Tint question

[ArizonaKevin]

Have never been a big fan of tint as I've always felt like it's snake oil with some of the claims folks make about it's capabilities. However, after getting through my first summer with a new truck that has a panoramic sunroof and black leather interior, I'd like to try to keep the truck a little cooler next year.

Does anyone know if the ceramic tint actually works to keep heat out? I don't want to go any darker than I already have, just want to keep some heat out.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Have never been a big fan of tint as I've always felt like it's snake oil with some of the claims folks make about it's capabilities. However, after getting through my first summer with a new truck that has a panoramic sunroof and black leather interior, I'd like to try to keep the truck a little cooler next year.

Does anyone know if the ceramic tint actually works to keep heat out? I don't want to go any darker than I already have, just want to keep some heat out.

Yes…it makes a big difference. I like my vehicles dark, and I don’t want ppl outside to be able to see my kid etc in window…so it’s darkest possible tint on everything except front and those are 15/20. It helps…as does using window shades when parked https://www.weathertech.com/sunshad...QIqvUSgGAaWZ6lnQK58r6vvHz-ru6krMaAvEwEALw_wcB

 

[King295]

I have ceramic tint on my truck and it is noticeably cooler over non-ceramic tint which I previously put on my trucks. I have the 3M Crystalline on all windows, no sunroof on my truck.

 

[Riverhound 2.0]

The short answer is YES!

Like you, I was suspect of the ceramic tint deal, but after getting in a friend's truck in the heat of a Havasu summer, it was noticeably cooler. I subsequently had both my vehicles re-tinted with Expel(sp) ceramic and had the same experience. I even did the windshield and sunroofs in clear, as I didn't want them darker; I just wanted to keep the heat out. That stuff works.

 

[Desert Whaler]

Yep . . . def. works.
If you you wanne geek-out even more, you can pick up a roll of that 'reflectix' stuff from depot . . . make paper templates / patterns for your windows, then trace and cut the reflectix to fit. (they sell kits already made . . but I'm a cheap ass)
Bind the edges with black duct tape and roll them up . . . use them when the truck is parked directly in the sun . . . huge difference.
Youtube has plenty of vids of people doing it.

 

[rivermobster]

Have never been a big fan of tint as I've always felt like it's snake oil with some of the claims folks make about it's capabilities. However, after getting through my first summer with a new truck that has a panoramic sunroof and black leather interior, I'd like to try to keep the truck a little cooler next year.

Does anyone know if the ceramic tint actually works to keep heat out? I don't want to go any darker than I already have, just want to keep some heat out.

It definitely helps.

I had the 3M on every window the first go around, including the windshield. Eventually, it started getting like micro cracks? It was a Bitch to see through at night. The warranty replaced it for free, but the installer used a different brand this time. He said the 3M stuff Always does that, eventually.

Having the light matching stuff, on all the front windows, made it almost impossible to tell they were tinted. Darker stuff went on the back.

 

[AZLineman]

I just put the ceramic on my windshield recently because a couple of my friends wouldn’t shut the fuck up about it how big a difference it made and I hate it. I’m sure I will get used to it. It does help considerably with the heat and it’s hot here but it has a bit of a blue hue to it that I don’t like. I also feel that the optical clarity has a slight haze. I know I’m picky but you know it’s not like you’re not looking through it all the time. Lol.

 

[ChumpChange]

I went three days without tint. Couldn’t stand people being able to see me.

I will say that every one of my cars is white. The black top makes it exceptionally hotter than all my others.

 

[boatnam2]

I can't see as it is and surely can't see at night with a tinted windshield, so no real point for me, little tint on side windows and back helps some, but I'm close to beach so not much heat anyways.

 

[napanutt]

I tint all my vehicles. Not so much to minimize heat I just think it makes a car look a lot cooler, no pun intended.

 

[17 10 Flat]

Have never been a big fan of tint as I've always felt like it's snake oil with some of the claims folks make about it's capabilities. However, after getting through my first summer with a new truck that has a panoramic sunroof and black leather interior, I'd like to try to keep the truck a little cooler next year.

Does anyone know if the ceramic tint actually works to keep heat out? I don't want to go any darker than I already have, just want to keep some heat out.

Yes ! live in Florida. Both cars ceramic tint. Works...

 

[Singleton]

100% it helps.
But as stated, the clear ceramic has a blue haze to it

 

[Big B Hova]

I use to want dark tinted windows for privacy with my girl as it was a mobile hotel.

