Windshield Tint Pros/Cons

[Mikey Swift]

Just know the pursuit policies for the agencies in the area you live.

Fact!
Alas, my motorcycle running days have passed.

 

[Wrinkled_Donut]

In your state, it’s illegal to apply tint to anything but the top strip of your windshield.

You a cop?

 

[Weather Man]

I notice a lot of haze on mine and the interior still gets hot (and it hasn’t been over 80 degrees here). So despite using a top tier XPEL ceramic all around installed by the best shop in the area I’ve been significantly underwhelmed with the results.

If you carefully wash it, the haze should be greatly reduced. Mine was the same.

 

[Av8tor]

Tampa area I did 55 on my windshield and the Xpel film to protect the outside of the window. I got a couple marks in the film from rocks but my window is still perfect.

 

[Faze]

Southern CA Desert here:

I've had a Ceramic IR Clear tint on my windshield for over a year.
It's clear enough that unless you can see a tinted area next to a non-tinted area, the human eye cannot tell the difference.
I saw this in person. The first application creased on the passengers' side during the application. The installer cut the sheet in half to remove it. Until he did, there was no way you'd know. I've never had any haze or distortion.
Electrical? I don't understand this reference. If you mean the water/lubricant used during the installation, that's on the installer's professionalism. It was never an issue.
Police - Again, I don't understand the reference. If it's clear, how would they know?

glad that it worked for you, but
- I don't want a clear one
- we have 50 on f250 and it's definitely hazy and I don't want that for daily driver
- water dropping on the electric modules under the windshield is never an issue, until it is.. don't want to take chances with that
- I wouldn't go with clear one, that defeats the purpose of why I want to get tint in the first place

 

[Eighty]

For what it’s worth the issue with frying the BCM due to bleed water from tinting is supposedly a thing of the past. The new (‘25-‘26) models have a relocated BCM that is out of harm’s way.
At least that’s what I remember reading a while back, from someone I trusted. Can’t remember where or who, though. lol

 

[Banger]

Like others have said, use a reputable shop and you’ll be fine. If you’re going to do ceramic tint everywhere else, it’s pointless not to do the windshield. It certainly helps keep the cabin cooler when the AC is on. I did 35% on my windshield and I love it. Don’t forget to do the sunroof too if you have one.

 

[RamFan]

glad that it worked for you, but
- I don't want a clear one
- we have 50 on f250 and it's definitely hazy and I don't want that for daily driver
- water dropping on the electric modules under the windshield is never an issue, until it is.. don't want to take chances with that
- I wouldn't go with clear one, that defeats the purpose of why I want to get tint in the first place

Why would clear defeat the purpose? It still reduces heat transfer and eliminates the UV rays that destroy the leather dash and it’s not hazy.

What’s a perfect world for you?

Chris

 

[Weather Man]

Like others have said, use a reputable shop and you’ll be fine. If you’re going to do ceramic tint everywhere else, it’s pointless not to do the windshield. It certainly helps keep the cabin cooler when the AC is on. I did 35% on my windshield and I love it. Don’t forget to do the sunroof too if you have one.

I couldn't believe how much tinting the sunroof helped keep my black F-350 cool. Also able to leave the shade open much more.

 

[Faze]

Why would clear defeat the purpose? It still reduces heat transfer and eliminates the UV rays that destroy the leather dash and it’s not hazy.

What’s a perfect world for you?

Chris

same reason I don't get the side windows "tinted" clear

 

[RHOfan]

With modern films, you can go almost clear & it will have almost the same heat rejection as a dark tint. Darker does not = more heat rejection. 3M makes an 98% clear film that has massive heat rejection qualities, but it’s super $$$. I think it’s used on spacecraft by NASA.

Also in my experience, Xpel is cloudy upon install & never clears 100%. And despite the film specs, the heat rejection is less effective than another film I favor (top spec Llumar).

I’ve had MUCH better experience with Llumar Formula One Stratos. My local tint shop only carries Xpel, so I got some bulk Llumar on e-bay. Try it…you’ll be hooked.

 

[Zefal]

I have only ever used Llumar on recommendations from people far smarter than me... plus their lifetime warranty is AMAZING.... but yeah their Air 80 ceramic was amazing at not letting heat through for being clear

 

[RADA]

Why would clear defeat the purpose? It still reduces heat transfer and eliminates the UV rays that destroy the leather dash and it’s not hazy.

What’s a perfect world for you?

Chris

Agree 100%.

All the "dark" does is increase privacy.

A clear ceramic tint will aways outperform a dark "regular" tint.

 

[Adub]

Agree 100%.

All the "dark" does is increase privacy.

A clear ceramic tint will aways outperform a dark "regular" tint.

That’s why you get dark ceramic…best of both worlds.

 

[StealthRHO]

Personally, I wouldn’t want to go darker than 50%.
Good balance of stealth/heat and ability to see at night.

 

[Uf28denied]

You a cop?

I’m a retired cop and I wouldn’t even had said that!!! Lol

 

[Adub]

Personally, I wouldn’t want to go darker than 50%.
Good balance of stealth/heat and ability to see at night.

View attachment 29212

I agree, 50 is perfect for all the benefits. I did just apply 40 on the Vette, and that’s sick. May be my new standard moving forwards but nothing more than that.

 

[Banger]

I did 35 on windhshield (and sunroof) and 20 everywhere else. I'm very happy with it. It doesn't affect my nighttime driving, but I certainly wouldn't go darker on the windshield.
I was originally going to do 50 on windshield, but the shop talked me into 35. I'm glad they did.

 

[RamFan]

Problem with notable windshield tint, you’re involved in an accident and God forbid a fatality…even if it’s not your fault, you’ll be sued into eternity for negligence.

Chris