Looking for Input on tints - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Morg · 06-09-2011, 10:42 AM

Hi Im looking to get my cars windows tinted. So far from what I've read most suggest 20% all around. Some say go lighter in the front windows. Any insight would be appreciated. Here is a recent image of my Camry if it helps.

Pvt-Public · 06-09-2011, 11:19 AM

The first thing you need to do is find out exactly what is legal in your area. Only then can you decide how dark to go.

Morg · 06-09-2011, 11:39 AM

Currently in Ontario the only restriction is no tints in the front right and left that would substantially obscure visibility from the exterior. Kinda Vague.

sam735 · 06-09-2011, 11:43 AM

I have a green camry looks about like yours (yours looks better lol) and I am going to *hopefully* have the windows tinted this weekend. I am thinking 35% for the front 2 windows, and then 20% on the back 2 and rear window. I will put a pic of it when I get it done.

***projektvertx*** · 06-09-2011, 12:26 PM

This is what 20% on the rear and 35% on the front looks like. In retrospect, I would go all 20%.

4Cyl'erThriller · 06-09-2011, 12:37 PM

IMHO Id say stick with 35%. 20 is pretty dark and may end up giving you some visibility issues at night. I went 40% on mine and while it still registers 33%, 2% under the legal 35% limit here in Maryland. I wouldnt wanna go any darker.

Chris Crash · 06-09-2011, 12:58 PM

Bear in mind that from the factory we have 7% tint. So 30% is actually 23%, and 20% is actually 13%. I had 20% and it was DARK. I live in a pretty dark neighborhood (street lights are not around) and it was literally impossible to back down my driveway anymore. I had to turn around first and then drive away. And at intersections in my neighborhood, I had to roll down my windows to check. One time I pulled around a corner that I thought was clear, and then I saw through the front untinted windshield a guy walking his dog that I could not see before.

20 is just too dark in my opinion.

***projektvertx*** · 06-09-2011, 01:15 PM

^That. Meh, guys, OP is in Toronto, which is INSANELY over lit IMO

OP, looks like you have a tan leather interior, just like me. Expect the result to be similar to mine.

OceanView · 06-09-2011, 07:48 PM

I've always had 20% but the choice is up to you as you will have to live with it.

***JohnGD*** · 06-09-2011, 08:18 PM

Go with the darkest legal tint. I think 3M's Color Stable is a good value.

Agreed that 20% may give OP visibility issues on dark streets. But 20% in a well lit city should be fine. 35% is a bit light. Maybe you can still go 50-70% transmission in the front and not have problems with the cops. These are pretty light.

4Cyl'erThriller · 06-09-2011, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Crash

Bear in mind that from the factory we have 7% tint.

Actually technically it would be 93% from the factory but I know what you meant.
Well thats why I suggested a good 35%. Mine is 40 and another 5% or so would give a nice dark but visible in the night look although the light interior may make it look a bit lighter (Minimally if you ask me) It still wont help you see at night.
Also just my opinion but I like the windows to all be the same. I would never tint the back darker and the fronts lighter. I think its just tacky. Although I have seen some where you cant barely tell they are diff shades but... Just not my style
GL with whatever you decide.

cruisn76 · 06-10-2011, 10:13 AM

You have to realize that adding tint will also make it harder to see at night. Most won't mind (like myself) but you have to bear that in mind.

Personally, I did 28% solar guard tints and love it. But if I had a chance I'd do it all over with 20%. I live ontario and I see a lot of cars with 20% tints, whether they get ticketed or not I wouldnt know.

20% all the way!!!

mail2_jb · 06-10-2011, 10:24 AM

Tinted my cars 5 years back. I went with the darkest allowable in Texas. In 2010, they changed the rule and this time when I went for the inspection, i was told I am over the limit (25% max, I am 24%). So I will have to tear it down, otherwise I could get pulled over. I haven't done that yet, but planning to go to the same shop and see if they do it.
I paid ~$180 (i think) for all windows, 3M (i think) with lifetime warranty on it.
Like others said, you need to go to a good shop with lifetime warranty and get the lighter shade possible. mine 4 years, still going strong, no bubble at all. Lifetime warranty will replace in case it bubbles (usually within 3-4 year), i was told.

There is a metalic version (~40 over the regular one) which gives a better protection and shade (again i was told). In one car i opted the metalic and the other regular (same shade). Both are same IMHO, no reason to get metalic one. Metalic one will interfere with your am/fm antena and radio reception sucks after this. Regular one, no problem.

John

GreatAvalon · 06-10-2011, 11:25 AM

i went 15% all the way around...and i live in VA where the legal limit is 50% in the front. no cop has even looked at me twice about it. when picking how dark to go dont worry about the legal limit its what looks cool and how dark you want to go. why do you want to pay all that money for tint and then still be able to be seen through it? its the same cost for 50 as it is for 5 so if your goin to do it, do it right and make it noticeable. plus, the darker you go the cooler it keeps your car in the summer. and yea, with 15% i lose some visibility through my side mirrors at night but when your driving down the road and nobody can see you in your car even during the day, its sick and it looks good.

GreatAvalon · 06-10-2011, 11:27 AM

and you never hear anyone that got 15 or 20% say if i did it again i'd go lighter...you always hear i got 30 or 35% and if i did it again i'd go DARKER!

it wont be too dark at night...just have to man up and use the eyes that you have. people saying they cant see stuff at night are either on a pitch black road with no lights anywhere or they are simply over exaggerating. plain and simple.