Window Tinting - Good Idea or Not?

[Watpub]

Hi all,

I've noticed that many of you have had the windows tinted in your Discos. As my Disco is now imminent I'm weighing up the pros and cons - I reckon that they do look cool (pardon the pun) with windows tinted.

However, motoring bodies such as the RACV are bagging tinting: e.g.

RACV position



RACV does not encourage motorists to have their vehicle's windows tinted. Window tinting can reduce a driver's visibility in certain driving environments and this has the potential to decrease road safety.
As an alternative to window tinting, RACV recommends drivers and passengers wear sunglasses as an equally effective means of reducing excessive glare.
RACV believes there is a lack of evidence that tinting provides any significant benefits in keeping a car cool. Features such as air conditioning will do this job more effectively.
RACV does not support a change to the current required minimum levels of light transmittance through vehicle windows, as currently prescribed by Victorian roadworthy regulations. As yet, no solid evidence exists to show that this would reduce the number of crashes on the road.
RACV calls on window tinting businesses to ensure their work complies with roadworthy requirements. RACV also advises consumers who choose to have tinting applied to their vehicle to seek assurances their vehicle will remain in a roadworthy state as a result of the tinting.

I've never had a car with tinted windows so I thought I'd throw it out there. What do youse (as my daughter would say) guys think? Interested to hear your views...

Regards,

Ron

[WhiteD3]

Got mine done at the time of purchase. Being in QLD I would not have a car without it.

[austastar]

Hi,
our Corolla is tinted, forget using the mirrors to reverse down the driveway at night unless the driver's window is wound down.
The Defender is very lightly tinted, wouldn't have known it except the sales man said it had a light tint.
If I had my choice, I would not tint.
cheers

[Watpub]

Got mine done at the time of purchase. Being in QLD I would not have a car without it.

Hi WhiteD3,

Any problems at night time?

[disco2hse]

The windows on our Disco 2 were tinted from new. Regardless of questions about cooling, etc. in NZ where the UV readings are often at a dangerous level tinting is a good idea to block out UV radiation here. On a different count, it makes it more difficult for would-be thieves to go window shopping when they can't see into the back.

I have no problems with night-time driving because the windscreen, which has UV protection anyway, is not tinted.

Alan

[Disco4SE]

Hi Watpub, I had mine done at Tint a car in Mornington. After coming from the Landcruiser with grey interior, I found the all black interior gets quite hot. The difference after the tinting is quite noticable. The air conditioner doesn't work as hard etc.
One hint is go for the 'Bolle' tint. Better quality and not much more cost.
I have had several cars done by this company and foun d them very good. Mornington BMW have all their cars doen there.
The tint at night is noticable at first but not after a few days.
Cheers, Craig

[101RRS]

I had my D1 tinted and I thought it worked really well.

Just a note on the legals though. My D1 and I think all D1s had a slight green tint in the standard glass and even with the lightest tint (legal) added, the combined tints made it illegal for the drivers/passengers windows. Just be aware of this.

Garry

[Pedro_The_Swift]

My D2 has tinted glass as well,,
never really thought it needed more,,

[WhiteD3]

Hi WhiteD3,

Any problems at night time?

None at all. And I got the darkest legal tint.

[Neil P]

I have the back and two rear side windows blacked out.
What they can't see , can't tempt 'em . The whole range of
LandRover is Pilkingtons Optikool which isn't too bad compared
to most vehicles .

[Timzp]

I had my Defender tinted with the darkest legal tint, which isnt that dark. It blocks out 60% of the heat which is good as my air con is crap. I used DTA who were rubbish. I had to get it done twice. I am still not happy with the quality. But it does look good from a distance. I would recommend window tints but dont go for the cheapest quote!!!

[chuck]

There are a significant number of benefits from window tinting.
1. Keeps the car cooler - the RACV needs to get back in the real world.
2. Increases privacy & security.
3. Improves the ability to read screens etc in glarey conditions.
4. In an accident stops glass going everywhere.
5. Reduces fading of interior.

The only real criticism is reduced vision to the rear of the car at night.
I have found this to be negated by parking sensors & the excellent vision of the D3.

Regards

Chuck

[brad72]

I also got mine tinted with the darkest legal 3m tint just after purchasing it to avoid luxury car tax, as I had in all my other vehicles. Keeps the car and passengers cooler especially if the the sun shines directly through the window. It's harder for people to see in, looks good and I cannot really find anything wrong with night time visibility but then again I have had all my cars for the past 15 years tinted so maybe I am used to it

[300+]

My personally imported STi has the rear screen and doors tinted way more than would normally be legal in Aus. This is not the best to reverse at night using the interior mirror. The side mirrors are fine as these windows are not tinted.