Fastforward 24 years now I want privacy so I can mack down a cheese burger in traffic with no one judging me.

Don't judge me.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I use to want dark tinted windows for privacy with my girl as it was a mobile hotel.

Fastforward 24 years now I want privacy so I can mack down a cheese burger in traffic with no one judging me.

Don't judge me.

Cheeseburger is an interesting term for a roadie..

 

[Flying_Lavey]

When I lived in Tucson and was given my grandma's G35 coupe, the A/C could not keep up when the windows weren't tinted. I had just the basic 50% I think put on all the windows except the windshield and it made a huge difference. The A/C was able to just fine then and it felt MUCH cooler getting in the car after it was parked in the sun for a while. I wanted to go ceramic, but didnt have the extra $$ to do it.

 

[JayBreww]

I can't see as it is and surely can't see at night with a tinted windshield, so no real point for me, little tint on side windows and back helps some, but I'm close to beach so not much heat anyways.

I have %50 on the front windshield, hardly any difference at night.

 

[DLC]

I had regular tint done on my truck. - yes I’m a CHEAP ass !

After a year and a half …. I’m kicking myself, I should have gotten the Good CHIT man !

So Now I’m like it’s even money ….

Just bite the bullet and get the good stuff, it lasts for years!

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Thanks everyone, never seen RDP have such unanimous agreement before. Should have clarified, truck does already have some level of tint, just want to improve the heat issue. Does anyone know if they would just put the clear ceramic over what I already have or if they would remove the tint I already have and apply their own stuff?

 

[King295]

Thanks everyone, never seen RDP have such unanimous agreement before. Should have clarified, truck does already have some level of tint, just want to improve the heat issue. Does anyone know if they would just put the clear ceramic over what I already have or if they would remove the tint I already have and apply their own stuff?


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I'd imagine you can get someone to stack it but they likely won't warranty it if anything goes wrong. If you plan on keeping it I'd have the existing tint stripped and start over. The 3M products have a lifetime warranty.

 

[ltbaney1]

I just put the ceramic on my windshield recently because a couple of my friends wouldn’t shut the fuck up about it how big a difference it made and I hate it. I’m sure I will get used to it. It does help considerably with the heat and it’s hot here but it has a bit of a blue hue to it that I don’t like. I also feel that the optical clarity has a slight haze. I know I’m picky but you know it’s not like you’re not looking through it all the time. Lol.

my dad did his truck with clear ceramic on the windsheild. i cant ride in his truck any more. i wear polarized sunglasses and it plays hell with the ceramic.

 

[angiebaby]

Have never been a big fan of tint as I've always felt like it's snake oil with some of the claims folks make about it's capabilities. However, after getting through my first summer with a new truck that has a panoramic sunroof and black leather interior, I'd like to try to keep the truck a little cooler next year.

Does anyone know if the ceramic tint actually works to keep heat out? I don't want to go any darker than I already have, just want to keep some heat out.

Yes. We have it on the front door windows of the Colorado. Huge improvement. I was intending to get it on the moonroof of the Grand Cherokee, but then we sold every thing and moved into a motorhome.

 

[hallett21]

Yes it works! I do our windshields as well (whatever the first or second lightest level is). Always ceramic material like 3M or the equivalent.

Only downfall is backing our boat up the driveway at night. I have to roll down the windows.
I wear polarized sunglasses and have never had an issue.

 

[TrollerDave]

On my old truck, I had the 3M, not sure if it was ceramic, but it was the higher end stuff and not super dark. It was difficult to see in from the outside and easy to see out, even at night. As far as the heat goes, It made a huge difference from no tint. Also after 15 years, the color didn’t fade like cheaper tint that turn a brown or purple color.

 

[Yoshiro]

Yes ceramic is noticeable cooler, you can feel it. And I had it put on my panoramic roof on my pickup and it's great. I no longer feel the heat on my head.

 

[Ballyhoo]

I believe that the ceramic tints are the only ones that actually reduce heat. I have it on both my cars and its a big difference. I wouldn't own a car without ceramic tint. The other tint is just colored and doesn't help with heat or the sun's damaging rays.

 

[hallett21]

I also notice a difference in how long it takes the truck to get hot after sitting. Obviously 4 hours in 110 degree weather doesn’t matter. But on an 80 degree day the truck stays cooler for longer.

