Window Tinting Advice

Tinting

I just had my windows tinted here in NY. Mil.Silver prius. did a 35% tint on the sides and back. It looks fantastic and also keeps the car cooler.
There are laws about tinting but they are rarely enforced! I figure I can talk my out of it ,if stopped for it, by showing the cop my prius with all it modern technological advances! I'm sure he'll be into it. They won't just stop you for window tinting. Better they stop the ones driving with hand-held cell phones, they are far more dangerous, than those with tinted windows.
Also, if a cop stops you for anything, put the window down, turn off the motor and put your hands on the steering wheel. That will make him happy as he knows you are not going anywhere and have nothing in your hands [i.e. a weapon].
Will post a pic with the tinted windows in a day or so.

 

You can do a goggle search on "window tint" and get all the answers you need. I am going to have my '04 done. Here in Florida, we can tint down to 28% light transmission on the drivers and passenger windows and to 15% on the rest of the windows. These numbers include any tint on the base windows. There is a "AS" rating such as AS-1 for no tint, the higher the number the more tint in the glass. This needs to be factored in to get the total amount of light passage through the window. Some states allow a tinted band on the windshield down to the AS-1 line. This is marked on the windshield as a point at which the factory glass shading stops. Also you should review the different types of tint materials available. I sure would go with the best grades for solar protection on the Prius. Other then privacy, the other goal in tinting is reducing A/C load and thus better fuel economy.

 

Re: Tinting

Um, how would they stop someone for using a cell phone if they can't see in because of the window tinting? I think the point of the law is so the cops can see the driver through the windows.

 

i went to the NY law page, did a little research.

current NY law on window tinting:

The windshield must allow 70% transmitted light except for the uppermost 6 inches

all side windows (front and rear) must allow 70% transmitted light.

if the car has a side mirror on each side(most cars do) the rear window can be tinted as low as 0% transmitted light

the reason the shop thought it was illegal was, before 1991, it was illegal to have any tinting on any window.


i have seen enforcement, but it was very obvious. it was a shined up, chromed out new accura. never saw a trooper suv pull a u-turn like that.

long law link
http://fornax.dmv.state.ny.us/scripts/righ...eated=998512823

 

I am going to tint my car aswell .I am also in Fl .Has anyone got a good price? I was wondering what I should and should not pay .. ? :roll:

 

I payed $175 for tinting the sides and hatch windows with Lumar film 35%

 

How sturdy is this film? If you load your car with camping gear, will stray objects scratch the film off the windows?

 

OK so is $175 good or is it too much ..I thought the highest would be $150?

 

Two weeks ago I had my Prius rear, side and all the small windows tinted with Lumar 35% tint. Also had a band installed across the top of the windshield blended into the screening behind the rearview mirror. Total cost $140 and the installer came to my house.

I like the looks of the tinting and it definitely keeps the car cooler particularly when driving in the Florida sun. Driving at night is a bit more difficult because of the tinted front side windows. I just have to pay attention and look a little more closely when pulling out onto a road at dusk before all the cars have their lights on.

All-in-all, I would do it again.

 

Thanks David

Do u find the auto Air does not stay on full blast as long as b4 tinting?

 

The auto air now drops down to a quiet speed much faster and generally doesn't have to increase to compensate for the sun.

More telling, I don't have passengers moving to get out of the sunlight. They simply sit comfortably.

Highly recommended for southerners.

 

hmm must be nice. my dealership offers the Lumar tinting but tinting the front windshield is illegal in WA St and they will not do it. also they charge 299$

just for kicks, i checked two other independent places and they will not tint the front either. so apparently, they enforce the laws around here more strictly (stricker?) than most. i did have the guy at one shop who said that some people have the sides and back professionally done then do the windshield themselves.

 

I called around and got a price of $130 .I have used this guy before on another car but that was many years ago. Anyone know if this is a good price? This company said they use the film with the metal in it and it will not fade or change color . I have gotten prices of $190 and $170...

 

Well I am going to stop by the place and show them the car so they can really see whats involved. I spoke to this company over the phone and he seemed to be familiar with this car .. Just to be sure $130 is really true I will go there and show the car .. I will let ya know.. The other one for $180 I showed the car and they did have concern how to get the tint in the little windows?

 

Radar Detector Problems?

Hi Folks,

Has anyone had any problems with their radar detector after tinting? I understand the the better tint materials have metal sinter in them (usually the material guaranteed for the life of the car). I am using a Valentine One radar detector.

All info greatly appreciated!
Tom

 

and exactly what would a law-abiding citizen like yourself use a radar detector for??

 

Well I got windows tinted for $110 today .. Looks good It has lifetime warranty ..So far I see small little bubbles in 2 windows but I think I have to wait 3 days to see if goes away. We will see...

 

Huper Optik is good stuff, but a little on the pricey side. When I move out to AZ it is the FIRST thing I am putting on my new Prius.

http://huperoptikusa.com/consumer_auto.cfm