getting windows tinted darker

[blackened_offroad]

what is there to know about tint? I'm planning on getting my windows tinted as dark as I can for privacy/security, as i'm going to be camping in my 5th gen, and will also have an expensive mountain bike in there sometimes that I'd rather not have get stolen.

I'm not looking for some show car/mall crawler/lowrider fancy shit, I just want the windows darker for security, privacy, and also to keep the interior cooler in summer. and I want it durable and professional.

 

[El Dusty]

what is there to know about tint?

I’ve been really happy with the M.E.S.A. 4 I had installed. With tints you can get some cheap, dark, DIY film if the look is all your after. It sounds like you want to get a film with UV and heat rejection technology. The Mesa website is not great on info but has a dealer locator. If you’re lucky enough to live near one I think it’s worth looking into. Most of them have a sales display where you can see the levels of tint they provide and feel the heat rejection with a heat lamp. It’s impressive. Like I said level 4 was just right for me.

M.E.S.A. Tint | Mespecialists

 

[DS2121]

If your looking for privacy go 15% or darker depending on the tint. I’ve had 5% on two of my previous vehicles, awesome for privacy not so great for seeing out at night in the rain. Tradeoffs.

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

Google > (state) tint laws

If you're trying to match rear tint, you will want to go with anything that's close to 27% so 30% will be just fine for you.

if you want to have the same tint as limos on the road today, you will want to add 5% tint - or anything under/close to 5%. this will affect your eyesight during nighttime so hope you're an attentive driver when it comes to other vehicles/pedestrians at nighttime. 5% tint front with 5% over factory tint pretty much looks the same from afar and up close.

for myself, my tint is illegal but i leave it to chance where i can be pulled over anytime for this violation. if i did not have a shop that'd pass my state inspection without failing me for my windshield tint, i would have a hard time finding a shop that'd put their name on the inspection sticker with windshield installed.

if you want to go light, I'd do 50% front and 5% for rear windows to maximize privacy. if you want a little dark up front but pitch black rears, 35% front and 5% rear. you will still be visible to others but it is harder for law enforcement to see you when it gets closer to darkness if they're stingy about tint violations

 

[ffdrew.]

I did 15% on mine and they did a lighter number to match on the back. I’m happy with it overall. Gives a good amount of privacy, and I can see out fine in all but the darkest conditions. I’ve had 5% in the past, and it was a bit too dark for my taste. I used a film with the highest UV blocking, as well as a UV film on the windshield. It does a great job of keeping the interior cool in the summer.
One thing to consider as far as security, all one has to do to see through tint is hold a cell phone camera up to the glass, and you can see in on the screen like there is no tint at all. Just something to keep in mind when you think the tint will keep anyone from seeing in.

 

[NW.OH.T4R]

Just to clarify the post above. You are looking for IR blocking, not UV. IR wavelength is where the radiant heat comes. UV blocking will keep your skin looking like a fresh baby and also every tint on the market will block 99-100% of UV rays.

 

[ElectroBoy]

Go to your local reputable auto glass tinter (read the google/yelp/etc reviews) and ask for their advice. If they’re a good experienced shop they will have tinted many vehicles like yours. They can measure your glass and give recommendations for added tint levels based on your desires. You can see displays of the various tints. They have access to many manufacturers products and probably will have several cars in the parking lot where you can see their results.

I got my front driver and passenger windows tinted to almost match the rear windows. And I’m cooler when the sun is shining in the driver side :thumb3: I’m very pleased with the results.

Another clarification to consider: The high quality ceramic type IR blocking tint makes your body and the inside surfaces feel cooler in sunlight. But if you park it in the sun for a long time it eventually will still get scorching hot due to other heating effects from the external metal radiating and conducting heat to the interior.

 

[Rack]

Where you live will depend on how long you will get away with darker tint on the DS and PS windows.
I had matching tint on all my windows from the dealer I bought the truck from in Las Vegas.
I got away with it in SOCAL for seven years. Last year I got stopped on Hwy 101 by a CHP that had no other reason to stop me other than window tint. Its called a fix-it ticket for the first offence ( no Charge) the second offence you talk to a Judge.
I had it removed. Then have it inspected and signed off by the CHP and reinstalled a lighter crystalline ceramic (CR60) from 3M it keeps the heat out but it doesn't look as cool as matching factory tint.

Good Luck

 

[Anonymous4Runner]

Where you live will depend on how long you will get away with darker tint on the DS and PS windows.
I had matching tint on all my windows from the dealer I bought the truck from in Las Vegas.
I got away with it in SOCAL for seven years. Last year I got stopped on Hwy 101 by a CHP that had no other reason to stop me other than window tint. Its called a fix-it ticket for the first offence ( no Charge) the second offence you talk to a Judge.
I had it removed. Then have it inspected and signed off by the CHP and reinstalled a lighter crystalline ceramic (CR60) from 3M it keeps the heat out but it doesn't look as cool as matching factory tint.

Good Luck

That's so ****ed...for VA folks it's just a traffic citation. If you failed state inspection, you'd have to get it fixed and they give you a highly visible temp sticker showing you failed inspection to deter you from driving around on rejected tags. probably accumulated close to 7 $96 tickets over the last 10 years for illegal tint

 

[J3ffr0]

It's a little pricey, but shop around and find someone who installs FormulaOne tints. They'll never turn purple, filter 99% of uv rays, and drastically reduce heat buildup in the car. It looks good too, not that store bought crap. Tint is one of those things you do not want to redo later down the road! Fork it out for the good stuff and be done with it once!

 

[blackened_offroad]

thanks guys. I want it darker than the stock in the back. I'll look into the IR tint.

 

[ffdrew.]

You are correct. My mistake. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[mr.walleye]

I went with limo tint on my back 5 windows, 30% drivers and pass windows, nothing on the windshield. no problems with the law either. you cant see nothing from the outside. this photo is before I got the driver and pass done.

 

[DallasTRDPro]

If your looking for privacy go 15% or darker depending on the tint. I’ve had 5% on two of my previous vehicles, awesome for privacy not so great for seeing out at night in the rain. Tradeoffs.

I went with 10% on the front and 10% over the factory tint in the rear so its really dark in back. Can't see in for the most part during the day and not at all at night. Also can't see out at night. Luckily the windows roll down. I went with ceramic tint to cut down on the heat.