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Window Tint - How dark?

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by priusc123, Aug 27, 2012.

  1. priusc123

    priusc123 Junior Member

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    I just want to get a poll of how dark everyone is tinting their windows... I'm going in this friday and Ive never tinted before...

    Percentages
    Driver/front passenger windows: ___
    Rear passenger windows: ___
    Rear/back window: ___
    Location: ___

    I know it's really one's personal preference but I would love to get your responses! Thank you!
     
  2. kalome

    kalome Member

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    All 20%
    Arizona
     
  3. ufourya

    ufourya We the People

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    Unfortunately it is often more than personal preference, as some states have laws mandating the amount of light that may penetrate a tint.

    For instance, in my state, Texas, 35% is the darkest for the front passenger and driver windows, and 5% for the others. I think some states don't allow it at all!

    That said, people break the law all the time, so I guess it really IS one's personal preference. As a law abiding citizen, I have 35%. I chose to have the same percentage all around the car as my preference is a uniform look that doesn't break the car into visual 'pieces'.

    IMG_3284 (900x534) (2).jpg
     
    imOCD4a_prius likes this.
  4. kalome

    kalome Member

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    "I chose to have the same percentage all around the car as my preference is a uniform look that doesn't break the car into visual 'pieces'."

    I agree. In my opinion it makes the car look a lot better with same % all around.
    For Arizona I believe the law is 35% front and any % for rear passenger/back windows.
    I wanted darker than 35% so I went with 20% all around.
     
  5. Ashley7

    Ashley7 Active Member

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    Could anyone post pictures of 35% tint? Even better if it's on a SRM :) (Actually, maybe anyone with tinted windows could post, and tell us what the percent is?)
     
  6. DKTVAV

    DKTVAV Active Member

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    Percentages
    Driver/front passenger windows: 15%
    Rear passenger windows: 5%
    Rear/back window: 5%
    Location: Orange County, Southern California

    Need to add:
    Windshield: 70%
     
  7. ufourya

    ufourya We the People

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    35% all around. Something else to consider beyond aesthetics is how much outward visibility is impaired at night. Darker may please the eye more when viewing the car from outside in daylight, but if you have trouble seeing out of the car at night.......

    IMG_3305 (900x675) (2).jpg
     
  8. JRG

    JRG Junior Member

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    35% all windows.

    IMG_6632.JPG
     
  9. dellrio

    dellrio Im pretty much awesome

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    Front windows are illegal in Iowa - but I did 35% on them anyway, I did 20% on all the rest of the windows. From past experience 5% and 2.5% are not very good for night driving, backing up I would get out of the car and check before backing up. 20% decreases headlights significantly but still allows for some night visibility. If tint was not illegal in IA, I would probably be 20% all around - I have found that cops seem to be more lenient with the lighter films. There are several other pictures in my albums, I have tinted every car I have owned - if you have questions feel free to ask.

    1.jpg
     
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  10. priusc123

    priusc123 Junior Member

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    To all the above posters,

    Thanks for all your posts and pictures, very nice looking cars :D

    Since I live in CA, I think I will be going to go with 35%
     
  11. Gcoop

    Gcoop Member

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    i went 18% on all windows
    got it done last night
    I like it alot, and wasnt to dark at night

    il post pics soon
     
  12. imOCD4a_prius

    imOCD4a_prius Member

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    HI-OK let me get the idea is: the LOWER the # . . .the DARKER the tint ??

    #2) What's a good PRICE for an entire tinting ??? THANK YOU & enjoy a safe & Happy labor Day weekend. DJ

    AFTER POSTING THIS: ***I saw an ad up top of this page--for a place i Ft. Lauderdale, Fl & was quoted a LIFETIME WARR for $165. +tax
    Sound Fair ? I think so in fact...they offer a 3-yr warr. for $125. so the lifetime @ 165.+tx AND they will do 30% for every window (that's legal as they also do the BSO Police Cars) I can even get 50% on the rear window. That's interesting. To tell ya'll the truth i was expecting $250+++.
    Ok take care. DJ

    Now I'll del my other thread to save space on here.
     
  13. imOCD4a_prius

    imOCD4a_prius Member

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    ***I saw an ad up top of this page--for a place i Ft. Lauderdale, Fl & was quoted a LIFETIME WARR for $165. +tax
    Sound Fair ? I think so in fact...they offer a 3-yr warr. for $125. so the lifetime @ 165.+tx AND they will do 30% for every window (that's legal as they also do the BSO Police Cars) I can even get 50% on the rear window. That's interesting. To tell ya'll the truth i was expecting $250+++.
    Ok take care. DJ
     
  14. imOCD4a_prius

    imOCD4a_prius Member

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    ***I saw an ad up top of this page--for a place i Ft. Lauderdale, Fl & was quoted a LIFETIME WARR for $165. +tax
    Sound Fair ? I think so in fact...they offer a 3-yr warr. for $125. so the lifetime @ 165.+tx AND they will do 30% for every window (that's legal as they also do the BSO Police Cars) I can even get 50% on the rear window. That's interesting. To tell ya'll the truth i was expecting $250+++.
    Ok take care. DJ
     
  15. SILVERCwSUN

    SILVERCwSUN Member

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    Whatever is legal here in North Carolina! So the state removed my personal preference. Illegal tint will get you a $125.00 award and the highway patrol will ticket you in a minute here for illegal tint.My C3 came with legal tint installed by Toyota at the port in Jacksonville, Fla.
     
  16. JLee81

    JLee81 Junior Member

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    Be sure to find out exactly what tint they use. It is worth the extra money to get better tint, especially when you love in a hotter climate. Good tint will last longer, not fade, and keep you and your car much cooler. I paid $270 up here in MD for suntek carbon XP film and it was well worth it. I no longer burn my a$$ on the seat when I get in and the AC cools the car faster which in turn can help you get higher mpg by not having to run it so hard.
    SGH-T989 ? 2
     
  17. imOCD4a_prius

    imOCD4a_prius Member

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    JLee, Thanks for the kind tips ? ;) I'm NOT the type that runs to get the cheepest price UNTIL I've done my homework. This Co HAS been in business for years & i already spoke w/ a BSO cop earlier to get his take & he gave them the thumbs up because of all the time he spends in his squad car. I'm still gonna look around yet I must make a move next week in order to do all the things you pointed out & I've read must be done to keep the main battery COOL.
    I DO have these huge silver sun visors that I extend not only over my entire front dash but also i have one reflecting the Sun's melanoma rays w/ a silver sun visor OVER my TRUNK. Part of my proactive approach until tint-time. :)
    Thaks again 4 taking the time. DJ