The D3 has the darkest legal tine and I wouldn't have it any other way - full UV block, stops the direct heat from the sun which the AC can't directly help with, etc. It also adds privacy. This is nowhere near as dark as the STi and doesn't cause problems. There are reasons why the legal limits are set where they are!

There might be the odd occasion when the added darkness makes reversing intersting, so I have two buttons on the door which instantly clear the tinting and any other dirt on the windows! It is easier to lower the windows once a year than deal with the glare, etc. the rest of the time.

Cheers, Steve

[rmp]

RACV does not encourage motorists to have their vehicle's windows tinted. Window tinting can reduce a driver's visibility in certain driving environments and this has the potential to decrease road safety.
Possibly, but I doubt it given tint would reduce fine detail at long distances, not obstruct.






As an alternative to window tinting, RACV recommends drivers and passengers wear sunglasses as an equally effective means of reducing excessive glare.

Not why all my cars are tinted. It's because they don't heat up as much.






RACV believes there is a lack of evidence that tinting provides any significant benefits in keeping a car cool. Features such as air conditioning will do this job more effectively.

??? Out in the real world it works. Also, the biggest benefit is not coming back to a cooking car.






RACV does not support a change to the current required minimum levels of light transmittance through vehicle windows, as currently prescribed by Victorian roadworthy regulations. As yet, no solid evidence exists to show that this would reduce the number of crashes on the road.

Whatever that means...





RACV calls on window tinting businesses to ensure their work complies with roadworthy requirements. RACV also advises consumers who choose to have tinting applied to their vehicle to seek assurances their vehicle will remain in a roadworthy state as a result of the tinting.

finally something I can agree with.

All my cars are tinted for the reasons described above.

[Dorko]

I went 20% tint.... Looks great plus the car is so much cooler.

I have always tinted all my cars. Wish they came out that way.

Dorko

[bbyer]

The tinting question to me comes down to what are you trying to achieve.

Do you want to keep people from seeing you, (common in Southern California it appears), block Ultra Violet, the rays that fade the interior, or block Infra Red, the rays that heat things up, or all of above.

For me, in Western Canada, we have a sun that often sit lows on the horizon, (expect the same in Oz), and the rays coming thru the drivers side windows can really make driving uncomfortable - as in sunburn - left arm here, right arm in Oz I suppose).

In the winter we go from bright sun to cloudy and dull, so for me, dark tint on the side windows is not desireable.

As such, I have installed a clear tint that blocks Infra Red radiation - about 30 percent of it anyway. That is enough however to say that the decrease in heating/burning effect is noticeable. The clear film contains a Low Emisitivity material similar to what is put in what is called Low E glass when used in building windows.

Low E glass is also common in most domestic vehicles produced by GM and Ford, but seemingly not known in Europe - always cloudy there I guess. Here, now the windscreens and side windows etc are all Low E glass primarily as that allows the manufacturers to downsize the air conditioners and hence improve overall, their CAFE, (Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency).

I just wish Land Rover made a Low E windscreen - sound rejecting is available, (the little ear symbol), but heat rejecting, not yet.

[sniegy]

Watpub,
Just tint the windows;)
I have opted similar to Niel,
Front 2 side widows legal requirement (Vic 30-35%) & the rest of the vehicle is at 85%.
Depending on color choice inside the vehicle Almond or Ebony it makes a huge difference when returning to the vehicle.
Black will always retain heat & with tint it makes it a little easier to put up with the leather in summer.
Cheers

[GeorgeK]

Hi Ron,

I too have gone for the tinting option. The dealer is having it fitted and I am told that it will be the darkest legally permissible. My hope is that it will keep the car cooler during the day in the height of summer. However and more importantly for me and perhaps some of the other 'older' drivers is that certain medications may make a person more susceptible to UV rays i.e. sunburn. Some cholesterol lowering medications are like this as well as other stuff. I hope that tinting reduces UV entry to the car.

Cheers,

George

[Watpub]

Hi George,

It's good see you have proactive dealer - I've still heard didly-squat from mine.

I don't think I'd give my dealer the pleasure of adorning my car with any after market options. At this stage I'm toying with what Sniegy has done to his, but going after market myself through one of the local tinters.

By the way, what interior colour did you go with?

Regards,

Ron

[Basil135]

When I bought my D2a, I had the "darkest legal tint" applied here in SA.

