School me on Window tint/heat block

[Ron]

I want to add tint to my front windows and sun roof. From what I can tell from the inter web, some tints are better than others, the most common are 3M, Solar Gard & Llumar. Almost all use a ceramic based material. Also, brands have different tints, blue, purple , green or gray. My main objective is to block heat and reduce glare, I dont want a tint that makes the outside look distorted or unnatural. Any suggestions? one local well-regarded tinting company uses Solar Gard,

 

[Philpug]

I went as dark as I could for the Jetta Sunroof to heep the heat out. But we have much more intense sun here than you have. When I had my Legacy wagon...I went with 20% for the front windows IIRC. As far as brands, no idea.

 

[Ron]

I plan to go dark on the sun roof but am reading that the composition of the tint is more important than the darkness of the film, BTW, by law our limit is 27% I'm not sure of what the factory tint is but from some forum posts, its close to that. Im sure I could go a little darker without any issues. Did you tint your windshield?

 

[Jwrags]

Are you filling the back with massive sub woofers too?

 

[Ron]

it comes with one

 

[EricG]

Ron - look for high quality ceramic tint (Llumar, 3M or SunTek). No reason to go super dark with better quality film. The hard part is finding a good installer. OEM glass + 35% Ceramic tint will be pretty close to legal limit.

 

[Ron]

great! ok, I didnt want really dark so thats good news. the solar Gard has a ceramic film. ill make some calls in the AM

 

[raytseng]

i think any dedicated tint shop worth their salt should have a ceramic offering top of the line option. I wouldnt put too much in worrying over the exact product lines or exact brand.
It is a little like skis, but even more interchangeable. Some shops gonna use 1 supplier others a different one. dont stress too much.
The exact product lines are going to be as much of a difference as compared to the skill of the tech. I would just put faith in the expertise and they should 3bears it for you, heres a cheap, medium, and premium options and which is better.

As far as the law, thats really up to your local how much they are going to let slide. Pretty much all non factory tint in front windows of any high usefulness is not gonna be legal.
But again talk with the shop and they can hint to you on the chances a choice is going to get you in trouble (e.g. "thats probably too dark"). Don't expect or try to push too hard for a direct answer as they can't suggest you to do something illegal or guarentee what the cops will do. you're responsible.
As usual, actual enforement also depends on your charisma and other things of that nature, but thats in the other threads.

 

[Ron]

Thanks @raytseng

 

[Tom K.]

It's all about the installer. Ask around locally. If I were forced to pick a brand, it would be 3M.

 

[doc]

@raytseng's first para is spot on.
Like you, @Ron, I live in CO. I've tinted the windows in all my vehicles (kinda feel exposed to the world without it), and some are stupid dark. Knock on wood but no problems with mr. law yet.
In fact, the local sheriff made me pull the smoked cover off my rear plate on one car, and never said a word about the obviously illegal tint.

 

[Ron]

I spoke with a detailer in town I use who is beyond OCD when detailing cars and asked him, he highly recommended a guy in town who does fantastic work. Just got off the phone, he only uses Solar Guard Vortex Ceramic Im going to do the front 2 windows in 25% which he says is a perfect match to Jeep dark tint and it will substantially reduce heat. $120.00. Seems like a fair price.

 

[Ron]

Don't expect or try to push too hard for a direct answer as they can't suggest you to do something illegal or guarentee what the cops will do. you're responsible.

LOL, he started off the conversation with "technically, just about any tint with the other windows having "dark tint" in a jeep are already illegal so I will install the tint but I dont take any responsibility, its a cash transaction only, no receipt". However, he did say, in over 13 years, he's never had to remove anyones tint here.

 

[Jwrags]

LOL, he started off the conversation with "technically, just about any tint with the other windows having "dark tint" in a jeep are already illegal so I will install the tint but I dont take any responsibility, its a cash transaction only, no receipt". However, he did say, in over 13 years, he's never had to remove anyones tint here.

Maybe you can barter with unused wine

 

[Ron]

Maybe you can barter with unused wine

I dont think the wife would approve!

 

[Bad Bob]

Watch your state laws. The maximum allowable tint varies by the state. A reputable shop will know it.

 

[Ron]

@Bad Bob dude, you gotta read All of the posts first. .

 

[raytseng]

LOL, he started off the conversation with "technically, just about any tint with the other windows having "dark tint" in a jeep are already illegal so I will install the tint but I dont take any responsibility, its a cash transaction only, no receipt". However, he did say, in over 13 years, he's never had to remove anyones tint here.

LoL, Someone told me a story of a Fake ID place back in the day. They would do it up, and they have written on it in pencil "For novelty use only". But before they laminate it, they will put an eraser on the counter and turn around for a minute or so for you to "review" the product.

 

[doc]

Like the manufacturer's "warning" on some of the modifications on my cars: "For Off-Road Use Only." Riiiight.

 

[bbinder]

My only experience with tinted windows is removing the tinted film from used cars that I purchased because the garage said the cars would not pass inspection.