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glare on tinted window

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by v redhawk, Aug 6, 2007.

  1. v redhawk

    v redhawk New Member

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    I recently had my rear windows tinted, and now I’m having a problem with headlight glare from cars behind me. It’s an odd sort of glare, more like 1†long horizontal streaks of light above and below the headlight, corresponding with the defroster lines in the back window. So if it’s dark out and there’s one car behind me with its headlights on, in my mirror I’ll see a series of several light-bars above and below each headlight. Very distracting with just one car, and almost impossible to see through in heavier traffic. I’ve also noticed I get more glare now off the tonneau cover and even the top of the 3rd-brakelight bar on sunny days.

    I asked for 35% carbon tint, but don’t know what they actually installed as I was told it would take about 4 hours to install the tint and didn’t stick around to watch the process. I’ve washed the back window with non-ammonia cleaner as recommended by the tinter, but that didn’t help the glare. Has anybody else experienced this problem?
     
    #1 v redhawk, Aug 6, 2007
  2. 1fixitman

    1fixitman Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(redhawk @ Aug 6 2007, 06:06 PM) [snapback]491524[/snapback]</div>
    I recommend slowing down to let the one car by. this gives you a chance to get better MPG's and let the gas guzzler have a chance to pass. I am getting my side windows tinted soon.
     
    #2 1fixitman, Aug 6, 2007
  3. nordicman

    nordicman Junior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(redhawk @ Aug 6 2007, 05:06 PM) [snapback]491524[/snapback]</div>
    Redhawk,

    I'm having the tint done today so I'll be in a position to compare your experience with my own and respond in a couple of days. Until then, I'm wondering if you will find that the glare disappears on its own after 2 or 3 days. The company I'm using said in their FAQ page:

    "I just got my windows tinted, they look streaky and bubbly, what's up?
    Every vehicle that leaves our shop looks like this. When applying our film we use water. This water gets trapped between the film and the glass and looks streaky. This is normal and usually goes away in about 3-5 days. To speed up the drying process park the vehicle in the sun, so the water can evaporate."

    So, while this may not be exactly your situation, I'm thinking the glare "could" also be a result of the application not being completely dry and something that will improve after 3 to 5 days. Just a thought. I'll get back to you on my results once I know them.

    Jim
     
    #3 nordicman, Aug 7, 2007
  4. bobdavisnpf

    bobdavisnpf Member

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    I think this is not normal and should be fixed by the installer. Looks like a good opportunity for them to demonstrate their satisfaction guarantee by taking care of you.
     
    #4 bobdavisnpf, Aug 7, 2007
  5. v redhawk

    v redhawk New Member

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    It appears I wasn't quite clear on my explanation. The tint was actually installed about a month ago, so I don't think age is the issue. And it's not just "one car" following too closely -- every direct source of light behind my car will create this effect, in twilight or darkness. I'm just now noticing it because it's starting to be darker when I drive to work. So -- what's normal for after-market tinted windows? Everything you see out the window should be "normal" but darkened, right?

    thanks--
    V
     
    #5 v redhawk, Aug 8, 2007
  6. San_Carlos_Jeff

    San_Carlos_Jeff Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(redhawk @ Aug 8 2007, 08:59 AM) [snapback]492424[/snapback]</div>
    This is the way my tint is, and I'd consider that normal. Something sounds wrong with your installation.
     
    #6 San_Carlos_Jeff, Aug 8, 2007
  7. iioeo

    iioeo New Member

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    i'm having the same exact problem with the tint on my back window. i need to bring it back to the shop. any updates?
     
    #7 iioeo, Aug 11, 2007
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