3 months later, and some imported cop with a bee in his bonnet pulls me over & ran his meter over the windows.

The tint failed, and he defected the car. I contacted the dealer, who got hold of the tint company, and they removed the old film, and replaced it with a lighter one.

Off to the cop shop, and despite the disbelief of the station cops, they had to tell me that it was still too dark.

So, with them watching me, I ripped the tinting off the windows. Another check of the meter showed that the factory glass was 1% outside the range of being legal.

Now, this copper understood what was happening, and was happy to pass it, as there was no tint applied, and this is how the car was delivered to Oz from the factory.

So, check to see if the windows are carrying any level of tint first, or it could be an expensive option...

[tunnelthug]

Afternoon all,

I bought my D3 last June - as one of the deals LR were doing prior to the release of the D4, they had a deal on the Motorone's Fifth Dimension car care pack. Included amongst other things were a range of tint options; I opted for the Titanium, in part due to the recommendation of the dealer (Austral Motors, Brisbane). The Titanium claims to have 99% UV protection and 60% heat rejection - a good thing for Queensland!

Fifth Dimension also do a couple of Cancer Council options - however, these turn out to have a greenish tinge to them. With the Titanium, it's barely noticeable - I have the Zermatt silver paint and it blends well (and apparently is as good as or better than the CC option for UV protection). No problem manouvering at night with internal/ wing mirrors etc. Does a good job reducing heat - I have to park in the sun, so good thing.

The Street legal option (very dark) is a bit too 'CSI Miami' for my liking! Others I'm sure will disagree!

Check it out - motorone.com.au.

Cheers,

[isuzurover]

When I bought my D2a, I had the "darkest legal tint" applied here in SA.

3 months later, and some imported cop with a bee in his bonnet pulls me over & ran his meter over the windows.

The tint failed, and he defected the car. I contacted the dealer, who got hold of the tint company, and they removed the old film, and replaced it with a lighter one.

Off to the cop shop, and despite the disbelief of the station cops, they had to tell me that it was still too dark.

So, with them watching me, I ripped the tinting off the windows. Another check of the meter showed that the factory glass was 1% outside the range of being legal.

Now, this copper understood what was happening, and was happy to pass it, as there was no tint applied, and this is how the car was delivered to Oz from the factory.

So, check to see if the windows are carrying any level of tint first, or it could be an expensive option...

This is an important issue.

Almost all cars come from the factory with some level of tint to the glass.

The "Maximum Legal Tint" must have a visible light transmission (VLT) of 35% or more (so blocks 65% of visible light).

When I had my car done, the tinter had 35%, 25% 15% and 5% (so only one legal tint). He said it was virtually impossible to buy film lighter than 35%. The 35% film is really quite light (i.e. fairly easy to see through).

This would mean that practically all tinted cars would fail if tested.

However - I could never go back to a non-tinted vehicle. I also opted for 5% on the alpine windows and the side windows of the cargo area... (hopefully the powers that be won't care about those)

[GeorgeK]

Hi Ron,

The car colour is Ipanema Sand with Almond interior. The car colour was the only disagreement I had with the wife in the entire car purchase activity. Amazing! My good lady insisted we don't get another silver car. What can I say but I like silver. But a happy wife is a happy life so no silver. Also no white for me. White fourbys take me back to UN vehicles in East Timor, Bosnia and other places like that so not white either. Black is to me too 'Godfather' and way too trendy so Ipanema Sand seems to be a good compromise.

I wanted a lighter coloured car and interior because my house is on the Gold Coast and when I finally get there i.e. retirement I figure a lighter option (and window tinting) would be better for the Queensland climate.

Bugger me but I didn't realise that window tinting could be so complex. I have never had after-market window tinting on any of my cars but I thought it was a good idea at the time. I guess I'll just wait and see. I'm not naive to think that I will avoid paying a premium going through a dealer but they seem to be very professional and doing a good job fitting my extras e.g brake controllers, power cables, caravan cameras etc So I'm not complaining.

Cheers

George

[Watpub]

Hi Ron,

The car colour is Ipanema Sand with Almond interior. The car colour was the only disagreement I had with the wife in the entire car purchase activity. Amazing! My good lady insisted we don't get another silver car. What can I say but I like silver. But a happy wife is a happy life so no silver. Also no white for me. White fourbys take me back to UN vehicles in East Timor, Bosnia and other places like that so not white either. Black is to me too 'Godfather' and way too trendy so Ipanema Sand seems to be a good compromise.

