another window tinting question...

[starwind]

My new car will have window tinting.

What I am wondering is if anyone know if it is possible/how to find out what "level" (%) of tinting existing window tinting on a car is ?

The current car -- soon to be replaced -- is a 2001 Saturn SL2, bought in Texas. It was factory/dealer tinted (as in, it was already tinted when purchased new) front/rear sides & the back. It appears (to my eyes) to be the same tint level all around.

Although at times the tint lets in too much light, for the most part it is great, and whatever level it is at, it is the level I want the new car to have.

Any suggestions on how to determine the tint level ?

Thanks!

[Skarbro]

Take it to a tint shop. I'm sure they can figure it out.

[EvilDeadFan]

having a light meter would be handy, but by just glancing at it tinters, or people who have had multiple cars tinted like myself should be able to enlighten you.

[MattC]

if you look at it, or get someone in the club to look at it who has seen alot of other tints they prolly can give you a good estimate.

If it lets in a good amount of light, its gotta be 35% or over, because 20% or lower lets in very little light.

[fastNugly]

if you look at it, or get someone in the club to look at it who has seen alot of other tints they prolly can give you a good estimate.

If it lets in a good amount of light, its gotta be 35% or over, because 20% or lower lets in very little light.


+1

[zedtech]

Factory smoked windows are usually equivalent to 20-23% tint.

[MajesticBlueNTO]

Factory smoked windows are usually equivalent to 20-23% tint.

only for vans and SUVs and on the back windows only (aft of the front door windows).

factory glass for cars are around 97-98% VLT.

[fastNugly]

Factory smoked windows are usually equivalent to 20-23% tint.

This is true for Vans and SUV and agree with the above member

[starwind]

Following up to my original post (A bit late... apologies)...

I went to a local tint shop, and they took a look at the (then current) car and said it was between 32 and 38%, probably about 35%. They showed me a comparable sample, and it looked pretty much the same to my totally untrained eye.

For the new Mazda3, I went with 35% all around, and am quite pleased with it -- though with the black interior it actually looks darker then I thought it would be from the outside.

Crossing the US border recently, for the first time I actually had the US Customs person ask me to roll down the back window "because the tint is dark". No big deal, of course. Just different than normal.

Thanks for all of your advice and suggestions!!!

[MattC]

damn, if i have to roll down the back window... I can't smuggle any more immigrants in :(

[ICEBOX]

damn, if i have to roll down the back window... I can't smuggle any more immigrants in :(

LOL. I guess you gotta put the lock button down so no one can roll down the windows then.

But yeah, best bet is to take it to a tint shop.