Getting Tinted Tomorrow - Any Suggestions?

Know the law in your state so you don't have to untint what you just did.

 

I think windshield in CA is a no-no, but I know people do it. I went 35 all the way around - except windshield, we did an 18 sun strip on that. The tint all the way around is lighter than my previous Prius at 25/38, but the heat rejection is doubled due to the ceramic material.

I think the installer is more important than the material, since good installers typically use good materials. Avoid "3 Windows for $99" unless you're short on cash, or you know the guy.

It's a personal preference about going multi tone. I did that on my first car, and I was OK with it, but I did the single tint all the way around this time, and I think I like it much better. The only reason I didn't go darker was that the CDX line only goes 35 and 18 with nothing in between. I thought briefly about going 35 in front and 18 around the back, but in the end I think I am going to like the lighter tint much better. I was not so much into the privacy (in a Prius???) as I was for the heat rejection.

For great installation and materials, expect to pay between $300-$400 - maybe the lower amount if you know someone. For a pretty good job, you'll pay between $200-$300. For a job you'll have to get done over again in a year, pay $100-$200 and get ready to fork it over in another year or two.

 

So far as I know, 'the tint guy' is not the one getting the ticket.

 

Regarding tint laws, the law in CA is you can have any tint you want in the 2 back and rear windows, but 70% of light must be visible in the front 2 windows. Your front windows from the factory already only allow 70% of light, so that means if you get ANY tint on the front windows, your car is technically not within the legal limit.

Windshield tint is not allowed except for the top 4".

California Window Tint Law - TC Window Tint

As for choosing a tint, at least pick one with a lifetime warranty. Usually their most expensive tint is unnecessary and their cheapest tint is well, cheap. For the most part, you get what you pay for.

As for picking an installer, use Yelp. Find someone with a solid 4.5-5 stars. This should be easy to find in CA. find someone who's been doing it for years. If they use a pre-cut film chances are they're not very good. Tint film installation is a craft that takes several years to perfect.

 

Sweet. Looks like you're in great hands then! Just enjoy the process and ask him if he can give you any sort of deal. And take A LOT of pictures of your car BEFORE you get this work done. Your car will never look the same from the side, back, or front.

 

Never been pulled over. That said, I'm sure that if I was pulled over for something else, the cop could easily throw on a bunch more equipment violations, LOL.

I don't think the two-tone looks weird at all, my other Prius has that, and it looks fine. I just am liking the single tint a little better - and at 35 rather than 25, it's already lighter.

There are some competing vehicle codes regarding window tinting, and lots has been written about it. I'd make sure your installer will remove the film for free if you do get an equipment violation. Mine offers to do that. He says he gets two or three returns a year because of an equipment violation - but usually it's because they have limo in front. He tints hundreds of cars every year.

 

I'd love to see the results as I am fairly close to there too and would go if you have a great experience. GL

 

Took my car here last SAT to see Leo and his team after someone cancel their appointment...and i have to say, they did a really great job. Really happy with their services. I was in and out within an hour.

I did the normal tint and did not go for the ceramic tint...though they quoted me the best price around.

Highly recommend TW tinting!

 

can i ask what you paid?
thanks

 

I got my car tinted at Perfect Window Tint in Santa Ana. But I had some other work done at TW Tint (not window tint, obviously) and will also add that Leo is a great guy. He tinted my friends Odyssey and he was very happy (and he's very picky). Leo told me he's been tinting for 20 years (and he's friends with Sal, who owns Perfect Window Tint, who he told me has been tinting windows for 30 years).

I will also say that getting an appointment with Leo was not easy. He's definitely very busy. Also, I believe he uses Madico exclusively. Madico has been around a while and holds up very well with age.

 

$180 out the door including tax for all windows including the lower glass panel in back

 

They do vinyl wrapping and taillight tinting too

 

I'm glad seeing this post. I'm planning to tint my Prius windows too.

 

I just got mine tinted and got "dark" on all back windows, medium on driver & front passenger windows, and dark again on front accent windows.

I pefer dark or almost black on the front and back small accent windows. they are pretty useless from the outside so just looking like a solid black accent looks cleaner from the outside.

Had my 2005 prius tinted the same way and would recommend it!!