I wanted a lighter coloured car and interior because my house is on the Gold Coast and when I finally get there i.e. retirement I figure a lighter option (and window tinting) would be better for the Queensland climate.

Bugger me but I didn't realise that window tinting could be so complex. I have never had after-market window tinting on any of my cars but I thought it was a good idea at the time. I guess I'll just wait and see. I'm not naive to think that I will avoid paying a premium going through a dealer but they seem to be very professional and doing a good job fitting my extras e.g brake controllers, power cables, caravan cameras etc So I'm not complaining.

Cheers

George

Nice colour choice George - I'd have to say I agree with your missus. There are too many silver cars out there.

You're right about keeping in the good books with SWMBO. My missus and I couldn't agree on our initial colour choice. When I first ordered the vehicle it too was with Ipanema Sand (we compromised on this one) and the salesman appeared puzzled for a moment, then responded with "Ipanema Sand? Oh you mean Champagne, yeah we can do that". Any confidence I had in my dealer dissapated - they don't even know their own colours??? I've got to stop bagging my dealer - it's almost becoming an obsession.

However, my wife and I have had white cars for yonks so we felt out of our comfort zone and reverted back to a colour we could both agree on and feel comfortable with. So mine's now a whitey with the almond interior (I've never been in the services so the white doesn't have any reminders for me).

To be honest we also felt $1,800 for metallic colours was a bit steep. My missus was getting a bit tired of white but since its the only solid colour on offer we went for it. I'm so glad LR don't have exotics like lime green or canary yellow because I know what my missus would have opted for... I'd be so embarrased rocking up to my first caravan park in a canary yellow D4!:thumbsdown:

I've decided on tinting not so much to keep things cooler (hey, my missus made me opt for the cold climate pack - I've got absolutely no idea what I'm going to do with a heated steering wheel!) but because of security. I once had a Landcruiser broken into and ransacked and it left an unpleasant feeling. I figure if they can't see in they'd be less inclined to go for an opportunistic grab.

And, if my dealer offered great (nah, maybe even "normal") service I'd be inclined to let them do things too. When I asked about a brake controller it was like pulling teeth... oops (note to myself: stop bagging).

Trust you're having sleepness nights now in joyful anticipation of the new arrival...

Regards, Ron

[Celtoid]

Hi all,

I've noticed that many of you have had the windows tinted in your Discos. As my Disco is now imminent I'm weighing up the pros and cons - I reckon that they do look cool (pardon the pun) with windows tinted.

However, motoring bodies such as the RACV are bagging tinting: e.g.

RACV position



RACV does not encourage motorists to have their vehicle's windows tinted. Window tinting can reduce a driver's visibility in certain driving environments and this has the potential to decrease road safety.
As an alternative to window tinting, RACV recommends drivers and passengers wear sunglasses as an equally effective means of reducing excessive glare.
RACV believes there is a lack of evidence that tinting provides any significant benefits in keeping a car cool. Features such as air conditioning will do this job more effectively.
RACV does not support a change to the current required minimum levels of light transmittance through vehicle windows, as currently prescribed by Victorian roadworthy regulations. As yet, no solid evidence exists to show that this would reduce the number of crashes on the road.
RACV calls on window tinting businesses to ensure their work complies with roadworthy requirements. RACV also advises consumers who choose to have tinting applied to their vehicle to seek assurances their vehicle will remain in a roadworthy state as a result of the tinting.
I've never had a car with tinted windows so I thought I'd throw it out there. What do youse (as my daughter would say) guys think? Interested to hear your views...

Regards,

Ron

Hi Ron,

I live in Brisbane and just about every car I see has tinting. Every car I've owned has had tinting. I can't comment on the legal aspects as I've never been pulled over for the tinting or heard of anybody who has....maybe the police are more tolerant here or the law is different??!! Having read all the other responses I didn't realise that it was so complex.

I agree with all the positive comments, cooling, looks, security etc. I always get the darkest legal....My D4 came from Cairns and being a demo, was already tinted. It's quite dark but even with me wearing sunglasses there are no issues.

The stated night time reversing downsides are definately true but with all seven black leather seats up (headrests), and the pillars of the D4, visability out the rear and rear sides, isn't too flash anyway when going backwards....but then neither was my Berlina either. I roll down the glass and use my parking sensors. If off road.....I get out and have a look....I think I'd be doing that regardless of the colour of my glass.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

[AnD3rew]

As with several others I have never owned a car without tinting and wouldn't for all the same reasons.

