Front Windshield Tint

[BobsTrail]

I want to tint the front windshield to reduce the UV and heat coming in.

I see a 3M Crystaline that passes 90% and Solar Guard ceramic that passes 70%. I'm concerned about the 70% being too dark for night driving but it's less expensive.
I know it's not legal, but the shops are willing to do it.

Feedback, experiences and opinios will be appreciated.

 

[bimrunner]

I want to tint the front windshield to reduce the UV and heat coming in.

I see a 3M Crystaline that passes 90% and Solar Guard ceramic that passes 70%. I'm concerned about the 70% being too dark for night driving but it's less expensive.
I know it's not legal, but the shops are willing to do it.

Feedback, experiences and opinios will be appreciated.

I wouldn't do that. I have a 4" limo strip. It helps and I know I wouldn't want a fully tinted windshield.

 

[Americas High Five]

70% is definitely light enough to see fine at night. I had 70% ceramic solar guard on my previous car's front windshield. It made my interior 10-15 degrees cooler then without it. I've considered doing my 4runner but now that I am in VA we have inspection stickers we need to stick on our front windshields that I haven't wanted to bother cutting around or worrying about it taking off tint when I get my annual inspection.

Be sure to check the heat ratings, if I remember correctly the solar guard 70% blocked 40-45% of the heat. The 3m may block more thermal heat but allow more light?

 

[1engineer]

That's easy: NO!!! Film window tint of any transmittance percent will distort vision. It will also reflect and amplify any interior lights at night. You seem like a really good guy but that's the worst idea ever unless you are entering a car show or 16 years old.

 

[WFO_Racer]

Hi Bob,

Good to hear from you again. My Runner has a front window tint. No color added but UV protection. Love it , keeps the cabin cooler. Next run check it out. I also tinted the moonroof and the back windows to add UV protection as well.

My guy comes to your house, he mainly does exotic or high end cars but has done all my cars for the past ten years, quality work.

 

[Jeff614]

FWIW, here's what they check for in VA. I'd think it might be hard to get through with anything on the windshield though. Everywhere else they're just looking for "obstruction of vision" which depending on the inspector widely varies.

Virginia State Police - Safety Division

I've had tint on 5, soon to be 6, vehicles and never had a problem. I really expected to get hassled with the lifted Super Duty butttt nothing. I'd go for what you want but easy on the windshield.

Btw, there's a shop called TNT Tint in Alexandria. Not sure where you are in VA but he's been known as the place to go by a lot of NOVA folks.

Good luck!!
- Jeff

 

[TheLast13]

50% is good and not really noticeable.

 

[M3coupe]

Just .02 here - everyone knows anything below the AS1 line is not legal. I completely understand that most are not worried about a ticket or even police noticing and I guess that's fine. I will just add that the much bigger risk is if your in an accident of any kind and they discover you had film on the front window you will lose BIG. Believe me insurance adjusters don't miss it, especially if your other windows have tint.

BTW - factory front windshield while they do not block heat do offer UV protection.

 

[Americas High Five]

I will just add that the much bigger risk is if your in an accident of any kind and they discover you had film on the front window you will lose BIG. Believe me insurance adjusters don't miss it, especially if your other windows have tint.

Wouldn't this same logic apply for illegal tint on the driver's and passenger's side front windows? I have never heard of anyone being sued in a car accident due to window tint; it's always a buddy's friend's cousin who this happened to...