Windshield tint issues for night time driving?

I didn't tint my entire front windshield but i did a 8" banner of limo across the top and it really helped in the phoenix heat with out losing visibility.

 

I didn't get the front windshield tinted. However I like driving at night better after getting the other windows tinted. This is because there is less glare from other cars headlights coming into my car. There is also a feeling of more privacy. I haven't noticed anything else.

 

Tinted windshields used for night driving are a hazard. There is no tint that improves night driving. And even tinting side windows excessively, if it causes you to be less aware of traffic around you, or approaching you, are hazardous too.

 

They have the technology to build transition lenses, how come the same has not been applied to auto glasses?

Darken in the UV rays during the day and lighten up at night. Problem solved.

 

This is not true of my experience.

 

PS - there was a post here from a fella in Thailand getting his windshield tinted and ended up with some error message because water got into the dash and probably shorted some signal out.

 

Transition lenses take up to 5-10 minutes to adjust to lighting changes. You may drive into a tunnel, or in the shade and have no time to adjust. Transition like material is also quite temperature sensitive. IOW in very cold weather it gets a lot darker than it does in hot weather. It is also quite expensive.

 

In night driving the issue is seeing important things like pedestrians, curb lines, hydrants, utility poles. Any tinting will reduce the drivers ability to see them. Poor lighting at night, combined with bright, high contrasting oncoming headlights and window tinting are a recipe for disaster.

Not trying to pull rank, but I have training in optics and lighting.

 

I have seen my friend's glasses changed in less than 30 seconds walking into a building.

 

Also, you are opening yourself up to a lawsuit if you injure/kill someone or cause some property damage or get in an accident. More so since tinting your entire windshield clearly violates your state's tint law.

 

Yes, they may begin to change in 30 seconds, but how much depends on temperature. You can only expect about 10% lightening in 30 seconds. It only takes about 3 seconds to drive into a tunnel.

 

My front windshield is not tinted.

 

I wear transition lenses and do not have any problems with the lenses having to adjust. Granted I do not drive in tunnels but I do drive in and out of the shade.

 

Transitions aren't instantaneous. Depending on the temperature, the transition takes between 2 to 5 minutes. Imaginge the liability of someone driving into a tunnel and suddenly being blind...

Now the LCD technology used in automatic welding helmets might work - at least the transition takes place in ~0.2 ms.
Of course a piece of glass the size of a windshield (if it can be made) would be thousands of $$. I bet insurance companies would quit with the cheap deductible on glass.

 

Is the auto dimming rear view mirror LCD?

 

16 posts and no one answered the dudes question. Just told him that he shouldnt do it.

 

charge,

As you can see from comments above, tinting your windshield is illegal and dangerous. blah blah blah.

To actually answer your question.... I have had my windshield tinted since 2002. Not just a strip. The full windshield. During that time I've always had 5% on the sides and rear and I've always had either 50% or 35% on the windshield. Most of the cars had 35% but the Prius has 50% because the place I brought it to wouldn't do 35%. So while I have not been trained in optics or lighting or underwater basket weaving, I have the actual experience required to answer your question.

I have not had a problem with any sort of halo or glare like you are referring to. I know what you are talking about (I'm sure there is a term for this haloing that someone who was trained in optics and lighting would know).

I will give you some information from my experience. The tint does not always help with the heat. My black dashboard gets almost too hot to touch. I know 3M has a film called Prestige for residential use that blocks all the heat and I saw something once about some "blue" film that is supposed to be clear but blocks the heat. I personally have been considering doing this film along with my current film. I do not know if doubling up these will cause the haloing but it will help with the heat.

The only statement from above that was true was that it can indeed become an issue if you run someone over. You would be surprised at how easy it is to do that when you are tinted and it is night time. On well lit roads, it isn't a big deal but in dark residential areas, it is almost impossible to see out my sides at night. I usually have to keep the windows down. If you run someone down and kill them and you have an illegally tinted windshield, you will probably run into a legal nightmare.

Is it dangerous? Sure. But so is driving while changing the radio station or driving while eating mcdonalds.

Is it illegal? In most places yes but so is driving over the speed limit or talking on your cell while driving.

Keep in mind though that in most states, simply altering a vehicle from stock is illegal. In fact, it is illegal here in Florida to add HIDs or fog lights or LED DRLs if your car did not come with them. You technically could get a ticket for it. Do you? No because everyone does it and it is a stupid law.

Tinting the front windshield is like getting a pit bull. If you are able to handle the responsibility that comes with it, then you wont have any problems. Life is short. Keep the heat out and enjoy your privacy and be safe. You will be fine.

 

Yes - but a cheaper (and slower) technology.