The Land Rover has a reasonable reversing light so I have never experienced night time reversing issues with it, My Peugeot on the other hand its reversing light emits a feeble glow that a firefly would be ashamed of and with its tinting you can't see a damn thing out the back at night, you just have to close your eyes and hope for the best, luckily it has rear reversing sensors.

[eddiec]

Just saw this today (for those in Vic):

Crackdown on tinted windows (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/crackdown-on-tinted-windows-20100629-zgau.html)

Hmm... must admit I know the Defender is sitting there with tint that's too dark (just went and bought the darkest stuff from Autobahn, which of course, despite being legally sold, is illegal to use on the road)... Wondering whether I should risk it or probably will end up stripping it and redoing with something lighter.

Although given they're checking cars in Carlton, they're probably more after the boy-racers than a 10 year old Defender....

[Watpub]

Just saw this today (for those in Vic):

Crackdown on tinted windows (http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/crackdown-on-tinted-windows-20100629-zgau.html)

Hmm... must admit I know the Defender is sitting there with tint that's too dark (just went and bought the darkest stuff from Autobahn, which of course, despite being legally sold, is illegal to use on the road)... Wondering whether I should risk it or probably will end up stripping it and redoing with something lighter.

Although given they're checking cars in Carlton, they're probably more after the boy-racers than a 10 year old Defender....

Thanks Eddiec,

I've got a mate who's a copper so I'll see what the go is...

I wish they'd also crack down on those gawd-awful thumpa-thumpa boom box stereo systems around Carlton! Or maybe I'm just slipping into old age gracelessly...

[Ferret]

I also got mine tinted with the darkest legal 3m tint just after purchasing it to avoid luxury car tax

Interesting statement. How is this connected with luxury car tax?

[vnx205]

I suspect that adding too many extras at the time of purchase puts the purchase price above the point at which luxury tax has to be paid.

Just a guess.

[Basil135]

I suspect that adding too many extras at the time of purchase puts the purchase price above the point at which luxury tax has to be paid.

Just a guess.

Correct.

If the total purchase price on the invoice is over the threshold (just over $57k) then LCT applies.

If you can bring the total in under this amount, it means that LCT does not apply, so by leaving off things like tinting etc, this can be achieved.

Some dealers are quite happy to arrange things like tinting for you, and have the tinting company bill you direct.

[Watpub]

Interesting statement. How is this connected with luxury car tax?

If you get options fitted by the dealer (e.g. tinting) prior to delivery or fitted up to a month after the purchase of the vehicle (I think???) then the price of these options have to be included when calculating LCT.

That is why cars that hover on or over the threshold of the tax are often delivered option-poor, but then get kitted up a month or two later.

Regards, Ron

[DiscoDavey]

Stumbled on this old thread and it has brought up an interesting topic - that being Luxury Car Tax.
If I buy $2,000 of extras, and assuming I've already reached/exceeded the LCT threshold, then I am paying LCT on that $2,000. Is this correct?
So best to do all options possible after purchase eg tow hitches, window tinting, floor mats, seat covers, roof racks etc. Could be quite a saving..

And as said somewhere above, if you are close to the LCT threshold then you would be even crazier to add the options. LCT threshold is $59,133 currently btw. Good luck keeping your D4 under this!

[Tombie]

Mines way beyond the rules :D

And wouldn't have it any other way out here!!

55875

[Tombie]

This is an important issue.

Almost all cars come from the factory with some level of tint to the glass.

The "Maximum Legal Tint" must have a visible light transmission (VLT) of 35% or more (so blocks 65% of visible light).

When I had my car done, the tinter had 35%, 25% 15% and 5% (so only one legal tint). He said it was virtually impossible to buy film lighter than 35%. The 35% film is really quite light (i.e. fairly easy to see through).

This would mean that practically all tinted cars would fail if tested.

However - I could never go back to a non-tinted vehicle. I also opted for 5% on the alpine windows and the side windows of the cargo area... (hopefully the powers that be won't care about those)

SA now allows 20% on sides and rear.

Used to be rear, rear side and 35% front doors.

[Tombie]

RACV obviously spend to much time indoors and not enough driving in sun.

Good tint greatly reduces load on the A/C to keep the vehicle cool in blazing heat...

And less damage to interior fabrics as a bonus!

[Eevo]

SA now allows 20% on sides and rear.

Used to be rear, rear side and 35% front doors.

really? when did that change.

