tinted windows

carlosR · Post by **carlosR** » 07 Oct 2006, 17:11

Has anyone had the windows tinted? I just saw it on a 2.4T and it looked really good. My daughter has been after me to get it done for months. Now I see she was right about how good it looks. Any cautions?

Post by **billofdurham** » 08 Oct 2006, 12:11

Just one word of caution - check the legality of tinting.

I don't know the legal position in the US but in the UK there are legal limits to the amount of tinting that can be done to the windscreen and the front windows. Obviously the darker the tint the less vision the driver has. Some home tinted cars have been impounded until the offending windows have been replaced.

Bill.

Viper_7 · Post by **Viper_7** » 10 Oct 2006, 05:10

Could also look at getting blinds for the rear and rear side windows.
Volvo produce them specifically designed for the S60 - and they have the added extra of looking like tints - and keep the car cool - unlike actual tints where the interior will cook. I went down the blind route and they look great and are practical.

If you do fancy the tints - check the legal status as previously mentioned - also don't do it yourself- no matter how carefull you are, you'll always get a wrinkle or air-bubble and it will look naff.

vipes

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 10 Oct 2006, 17:41

Just ask around and find a shop that has a good reputation. They will give you options including what's legal. We had both of our cars done this summer and can't be happier. Ours is at 35%.

carlosR · Post by **carlosR** » 13 Oct 2006, 11:24

Thanks for the advice guys. I agree that no way would I do it myself. I have seen plenty of those bubbly jobs around. It's worth it to spend the money.

FUBAR · Post by **FUBAR** » 04 Dec 2006, 02:09

I had my window tinting done at a local place called Tommy's Tinting. They are the best in town, I see them tinting Basketball players Bentley's all the time, but the funniest thing: despite being well known and the best, they were also the cheapest. Don't be afraid to ask, even if shops have RRs or Bs out front.
On legality: The tint shop installers say they get people coming in to change back to legal % all the time.. But when I drive down the street and see everyone with 20% or 5% their whole cars, I wish I would've gone 20% all around. I ended up with 35% in front, and 20% the rear, and it looks great, and the car is noticably cooler in summer(no more hot seatbelts)
However, riding with my friend in his GTI at night with his 20% all-around windows, pedestrians are very hard to see if there are no street lamps. It's funny when I notice these dark-tinted cars have their front windows down on cold nights because they can't see out.

Steely · Post by **Steely** » 07 Dec 2006, 18:43

The side windows on our '01 T5 are tinted in gradually darker tints fro 40% to 90% with the back window tinted 90%. Looks great, keeps the car coler in summer, worth it to pay a pro.

As has been said, check your state's laws first, or call the State Troopers and ask.

erabright · Post by **erabright** » 19 Aug 2025, 16:34

Yeah, I had mine tinted at a Tint shop here in Marietta and honestly it was one of the best little upgrades I’ve done. Makes the car look a lot sleeker and it keeps the sun from cooking you in the summer.

Couple things I’d say: don’t go with the cheapest film. those are the ones that turn purple or bubble up in a year. Spend a little extra on ceramic or carbon and it’ll last. Also, the shop matters a ton. A good installer makes it look like it came that way from the factory.

Only real caution is to check your state’s tint laws before you pick how dark you go. It looks cool to go super dark, but it can get you pulled over and honestly can be tough to see out of at night.

But yeah, your daughter’s right, it really does make the car look great.