I love my '10 IV with sunroof. Considering tinting back and rear side windows. Expecting it to cut down on heat and make the a/c colder. Please advise
In Arizona, most Priuses are sold with the window tinting. I'm not sure what the percentage is, but it's to the legal limit here. It really does help with the sun load and assists the A/C's ability to cool. My package was $500, but that included every window except the windshield. They did a great job; you can't tell it's an added film. The only downside is a bit of reduced night vision out the side/rear windows. You get used to it.
Florida here (the sunshine state)- Tinting does a great job. I suggest you keep it light for night safety.
$500 for a tint job? that seems kinda high. I just did mine like that for $130 including top windshield tinted.
I just had mine done 35% all around except the windshield. $300. Im really happy with it. I think its light enough to be able to see well at night. Not to mention summer is really hitting here and it does keep the car noticeably cooler.
NY has such a strict law that it may not be worthwhile to tint the sides. New York Window Tint Law - TintCenter.com
Yeah think about where u live, Tex. I could be ur neighbor for 2 hundo thousand. $130 for a tint job suddenly lookin steep there ain't it boss? Ok but yeah $500 is a lot.
I was concerned that the tinting would be too dark, but I love it. I actually got darkest allowed here in Florida. I don't have any problems at night and during the day it definitely helps keep the car cool. It cost me $260 to do all the windows except the windshield. Go for it. You won't be sorry.
Smirv can you please post some pics. I am going to get my windows tinted, but cannot decide on how dark to go. Would love to see a few pics of the 35%
If heat is your concern make sure you go with a good ceramic tint. It will be more expensive but well worth it. I used 3M Crystalline 50 on all sides and back, Crystalline 20 on the sunroof, and the one that makes a HUGE difference is the LLumar Air Blue on the front. There are a few good posts about all the tint options if you do a search.
I have mine tinted to 35% and like it, but may have gone 20% if I had to do it again...not sure though. The 35% does work well and helps with the sun. Here are a few shots of 35%, sorry no interior shots looking out, will have to take some Hope this helps.
I always tinted all the windows of my cars. On the Prius, I tinted all the windows (except the windshield of course) for $200 based on 35% Johnson Executive METALLIC Titanium Tint (It's not really black color tint, more like silverish gray...somewhat mirror-like, but still see through at certain angles). I typically do 20% all around and while I guess it's more effective at lowering heat transmission, it's just way too dark for my black Prius. One warning though... most shops only use non-metallic tint because metallics have been known to cause radio and cell phone antenna interferance, but so far I have experienced no problems whatsoever. And about brands, I highly recommend Johnson. I've had it in my last 3 cars and it never faded, bubbled, or peeled. 3M tint is also awesome. Solargard, not so good after 3 years in my experience. Edit: You can click here and on the bottom click on "JWF Auto Tinter" to get a rough idea of what the tint looks like.
It is the ceramic tinting and it has a lifetime warranty from the dealer. I have noticed on previous tint jobs, that sometimes a scratch will develop over time where a something below the window puts pressure on the tint from raising and lowering it. If that happens, the tint is replaced.
By the way, most ceramic shops around LA wanted $300-450 for ceramic. Titanium $200-300. Standard $60-150.
I just tinted my windows (maximum allowed by florida law). I LOVE it!!! Makes a big difference. I had the dealer "throw it in" before I picked up the car!
I had 25%, ceramic, installed, and it helps alot. I can really feel the reduction in heat when the sun's coming at low angles, or if I put my hand in sun from the (untinted) windshield vs. sun through the tint. Paid $300 for all windows except the front and below the spoiler. The law is 35, but in Oklahoma, none cares.
Llumar AirBlue on the front. You won't be sorry. After I tinted I realized that most of my heat was coming through the front window.