[Eevo]

Good tint greatly reduces load on the A/C to keep the vehicle cool in blazing heat...

just like on hot days you close the blinds cause it helps keep the light and heat out.


plus even without the effects of tint, it looks cool!

[Basil135]

really? when did that change.

About 6 months AFTER I had my car defected for having too dark a tint on the windows.... :twisted:

3 years or so ago, from my aging memory...

[bbyer]

Are you also tinting the windscreen?

I did my side windows with an infra red (IR) resistant film that does keep the heat out but lets light in; as to the windscreen, it is stock, so the heat really comes in thru the front.

It seems LR only talks about heat resisting windscreens but does not actually make any available.

Armoured, yes, Sound, yes, Heated yes, Heat resisting, no. :(

[Tombie]

Tinting a front screen is a no-no in Oz..

[bbyer]

The solution to heat transfer that the American manufacturers, (GM, Ford and Chrysler), use is what they call Low E glass, Low Emissivity, which means resistant to IR rays. In practice this means the steering wheel and dash top only get warm, they do not heat up when the summer sun is shining directly inside say when parked.

The primary reason for the Low E glass is not comfort, but is so smaller air conditioners can be installed which leads to better fuel economy.

In the EU/UK, the sun rarely shines, (cloudy all the time), hence solar heat is not deemed a concern - a pity for us.

[Tombie]

I know my side glass is, but I believe the front screen on the D4 is Opticool.

I know it's never very hot through the front... And it's not here to check.

[bbyer]

Yes, we now have what Pilkington calls Optikool which replaces what they called Siglasol, their true infrared heat reflecting glass.

The old design of the Siglasol had a metallic internal IR reflecting film that also reflected cell phone signals. They do have a new non metallic coating available in Siglasol, but LR chooses not to make it available to us.

Note that the Optikool trademark name is referenced in the Pilkington link below.

Thermal Comfort (http://www.pilkington.com/automotive+international/automotive+glazing/products/thermal+comfort.htm)

[sniegy]

Stumbled on this old thread and it has brought up an interesting topic - that being Luxury Car Tax.
If I buy $2,000 of extras, and assuming I've already reached/exceeded the LCT threshold, then I am paying LCT on that $2,000. Is this correct?
So best to do all options possible after purchase eg tow hitches, window tinting, floor mats, seat covers, roof racks etc. Could be quite a saving..

And as said somewhere above, if you are close to the LCT threshold then you would be even crazier to add the options. LCT threshold is $59,133 currently btw. Good luck keeping your D4 under this!

The benefit of purchasing everything when vehicle is new & having it fitted before delivery is that the extra's are "now" included in the factory warranty. So for Eg: if you order side steps, they are now covered for 3yrs/100k km, not the std 12mnths.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[101RRS]

Tinting a front screen is a no-no in Oz..

Not strictly true - ADRs allow you to have a tinted front windscreen (not just a tint at the top) to a quite high level (I think up to 10% but am not sure of the actual number) BUT it has to be in the glass as made and cannot be an aftermarket tint - most original front windscreens have a very low level tint to take the edge off the glare.

Garry

[disco2_dan]

the first "modification" i do to any vehicle i buy is the window tint, i always go the darkest "legal" tint or sometimes a couple shades past it lol, you can feel the difference on your arm from window up compared to down, in a car park situation over a period of a couple hours i dont think it would make much if any difference to the inside temp, but i do like the "privacy" it gives you inside a vehicle, not to mention it looks great!

[jonesy63]

The benefit of purchasing everything when vehicle is new & having it fitted before delivery is that the extra's are "now" included in the factory warranty. So for Eg: if you order side steps, they are now covered for 3yrs/100k km, not the std 12mnths.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

The disadvantage is cost - in the example of $2000 worth of extras, will actually cost $2667 after the 33% LCT is applied. I guess you have to weigh up how much the warranty is worth on the item, and how likely it is that the item could fail in the warranty period.

Guide to luxury car tax (http://www.ato.gov.au/content/00205487.htm)

[PKD4]

the first "modification" i do to any vehicle i buy is the window tint, i always go the darkest "legal" tint or sometimes a couple shades past it lol, you can feel the difference on your arm from window up compared to down, in a car park situation over a period of a couple hours i dont think it would make much if any difference to the inside temp, but i do like the "privacy" it gives you inside a vehicle, not to mention it looks great!

Ditto.

However, I think it does make a bit of a difference to carpark temps as well, depending on our vehicle's colour. I do also put up one of those 'silver screens' in the windscreen which helps a lot.

