Should I get my windows tinted?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Les Gas @ Mar 10 2007, 02:17 AM) [snapback]403284[/snapback]</div>

That's ok - when I see a tinted car, I just assume they are from Texas... Where they have been sunbaked a bit too long...

 

I too got my windows tinted, only to the legal level in VA. Let me tell ya, it's not very dark but it still makes a big difference. It is by no means thug level tinting, so you can still see through the car from behind me.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jharvey963 @ Mar 2 2007, 02:31 PM) [snapback]399288[/snapback]</div>

In California it is not legal to have the front side windows tinted at all. It is an $85.00 ticket and removal must be signed off by the CHP. Been there and done that already pulled over 2 times in one day by same cop with nothing better to do. Showed him the ticket from earlier in the day and let me off with a warning on the 2nd offense had the tint removed the next day on front side windows.

As for the metalic interfering with the GPS. This shouldn't be a problem.

 

1. I am interested in a static cling sheet of tinted film that can be put on and peeled off at will, rolled up and reused. I am planning to travel all the states, where laws vary widely. Anyone find a good source for this?

2. How about one-way mirrored film? You can see out but others can't see in. I think it would look terrific on my Silver, give privacy during naps or overnighting in back. I am interested only in sides and rear.

3. Is static-cling film any different than the film you buy at hardware stores that is put on with a squeegee?

The Lone Ranger

 

TLR: most states only apply their laws to vehicles registered in that state. there are a couple that apply their laws to all vehicles traveling in the state, i think georgia is one of them but that's reaching far back in the ol' memory.

we regularly drive across 8+ states and have never had a problem with tint laws.

 

The other advantage for window tinting is your interior will last longer. Less stress on interior fabrics, plastics, etc. due to the sun.

 

I got mine tinted and boy that it make a difference on the whole look of the car.

Vince.

 

I love my tint!

I forget the numbers but the rear sides and rear window are dark and the front sides are a few shades lighter so I don't get hastled by the law. Even the little windows by the front dash are done in the same material as my front sides.

When the sun isn't shining directly into the window (IE the side facing a setting sun) the windows are difficult to see through (ecept the fronts).



From this angle you can see how the front windows barely look tinted.



The biggest plus for me is when I am tired I often crawl in the back hatch area and go to sleep and with the tint I am afforded a bit more privacy.

 

I love the dubs on that Barcelona red. The bimmer style dubs on that Pine pree look good, too.

It's smoggy in SoCal. I had a Pontiac in Silicon Valley where I consistently kept protectant (ArmorAll, etc.) on the interior. Those GM hard plastics that everyone derides are tough!

However in Texas, it's not just sunny. It's HOT! Tint will keep the interior temperature down. I don't want my leather seats cracking. That looks way more low rent than GOOD tint. Yeah, that self applied tint with all the bubbles, etc. looks extemely low rent. However, factory, dealer or well applied tint doesn't just protect the car, it likely makes it more desirable, too.

Now, back to those dubs-- Mr. Sactown, where oh where did you get those, and how much did they cost?



I love the dubs on that Barcelona red. The bimmer style dubs on that Pine pree look good, too.

It's smoggy in SoCal. I had a Pontiac in Silicon Valley where I consistently kept protectant (ArmorAll, etc.) on the interior. Those GM hard plastics that everyone derides are tough!

However in Texas, it's not just sunny. It's HOT! Tint will keep the interior temperature down. I don't want my leather seats cracking. That looks way more low rent than GOOD tint. Yeah, that self applied tint with all the bubbles, etc. looks extemely low rent. However, factory, dealer or well applied tint doesn't just protect the car, it likely makes it more desirable, too.

Now, back to those dubs-- Mr. Sactown, where oh where did you get those, and how much did they cost?

 

Forget the cling tint---it's crap!!! I love my tint. 20% rear and 30% front, and don't forget to get an eyebrow, it really helps. Sorry, no pics, I'm techno challenged.

Forget the cling tint---it's crap!!! I love my tint. 20% rear and 30% front, and don't forget to get an eyebrow, it really helps. Sorry, no pics, I'm techno challenged.

Forget the cling tint---it's crap!!! I love my tint. 20% rear and 30% front, and don't forget to get an eyebrow, it really helps. Sorry, no pics, I'm techno challenged.

Sorry about the multiple posts. I kept getting an error message, didn't think it went through. My bad.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jharvey963 @ Mar 2 2007, 03:31 PM) [snapback]399288[/snapback]</div>

Quite true. The only time I was involved in a head on (so far) the driver at fault had windows that were tinted too much. She was trying to get on the tail end of a left turn signal and hit us when we were in the intersection. Maybe she didn't see us or maybe she did. When the cop came (this was in VA) she complained about us being in her way until the cop asked who did the tinting on her car. It was her brother and made them way too dark to be legal.

 

Does the Box Antenna with the Quad Radials cut down your MPG much?

 

Thug Prius? Maybe cut out a diamond in the rear window and get some spinning rims and get that shock system that makes your car jump up and down. Just some thoughts.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(razzledazzlebee @ Mar 1 2007, 12:49 AM) [snapback]398316[/snapback]</div>

Yo Check out my blog: http://markwei.blogspot.com/
Excuse the personal stuff, but under that i've a ton of pics of my Tinted Seaside.
Here are a few.

 

So... how do I find a GOOD place to get my windows tinted? And what is an "eyebrow?"

 

Ask others who have their windows tinted for a recommendation. An eyebrow is a 6 inch strip at the top of your windshield. The tint shop will know what is legal in your area.

 

I will likely have tinting installed on my 2007 Magnetic Gray Prius.

 

I have the ceramic tint on gray and it looks excellent. The only issue is the same I had in another car a few years ago - you can get a wierd reflection when looking at the side view mirrors under certain light conditions

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(The Lone Ranger @ Mar 13 2007, 08:17 AM) [snapback]404797[/snapback]</div>

I know for a fact that the metallic tint or mirrored tint is 100% illegal in Colorado. more than likely other states as well.

 

FWIW- Wikipedia on Tinting
List of State laws (industry page)

Turns out there seem to be Federal laws regarding the 70% rule on front and front seat windows...

I can't stand 'eyebrows' as I am tall enough to be looking through that part of the windshield.