rate, but blocks up 99% or IR.

Does anyone have any information? I've done some research, and its not exactly "ceramic" tints... there's another type. I think they use it in higher-end German luxury cars and such. It's quite clear, but blocks out almost all heat from the sun. I believe it has a slight green tint to it?

Also, does anyone have any info as to cost?

I'm thinking that this way, I can cut out the ridiculous amount of heat coming through the windshield (which is really the last place that all the sun's heat comes through), while not compromising mine and others' safety on the road at night. Also, I shouldn't get in trouble for it since no one would really know its there, and would have a transmittance rate of around 60-70% which is stock on many cars today anyway.

thanks!

jeteast99 · 07-19-07, 12:42

I am also interested in this. I was thinking about tinting my windshield 30% but i don't want to get ticketed for it since it is illegal

kchau · 07-19-07, 12:49

your windshield already blocks uv light, not sure about IR.

Hondaph00l · 07-19-07, 01:17

Is this the tint that they put in mercedes'? I always see newer eclass mercs with a bluish tint on the windows.

paul34 · 07-19-07, 01:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondaph00l

Is this the tint that they put in mercedes'? I always see newer eclass mercs with a bluish tint on the windows.

Yes, exactly!

Quote:

Originally Posted by kchau

your windshield already blocks uv light, not sure about IR.

I realize that, which is why I asked about IR blocking and not UV blocking

BlueZero · 07-19-07, 02:29

Find a tint shop that does semi trucks. They can't have dark tint but a lot of them do the clear tint all around.

paul34 · 07-20-07, 09:07

thanks guys, I did some more research and figured out what I'm looking for:

V-Kool tint

Automotive

mikebai1990 · 07-20-07, 09:12

Hm.. That is very interesting... Letting the light in but not the heat. If home windows had this kind of tint, it would be great for cooling efficiency in the summer. But how is the price on this kind of tint?

the other pc · 07-20-07, 09:56

It’s commonly available in architectural glazing. Pretty much all replacement window companies will have it as an option for their products. It costs extra but it’s well worth it in hot, sunny areas for windows that are highly exposed to the sun.

When you see products labeled as low-emissivity (low-e for short) they incorporate coatings and materials that reflect high percentages of long-wave IR light (that kind that causes heat build up) while transmitting visible spectrum light.

PC.

mikebai1990 · 07-20-07, 11:07

Yea, I know about the low-e thing. But does it shield as well as this? Supposedly this tint blocks 94%, that's pretty impressive!

tod071 · 07-20-07, 11:28

Never of heard of this one. I would have suggested ceramic Huber Optik. I put it on mine, 35% on fronts, 80% everything else + windshield. Although the price was

$600, it was well worth every penny. I wouldn't recommend it on lease cars as you will probably not get your investment back.

Way2SSlow · 07-20-07, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondaph00l

Is this the tint that they put in mercedes'? I always see newer eclass mercs with a bluish tint on the windows.

That glass is factory. That's how it comes. There is no aftermarket film on there. When we replace a windshield in a Benz we usually have the choice of a green tinted (pretty much what most cars have) or blue.