Pat

[AnD3rew]

The benefit of purchasing everything when vehicle is new & having it fitted before delivery is that the extra's are "now" included in the factory warranty. So for Eg: if you order side steps, they are now covered for 3yrs/100k km, not the std 12mnths.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

The best option is to screw the dealer to give you as much as you can get away wih for free:D

[Eevo]

About 6 months AFTER I had my car defected for having too dark a tint on the windows.... :twisted:

3 years or so ago, from my aging memory...

i just check dept of transport , its still 35%

[Basil135]

i just check dept of transport , its still 35%

Have a look here...

http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/pdfs/personal_transport/light_vehicles_pdfs/430_Window_Tinting_for_your_Motor_Vehicle.pdf

The 35% is the amount of light that can go thru. It used to be 70%.

[Eevo]

Have a look here...

http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/pdfs/personal_transport/light_vehicles_pdfs/430_Window_Tinting_for_your_Motor_Vehicle.pdf

The 35% is the amount of light that can go thru. It used to be 70%.
what what i just said. the poster before said they changed it to 20%

not that it matters, mines at 18% :p

[Basil135]

what what i just said. the poster before said they changed it to 20%

not that it matters, mines at 18% :p

Lol.... Mine was measured at 65%, which is why I got defected... Bloody imported copper...

Good thing I know his boss... couldn't do anything about the defect, but did have a quiet word in his ear about being a little over zealous... :nazilock:

[rufusking]

Does anyone know what percentage the factory privacy glass is?

[sniegy]

By law in Vic, if you have 2 rear view mirrors on the outside if the vehicle which you do, then you can have from the "B" pillar back you can as dark as you like. The factory glass (privacy tint) is either 5%or10% from memory....just really really dark!
Tinting is also one of the 1st things I do on a new vehicle too. Apart from keeping you cooler in the hotter months it also protects the interior.

Cheers

[Jeff]

We had a bloke at work recently, who had a tinted windscreen on his Falcon. I asked him about it and he said his wife had just had a heart transplant and was very sensitive to UV and they had a doctor's certificate allowing a tinted windscreen. I also saw a customised WRX the other day with a tinted windscreen, I don't think he would have had a heart transplant.

I also remember years ago I worked in a workshop and the Federal Police would bring in several vehicles with tinted windscreens.

Jeff

:rocket:

PS: pre Puma Defenders had a special thing to stop heat build up, front vents!

[Epic]

Does anyone know what percentage the factory privacy glass is?

Not sure what privacy glass is but it is darker than the legal 35%. But it is legal as it is in the glass. It is only an after market tint that is applied that has to abide by the rules.

Look at a trade van. Painted panels instead of glass. That is legal

If you have a car with screen printing on the back glass to promote a business or service, that is technically illegal.

However, window socks and shades to keep the baby cool are ok.

It makes no sense. I checked with the SA road transport authorities only two weeks ago.

So next time you get a speeding ticket in the post from one of the parked cars with the 'black as the ace of spades' windows, you know their car is probably defectable.

[Tombie]

Gov vehicles and SA buses have dispensation for their non compliance.

For example: Old SA buses are over width and cannot be privately registered after they are sold from service.

[Discorow]

With 3 kids in back I would always want tint. There is a difference and the whole car seems to be cooler . Aircon debatable but I would hesitate. It's the sun bite ( uv extreme ) which you notice on your drivers door arm compared to a car with no tint. Be care of dark tint on tinted glass an insurance

[Discorow]

With 3 kids in back I would always want tint. There is a difference and the whole car seems to be cooler . Aircon debatable but I would not hesitate again. It's the sun bite ( uv extreme ) which you notice on your drivers door arm compared to a car with no tint. Be careful of dark tint on tinted glass and insurance.

[DiscoDavey]

I was just informed by the dealer today that the Privacy Glass is not UV filtered at all. Here I was thinking that if I got privacy glass, I wouldn't have to apply any window film!

If I don't want my kids to look like little Yoda's by the age of 10 then I will have to apply a clear UV filter to the glass!

[bbyer]

The privacy glass by virtue of it being so dark just about filters everything out including visible light.

UV, ultraviolet radiation is relatively easy/cheap to filter so most "clear" car glass filters UV as it costs the car manufacturers virtually nothing.

UV rays are the ones that fade colours.

IR, infra red rays are the ones that heat up your arm, steering wheel, dash and whatever else. It costs money to filter IR so it is only done as a norm on American manufactured vehicles so smaller air conditioners can be installed and the fuel numbers made to look better.

