Discussion
I`ve just bought a new car and I`m thinking of getting the back 3 windows tinted. I`ve no idea about tinting and just wondered what the best grading would be , reason for the tinting is to just give the car a better look. Just wondering what peoples opinions are as I've never looked into this before and know nothing about it.
Long time since I had windows tinted but I recall the place I used showing me examples of their work so I had a good idea of what I wanted.
As stated above - a dark/limo tint is probably best, don't really see the point otherwise.
Obviously a debatable topic on PH, but personally see nothing wrong with professionally done, legal tints. My current Focus ST doesn't have them and I'm pretty sure my kids miss them when the sun is shining brightly in their faces....
As stated above - a dark/limo tint is probably best, don't really see the point otherwise.
Obviously a debatable topic on PH, but personally see nothing wrong with professionally done, legal tints. My current Focus ST doesn't have them and I'm pretty sure my kids miss them when the sun is shining brightly in their faces....
I have a 2005 Saab with the rear windows tinted.
Ok, I'm an old git now, but getting back into the car after a break of nearly 10 years (my son-in law has had it in the interim) it immediately struck me how dark and gloomy it is inside.
However, it doesn't have a black head lining or black seats, so it isn't anywhere near as gloomy as a friend's Mercedes EQC. I had a ride in the back of that, had tunnel vision for 10 miles, and frankly couldn't wait to get out.
I am presenting an alternative view just so you think about sitting in a car with a tinted interior before committing.
It's a bit akin to people who spend extra to specify 22 inch wheels and low profile tyres on a new £50,000 SUV/4x4 because they like the look of it, and then hate the crashy ride and feeling every little imperfection in the road.
Ok, I'm an old git now, but getting back into the car after a break of nearly 10 years (my son-in law has had it in the interim) it immediately struck me how dark and gloomy it is inside.
However, it doesn't have a black head lining or black seats, so it isn't anywhere near as gloomy as a friend's Mercedes EQC. I had a ride in the back of that, had tunnel vision for 10 miles, and frankly couldn't wait to get out.
I am presenting an alternative view just so you think about sitting in a car with a tinted interior before committing.
It's a bit akin to people who spend extra to specify 22 inch wheels and low profile tyres on a new £50,000 SUV/4x4 because they like the look of it, and then hate the crashy ride and feeling every little imperfection in the road.
My concern being a new car and them not being factory standard and now I`m trying to add them is just how good are these companies adding the vinyl material (or whatever it is) & the concern of door panel & rubber scratching. Id be hacked off buying anew car and then some guy Stanley blades the window rubbers or door trim etc.
I think youre right, i need to go and see the garage and see examples etc.
I think youre right, i need to go and see the garage and see examples etc.
QBee said:
I have a 2005 Saab with the rear windows tinted.
Ok, I'm an old git now, but getting back into the car after a break of nearly 10 years (my son-in law has had it in the interim) it immediately struck me how dark and gloomy it is inside.
However, it doesn't have a black head lining or black seats, so it isn't anywhere near as gloomy as a friend's Mercedes EQC. I had a ride in the back of that, had tunnel vision for 10 miles, and frankly couldn't wait to get out.
I am presenting an alternative view just so you think about sitting in a car with a tinted interior before committing.
It's a bit akin to people who spend extra to specify 22 inch wheels and low profile tyres on a new £50,000 SUV/4x4 because they like the look of it, and then hate the crashy ride and feeling every little imperfection in the road.
Thats a great point and that also has crossed my mind, as its leather interior - black through.Ok, I'm an old git now, but getting back into the car after a break of nearly 10 years (my son-in law has had it in the interim) it immediately struck me how dark and gloomy it is inside.
However, it doesn't have a black head lining or black seats, so it isn't anywhere near as gloomy as a friend's Mercedes EQC. I had a ride in the back of that, had tunnel vision for 10 miles, and frankly couldn't wait to get out.
I am presenting an alternative view just so you think about sitting in a car with a tinted interior before committing.
It's a bit akin to people who spend extra to specify 22 inch wheels and low profile tyres on a new £50,000 SUV/4x4 because they like the look of it, and then hate the crashy ride and feeling every little imperfection in the road.
Its a flip of the coin I think on if it is going to be the right choice or not & youre right in making mods on cars because of "the look". My car already has a factory MOD kit on it anyway so do I really need the tinited windows to just add to "The Look"
Hmmmmm
Coops666 said:
My concern being a new car and them not being factory standard and now I`m trying to add them is just how good are these companies adding the vinyl material (or whatever it is) & the concern of door panel & rubber scratching. Id be hacked off buying anew car and then some guy Stanley blades the window rubbers or door trim etc.
I think youre right, i need to go and see the garage and see examples etc.
A tint person would have to be particularly careless to do that. Normally they spray, clean and squeegee the outer window. Then they offer up the film and cut it with a blade to get a template. Because of the black band around the window, there's about a cm all the way around as room for error, so they shouldn't need to cut close to the rubbers. If you have concerns, mention it and ask them to be careful. I think youre right, i need to go and see the garage and see examples etc.
There are a lot of people doing tints and most commercial places do it well. Most of the bad tints are DIYers.
I’ve had aftermarket tints on a number of cars.
I would aim for no higher than 80% tint (some refer to it as 20% light) - any darker than that and it starts to look like it’s painted on.
The 3 series had illegal (was young) 70-80% all around , the vectra had 95% limo tint and looked terrible. the 5 series had I think 90% on the sides and 80% on the rear. The tinted recommended a lighter shade for the rear window for better visibility and due to the cabin being darker from the side windows, you don’t notice it from the outside.
I would aim for no higher than 80% tint (some refer to it as 20% light) - any darker than that and it starts to look like it’s painted on.
The 3 series had illegal (was young) 70-80% all around , the vectra had 95% limo tint and looked terrible. the 5 series had I think 90% on the sides and 80% on the rear. The tinted recommended a lighter shade for the rear window for better visibility and due to the cabin being darker from the side windows, you don’t notice it from the outside.
The CX5 we bought recently had standard privacy glass, but it wasn't very dark. As the rear parcel shelf is a half arsed roller affair, we wanted something that would stop people seeing in and also keep the sun off our dog, so went for limo tint on top of the privacy tint. With hindsight I probably would have gone for 20% as the limo 5% has made it very dark inside. Visibility out is ok, although not so good at night. Luckily the car has a reversing camera to make parking in the dark a bit easier.
I had window tinting fitted by Auto Asylum in Maidenhead www.autoasylum.co.uk a few years ago when we had the tints added to our Discovery 4, really great guy and has been doing it for years, he's also featured on an old episode of Wheeler Dealers where they tinted a Range Rover.
He had four shades available, although from memory about 75% of his customers went for the one shade, not limo.
We had the Disco 4 for 4 years and had no problems with the tints.
He had four shades available, although from memory about 75% of his customers went for the one shade, not limo.
We had the Disco 4 for 4 years and had no problems with the tints.
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