Automotive Window Tinting

[Batman]

I've had three cars done, never asked about ceramic. Never had an issue never paid more than 200 bucks and always looked great and kept sun out. I feel you're being suckered

He is.

[Dex]

A metallic film isn't gonna interfere with anything on your vehicle. The XM/FM antenna on the new Accord is located on the roof panel. The factory GPS antenna is located inside the front dash pad. Neither of those locations would be harmed by a metallic film.

Interference from metallic film occurs when the vehicle's antenna is surface glued to the rear window. And even then it's nothing extreme. Not many vehicles have those types of antennas anymore.

Ceramic is a superior film to metallic, but it's a waste of money in your application. You live in the NE, it doesn't even get hot there. Yes, ceramic will block more heat but you won't notice a difference unless it's in extreme temperatures. And you are going with an extremely light tint. 35% is almost not even worth bothering with tint. At that percentage the heat difference is even less noticeable.

The only thing you need to avoid is a dyed film because it will fade and crack over time. But none of the high end manufacturers or installers will even make or use that stuff so it's a moot point.

Llumar, Pinnacle, Global, 3M, etc; there are a lot of high quality film makers out there. It really doesn't matter, it's just personal preference. My current in-house tint pro uses Llumar, the guy before him used 3M. Never had a single issue with either product. And any reputable shop will stand behind their product and fix any issues that may occur.

I would also suggest doing a 5% strip across the top of your windshield to help reduce glare and reflections. Or you could even have the entire windshield done with a 70% film. Glass reflects light naturally and all vehicles have a certain amount of glare. When you tint your front windows it makes the glare worse because the light coming through your windshield is trapped and gets reflected back.

If you can get the ceramic for a comparable price go for it. But most shops will put a ridiculous markup on the ceramic vs metallic and try to market it as a vast superior product. That's how they make money. It's BS. It's a slightly better product, but it's not worth it if its a huge price difference.

Just make sure the shop uses a high quality brand and offers a warranty. Then just go with the best price you can find, don't waste your money.

Excellent informative post. Thank you!

[Dex]

Don't get your windows tinted. Save your money.

Nah.

[toldozer]

He is.

I would have pied you post a million times if I could. Similar to people buying monster cable

[Batman]

I would have pied you post a million times if I could. Similar to people buying monster cable

Monster, Bose, Dre Beats, JL Audio, Kicker, etc. Walmart products at Tiffanys prices.

As far as cables, wires, etc:

Home:

monoprice.com

Auto:

knukonceptz.com

.

[Dex]

I spend a lot of time in traffic so the added privacy and UV protection will go a long way. The reason I'm doing 35% on the sides is because that's the legal limit in Connecticut. I was going for the ceramic because I always like to buy the best never half ass. Want prevails over need. I'd rather spend the extra $100-150 bucks and get the best.

[Batman]

I spend a lot of time in traffic so the added privacy and UV protection will go a long way. The reason I'm doing 35% on the sides is because that's the legal limit in Connecticut. I was going for the ceramic because I always like to buy the best never half ass. Want prevails over need. I'd rather spend the extra $100-150 bucks and get the best.

Also the legal limit in NC, but cops don't bother you over it unless you're doing other illegal things or being a douche towards them. It's just a hassle getting your vehicle inspected unless you know someone.

Connecticut is probably a little stricter, though.

[Dex]

I did 3M Crystalline when I had a 135i. Well worth the money.

Believe me if I could afford it I would. Unless you wanna buy it for me.

[toldozer]

I did 3M Crystalline when I had a 135i. Well worth the money.

You just admitted to having a 135

[Dex]

You just admitted to having a 135

Maybe it's his girlfriends.

[2jakefansinva]

and to think I've been driving for 40 years without spending a dime on tinted windows..........

 

how the f*ck did I do it ??

 

 

 

PS........I drive 30-35K miles a year.

[Batman]

and to think I've been driving for 40 years without spending a dime on tinted windows..........

how the f*ck did I do it ??

PS........I drive 30-35K miles a year.

I'm not sure what your point is here. Care to list everything you spend money on?

I bet there's a lot of stuff you buy that others would consider crap and a waste of money.

[PandaPancake]

I spend a lot of time in traffic so the added privacy and UV protection will go a long way. The reason I'm doing 35% on the sides is because that's the legal limit in Connecticut. I was going for the ceramic because I always like to buy the best never half ass. Want prevails over need. I'd rather spend the extra $100-150 bucks and get the best.

I like my version better

[KSpan]

Yeah I'm shopping around for a ceramic tint. Different shops carry different brands so its a pain in the ass. I've heard good things about suntek I'll check out viper. Does yours have a matte look?

No, it's semi-reflective. And 35% all around is the legal limit here but I go 20% because unless you have a dark interior 35% really isn't that dark during the day. The first car I tinted was black with a tan interior and 35% wasn't as effective as I had hoped, though it did cool the car. However, we routinely hit 100° or more here in KC.