The link below, (even though it appears otherwise), is to a clear film, Llumar brand, that I installed on my front side windows that does a pretty good job of filtering IR, hence my arm does not get cooked when the sun is coming thru the side glass.

DISCO3.CO.UK Photo Gallery - LR3 miscellaneous/Trolley Jack Adapter (http://www.disco3.co.uk/gallery/displayimage.php?album=3801&pos=31)

[TerryO]

The new model Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland which comes standard with very dark privacy glass, according to the dealers I have spoken to does not protect from UV light.

Most brand new Overlands I saw advertised when I was looking already had aftermarket tinted film on them done by the dealer so they offered UV protection.

So it would appear just because its dark doesn't mean your always protected.


cheers,
Terry

[~Rich~]

At work they nicknamed my car the "Popemobile" because with the light leather interior and alpine roof it was like all inside where on show!

Could not wait to get the glass tinted! ;)

[Dougal]

I'll bet car dealers just have no idea about UV light. Pretty much any glass or plastic cuts out UV light.
Here in NZ we've got a sunburn time on a clear day of about 7 minutes. Yet I've never managed to be burnt through any glass.
Years back the local chemist shop had a UV and visible light tester to help sell their sun-glasses. All the glasses I tried it on showed 100% UV block.

The most telling effect of tinted windows was a sunny trip in the back of a factory tinted prado (B pillar back). I was freezing in the back, but in the front they were struggling to keep cool with the sun through the un-tinted fronts.
This is why I'm quite interested in the clear IR blocking film mentioned earlier.

I'm trying to get all my vehicles tinted (35% visible transmission, B pillar back) for heat and privacy. But the problem is I live in the wops and the guy nearby who does it is snowed under. I'm still waiting for the back window on my first work car to be done.
I tried it myself about 5 years back. Looked good initially but wrinkled as it dried and faded to clear after 3 years.

[Epic]

The strange thing about the laws are that this is totally legal56056.
It's a cut up window shade.

[Graeme]

Is it legal if there are 3rd row passengers? I suspect not.

[Runnadude]

I'd say if it's temporary (easily removable), it's legal. It's legal to have a towel up in the rear windows.

[mick88]

When you live where it's forty plus degrees in the shade the darkest tint allowed is a necessity! We have all of our vehicles tinted with the darkest legal tint allowed. It makes a huge difference to the interior of the vehicle, especially when it's left parked.
Not sure what the RACV are on about, but the difference between our Fiat cab tractor with and without a dark tint was incredible. It was like sitting in a solarium without the extra tint!
If tinting does not make "difference" then why are most buildings, especially sky scrapers windows tinted.
We wouldn't be without it!


Cheers, Mick.

[Dougal]

Is it legal if there are 3rd row passengers? I suspect not.

As long as those third row passengers aren't driving. It's fine.;)

[dudette]

I have a D4 HSE and am looking to get windows tinted within the next few months before summer in Melbourne starts... and after reading all these posts...i'm still unsure if tint on the very rear side windows will affect the radio reception given the on glass aerial??

Am also undecided which vendor to have the tint done at.. Previous vehicle (Holden commodore) was done at Tint Professor in darkest legal tint 8 years ago .. but i know things have probably changed in that time ie requirements etc.

Does it all come down to some vendors are better than others, or is it all dependent on how dark you want?

[Tombie]

Dudette...

PM Sniegy - his contact does great work.

[eddomak]

I have a D4 HSE and am looking to get windows tinted within the next few months before summer in Melbourne starts... and after reading all these posts...i'm still unsure if tint on the very rear side windows will affect the radio reception given the on glass aerial??

Am also undecided which vendor to have the tint done at.. Previous vehicle (Holden commodore) was done at Tint Professor in darkest legal tint 8 years ago .. but i know things have probably changed in that time ie requirements etc.

Does it all come down to some vendors are better than others, or is it all dependent on how dark you want?

I have had the darkest legal tint on the rear windows across a 3 cars with on-glass antennas, each time requesting a non-metallicised film for that window, and have had no problems with reception.

I try to go to places with written lifetime warranty on both the film and the workmanship (and aren't looking likely to close down in the next couple of years).

[Tombie]

I have full metal film there and have had no issues....

Dads D3 has twin layer metal film there and no issues either!

[dudette]

thanks!

[chuck]

I also had Peter Snieg's contact tint my windows at MLR.

Great job no radio issues.

Good price.

[ozetim]

LCT is 33% of vehicle cost over the LCT threshold. If you can add anything like tint after delivery you'll save.