 

[B59]

Thanks everyone, never seen RDP have such unanimous agreement before. Should have clarified, truck does already have some level of tint, just want to improve the heat issue. Does anyone know if they would just put the clear ceramic over what I already have or if they would remove the tint I already have and apply their own stuff?


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No you can’t do it. Any reputable tint shop will say no.

 

[havasuhusker]

I'm here in the valley. I have it on my F250. It's made a noticeable difference.

 

[Ol Man]

As a motorcycle rider I hate heavily tinted windows where you cannot see the driver. No idea if they see me.

 

[boatnam2]

Thanks everyone, never seen RDP have such unanimous agreement before. Should have clarified, truck does already have some level of tint, just want to improve the heat issue. Does anyone know if they would just put the clear ceramic over what I already have or if they would remove the tint I already have and apply their own stuff?


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GF just had her work car done and i think she told me they went over it. Good looking rig.

 

[Andy B.]

Just did ceramic on wife's car huge difference worth the extra money!!!! Do it!!

 

[ArizonaKevin]

Anyone have ballpark costs they're willing to share? Talked to the place that did the PPF on my wife's car and they quoted $1150 OTD for every piece of glass.

 

[CoolCruzin]

I feel no different with the ceramic tint.
2 cars have regular tint 1 has the ceramic.
I can see a bit different on how it looks .
The glass is hot . I think it takes long to get hot vs regular tint

 

[Andy B.]

Anyone have ballpark costs they're willing to share? Talked to the place that did the PPF on my wife's car and they quoted $1150 OTD for every piece of glass.

That seems high and you can see better at night thru it, I have regular tint on mine and it's cooler and clearer than my truck. She didn't have her windshield done and she had no previous tint to remove though.

 

[bowtiejunkie]

I believe that the ceramic tints are the only ones that actually reduce heat. I have it on both my cars and its a big difference. I wouldn't own a car without ceramic tint. The other tint is just colored and doesn't help with heat or the sun's damaging rays.

Both Non-ceramic and ceramic block 99%+ of UV. Ceramic is going to reduce infrared and solar energy a greater percentage than non-ceramic.

I've read a 8-10 degrees interior temp difference between non-ceramic & ceramic. Lots of variables, so I take that with a grain of salt.

non-ceramic to ceramic probably isn't worth the cost, IMO, depending. Tinting a windshield with clear would help. A car with no tint, I would do ceramic without question.

There's different levels of ceramic tint, so comparing costs isn't so easy. Here in Dallas area, for lowest level ceramic on 2010 Accord sedan and 2017 Ford Focus, it was $340/each (no windshield tint). This was in 2022.

 

[CLdrinker]

Tint is mandatory.

I ponies up for ceramic on this latest truck. It makes a difference. I would not use the term huge difference. More like noticeable.

 

[DRYHEAT]

Anyone have ballpark costs they're willing to share? Talked to the place that did the PPF on my wife's car and they quoted $1150 OTD for every piece of glass.

Wow! Now you have got to be a Baller to have tinted windows. I guess I’ll go be poor somewhere else

 

[OCMerrill]

If your mega coyote ugly like me I recommend the darkest tint you can find to minimize drivers laughing at me....I mean you.

Ceramic is a must. IMO I dont think even the CHP pulls anyone over for tint these days unless its for something else then you will get ticked.

I always tint the front doors light because nighttime happens and seeing is easier.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

Anyone have ballpark costs they're willing to share? Talked to the place that did the PPF on my wife's car and they quoted $1150 OTD for every piece of glass.

Read that wrong..

It’s double cost of “premium tint usually

Call sun solutions in havasu. In and out half a day.

 

[hallett21]

If your mega coyote ugly like me I recommend the darkest tint you can find to minimize drivers laughing at me....I mean you.

Ceramic is a must. IMO I dont think even the CHP pulls anyone over for tint these days unless its for something else then you will get ticked.

I always tint the front doors light because nighttime happens and seeing is easier.

My last pullover was for towing the dump trailer at 75mph, texting and tint. He probably paced me for 10 seconds before I looked left lol.

Guy wrote me for texting and driving .

I explained I don’t want people looking in my truck because of theft/ or something worse. I also acknowledged that I understand how it can make him uneasy approaching a dark vehicle and that I always lower them for LEO.

He smiled and said slow down lol.

