How to Have Your Windows Tinted

If you drive the highways and byways during afternoon rush hour and find yourself squinting at the setting sun, you may want to consider tinting your windows.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yellow Pages

1. Ask shops that service your car, as well as your car dealer, to recommend a few stores that can tint windows.

2. Visit those stores.

3. Check out the installation bay. Are the facilities clean and orderly?

4. Ask if the shop is a member of the International Window Film Association.

5. Make certain that the shop has a range of tints to choose from.

6. Ask how long the shop has been in business.

7. Find out about the warranty.

8. Ask about the price of the work. Keep in mind, however, that you get what you pay for. If the price sounds very cheap to you, beware - the job may be cheap, too.

9. Select the shop that you're most comfortable with.

Tips & Warnings

• Window tint can provide benefits beyond privacy; it can help keep a car cool during the sweltering days of summer and can block up to 65 percent of the total solar energy hitting the windows. Tinting obstructs almost 100 percent of the UV rays that can damage the dashboard and fade the color of the seats.

[ahoier]

on 11/24/2008 http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/ seems to have most states covered as far as tint laws. But it's stated many times thru-out the site to check with local law (likely DMV office should know) before tinting. I would think any local "tint shop" would know the legalities too, but ya know, they are only making a business ;) So most will likely sell you whatever you decide to pay for, if you get my drift ;)

I don't know how window tint can actually be "enforced" though......i.e.: florida law says front side windows must allow more than 28% of light in. - an officer that pulls you over likely won't be able to even check that.....now maybe if a state trooper or sheriff does....they may have the "junk in the trunk" (some gadget...lol) to determine what percent of visible light is shining through....? lol.

And well, it appears florida doesn't even have any such "inspection" - unless you're

on 3/29/2006 Care - Don't use ammonia-based cleaners on the tint.
Radio Reception - Dependent on your car's make/model, some metalized films interfere with reception.
Grit/Dot Matrix - Most cars these days have this around the edges. Unless your tinter sands down the dot matrix, the edges will not adhere well and be visible upon close inspection.

on 11/22/2005 Before tinting your windows, check the state laws on window tint, especially those regarding the side windows
immediately adjacent to each side of the driver.

on 11/22/2005 Only get it done if the shop is willing to give a good warranty (I'd go with lifetime). This shows they are willing to back up their work. Also, if they are bragging about work that was in a car show, that's a plus.

on 11/22/2005 If you want to save a few bucks, then don't get your window tinted at all. Do-it-yourself tinting fades quickly and turns purple. It also WILL bubble profusely and look terrible. The money you save by doing it yourself will be more than spent with the time it takes you to put the tint on, and then a year later take it off because it looks so bad. Get it done right the first time and don't ever worry about it.