Window Tinting

Thanks for all the additional feedback. I am definitely going to look into this ASAP. Does anyone know what the current tint level is on the back bottom window? Guessing that should be matched with the remaining windows? Just want to do as much research as possible before I talk to the dealer.

 

29%

 

It really depends on the area. On a recent trip to Orange County I'd guess 7 out of 10 cars were tinted illegally. Around here, I can go a week or more without seeing an illegally tinted car.

 

The tint on your Sienna was simply done poorly...by an inexperienced installer. Hand cutting each window is the best way to account for the "play" that each window has. When hand cut properly, you will not see any gaps.

How do you think they arrive at those computer cut patterns? Someone probably hand cut those patterns at one point. Some of those patterns are better than others, so I would ask for the software they are using and research it. Tintdude is a good site.

The dealer just sublets the job to a 3rd party, usually the most cost-effective one, not the highest quality one. I would have it check around your area, ask to see samples of the work, and research the films that you want. I'd recommend a ceramic film from Llumar, Llumar's FormulaOne or Huper Optik.

 

This is a random question, but I'll go ahead and ask it. I currently have 18% all around on my car. It's actually not quite dark enough for me. At certain angles, you can see inside of the front two windows pretty easily. So, since I already have 18% film on my windows - I was thinking I could add an additional layer of say, 35% or so to cut that original 18% down some more. Or, should I just take off the 18% and try to find darker tint?

 

Thanks!

I will look into those and check who the dealer uses. I would hope that they would use the one that people are most satisfied with. But, I guess you never know.

 

Do you need to install mole skin or any scratch resistance material in the prius to prevent scratches on the tint? My accord has a rubber weather guard and it causes scratches. Wasn't sure if Prius had it as well.

 

It also depends how picky you are. Mine is off the charts....

MB860 ?

 

Not on this car, no. But some films are known to scratch more easily than others

MB860 ?

 

I believe that Huper Optik film is very overpriced. Check other auto entusiast forums and you will find plenty of comments on window film brands and pricing.

Eastman owns Solutia which owns Huper Optik, Llumar, Vista, FormulaOne, and others, so the film technology is from the same source. I know people in the window tinting business and think that choosing 3M, Llumar or FormulaOne will make your wallet happy and get you a very good window film for your vehicle.

ALSO, make sure your window tint shade is legal or you will get a ticket, have to remove your window film and pay for a new tint job.