 

[Bowtiepower00]

Anyone have ballpark costs they're willing to share? Talked to the place that did the PPF on my wife's car and they quoted $1150 OTD for every piece of glass.

For quality ceramic tint with a lifetime warranty that is in the ballpark. The installers I know would want to remove any existing tint first, and that will drive the price up. In Phoenix, the Scottsdale shops that do a lot of high dollar cars are generally quite a bit more than the shops in lower rent areas.

If you shop around you can find someone to do it for 600ish, but verify the quality of tint being used and if they will stand behind their work if it bubbles or there is a defect in the tint down the road.

Having had tint on a dozen+ vehicles, I would want ceramic with a lifetime guarantee, and I would do the windshield. The difference in heat rejection is incredible. The tint on the windshield of my Ram works as well as a sun shade. Depending on the brand and type of tint, you might discover some strange rainbows or reflections when wearing polarized sunglasses, if that is a consideration.

 

[Flying_Lavey]

I believe that the ceramic tints are the only ones that actually reduce heat. I have it on both my cars and its a big difference. I wouldn't own a car without ceramic tint. The other tint is just colored and doesn't help with heat or the sun's damaging rays.

See my post in #15. Standard tint absolutely makes a difference. I have no experience with ceramic so I can't say one way or another for that.

 

[ArizonaKevin]

For quality ceramic tint with a lifetime warranty that is in the ballpark. The installers I know would want to remove any existing tint first, and that will drive the price up. In Phoenix, the Scottsdale shops that do a lot of high dollar cars are generally quite a bit more than the shops in lower rent areas.

If you shop around you can find someone to do it for 600ish, but verify the quality of tint being used and if they will stand behind their work if it bubbles or there is a defect in the tint down the road.

Having had tint on a dozen+ vehicles, I would want ceramic with a lifetime guarantee, and I would do the windshield. The difference in heat rejection is incredible. The tint on the windshield of my Ram works as well as a sun shade. Depending on the brand and type of tint, you might discover some strange rainbows or reflections when wearing polarized sunglasses, if that is a consideration.

Yeah the shop that did the PPF on my wife's car is Echelon Autosports in Scottsdale Airpark. I thought I was hot shit after buying my wife a BMW until I went there, we had the shittiest car in there, comfortably.

 

[Orange Juice]

Thanks everyone, never seen RDP have such unanimous agreement before. Should have clarified, truck does already have some level of tint, just want to improve the heat issue. Does anyone know if they would just put the clear ceramic over what I already have or if they would remove the tint I already have and apply their own stuff?


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You want to improve, trade it in on a white truck with no sun roof, or park it for the summer under a white car cover.

I put reflective film on the front window of my truck, it’s made the most difference, and allowed the ac to cool the car quicker. I did it to my 2022 Charger, but got a big rock chip, and Millions of small ones, and got the wind shield replaced.

 

[Ricks raft]

Just had my express van windshield done. Huge windshield and dash just radiates heat. 3m ceramic was $200 3m crystaline was $300. It is slightly cooler than the stock window. polarized sunglasses cause a rainbow effect.

 

[NIKAL]

my dad did his truck with clear ceramic on the windsheild. i cant ride in his truck any more. i wear polarized sunglasses and it plays hell with the ceramic.

Good to know. The shop I plan on using to do the windows on my new truck was telling me about the clear ceramic film for the front windshield and how it cuts 80% of the UV and reduces the heat. I was considering having them do it. They used LLumar brand film.

Do you know the brand your dad had installed?

 

[lbhsbz]

Anyone have ballpark costs they're willing to share? Talked to the place that did the PPF on my wife's car and they quoted $1150 OTD for every piece of glass.

I just had a Camry done for a friend of mine...everything but the windshield, $375 for the "premium" tint and $550 for the "ceramic" was the price. Since I was paying, I got the cheap option. Mobile guy in So Cal that's being doing all the tint work for everyone I worked with for the last 20 years.

 

[ltbaney1]

Good to know. The shop I plan on using to do the windows on my new truck was telling me about the clear ceramic film for the front windshield and how it cuts 80% of the UV and reduces the heat. I was considering having them do it. They used LLumar brand film.

Do you know the brand your dad had installed?

i dont know the brand, but i do know im not the only one who has that issue with the ceramic. when i had my truck tinted i had the same shop do mine and took some of the film outside and looked through it before i signed the workorder, i didnt have them do the windshield but did not want any issues. i opted against the ceramic.