Would you recommend window tinting?

KudoWarrior

Registered User
Joined
Oct 8, 2014
Messages
289
Reaction score
56
Points
28
Location
London
I think continuing as cheapning the look of a car but some of the smoke gradients could look nice.

What sort of tints do people have and across which windows?

Cheers.
 
I've got 35% tint on rear windows. Fist car I tinted and it makes such a nice difference. I wanted OEM and that's what I got bud. Anything darker is too much for me in my opinion.
 
I've had tints on my B6 and B7 saloons. I'm quite annoyed that Audi doesn't even offer privacy glass on the saloons at all (even though it's standard on the S4 Black Edition Avant). I will be getting it retrofitted to the S4 as soon after delivery that I can organise it.
 
35% on the rears, OEM looking but do keep thinking I should've gone one darker, but then these don't impact visibility at all at night.
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1428777219981419

Doesn't really show off what I mean, as look very dark here, will get some more tomorrow. If it rains it does look more like 50%
 
Last edited by a moderator:
35% seems to be the popular tint on the rear 3 windows.
What about front passengers? I think it's allowed to a certain percentage no?
Also a top tint to the front windscreen for Sun glare?
(no idea here as you can see haha)

Cheers guys.
 
Haha you guys crack me up. No but seriously, charge your phone. It's making me uncomfortable looking at it.

On aan off topic question, what's the general consensus on front passenger tints?
 
It's illegal to have any tints on the front other than the extremely small amount they put on from the factory.
I think it looks pretty rubbish too.
Front tints are reserved for wannabe drug dealers in rusty e36 bmw's
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Chop., Lannerz27 and jdp1962
It's illegal to have any tints on the front other than the extremely small amount they put on from the factory.
I think it looks pretty rubbish too.
Front tints are reserved for wannabe drug dealers in rusty e36 bmw's

I read otherwise:
Vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later
The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/tinted-vehicle-window-rules

So in theory I could have 70% in the front ttwo and then 50-35% in the back three.

I've never given thought on tinting so from a completely ignorant imagination wouldn't it be more complete to just have a slight tint on all four side Windows and the rear?

Just doing the back looks a bit of an abrupt change to the front two, no?
Or is this one of those things I'd have to see in person...
 
I read otherwise:
Vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later
The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/tinted-vehicle-window-rules

So in theory I could have 70% in the front ttwo and then 50-35% in the back three.

I've never given thought on tinting so from a completely ignorant imagination wouldn't it be more complete to just have a slight tint on all four side Windows and the rear?

Just doing the back looks a bit of an abrupt change to the front two, no?
Or is this one of those things I'd have to see in person...

You read right indeed.
However you will find that the standard tint from factory probably allows about 70% light through (slight green uv protection tint) so any more above that and you'll be restricting that 70% light rule and will therefore be illegal.

I really don't like the look of front tints but that's just me
 
I read otherwise:
Vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later
The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/tinted-vehicle-window-rules

So in theory I could have 70% in the front ttwo and then 50-35% in the back three.
Maximum legal tint on the windscreen will be 25%. Max. legal tint on the side windows will be 30% & the rears from B pillar back can be 100% tint if you want :thumbs up:

Be careful with illegal tints mind. I know of instances where over zealous traffic cops have impounded cars with illegal tints. Contrary to popular belief, ALL Traffic cars carry light meters

Not forgetting, it will give your insurance company a get out if you make a claim ...

Fore armed is fore warned as the saying goes :thumbs up:
 
  • Like
Reactions: jdp1962
Makes sense. Thanks guys.

I'll go and have a look in person but May end up with a slighted less abruptntint of 50% from what I can see on pics.
 
Makes sense. Thanks guys.

I'll go and have a look in person but May end up with a slighted less abruptntint of 50% from what I can see on pics.

Hi there, we got our car done recently and went for 15% on all rear windows and 50% on the fronts, had all positive comments from anyone that has seen them including members on here!

Before
2015 03 24 154626


After

2015 03 24 154702

Thanks

Chris
 
That's way too dark on the front, visibility at night in the rain just has to be dangerous, the fronts from factory are already 70/75%, so to add a 50% to it as well isn't safe

The rears allow 15% light through and the fronts allow 50% light through with the fact the fronts are already slightly tinted from factory yes they are a little over what is legal. Always gone with this setup on our cars and never had a problem and as for being dangerous, not at all, have driven in the dark and heavy rain and both at the same time without any issues!

Thanks
 
You going to get the tints done? I think they look great on any Saloon :)
Know where you will get it too?

Fronts are illegal as everyone said, not to mention an *** to see through when driving, you might regret it pretty quick :p
I dont know my % grade but has what the tinter called medium smoke and had the same on my golf, cant really see in through the back unless you do a piggy nose on the window, and I can still see out, and isnt limo style which by personal preference I am not keen on.
16877695050_2769dcfdfe_c.jpg
 
The rears allow 15% light through and the fronts allow 50% light through with the fact the fronts are already slightly tinted from factory yes they are a little over what is legal. Always gone with this setup on our cars and never had a problem and as for being dangerous, not at all, have driven in the dark and heavy rain and both at the same time without any issues!

Thanks
So if you are aware the fronts are illegal, even if you've not had any issues in the past, presumably you do understand that any time, you are at risk of being pulled over, ordered to remove them and possibly fined? Presumably, you're also comfortable with knowing you're at risk of your insurer voiding your policy in the event of an accident?
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: razza1
Yes I'm fully aware of all those issues and if we get pulled and they get taken off, I will chalk it up to experience and it will be a lesson learned! I thought modifying cars was about personal choice and imo I think it looks better with the fronts done, does everyone think I'm lying when I say you can see out of them perfectly well?? Ive never had an issue driving with them like this and neither has my other half! It's not like I've ran a crossing guard over because of them!!!
 
Of course, it's about personal choice, but you're choosing to break the law, and risk losing your insurance.
 
You going to get the tints done? I think they look great on any Saloon :)
Know where you will get it too?

Fronts are illegal as everyone said, not to mention an *** to see through when driving, you might regret it pretty quick :p
I dont know my % grade but has what the tinter called medium smoke and had the same on my golf, cant really see in through the back unless you do a piggy nose on the window, and I can still see out, and isnt limo style which by personal preference I am not keen on.

Thanks for the picture example.
I was driving down from Suffolk on the weekend and began to notice all the people with window tints a lot more after creating this thread.
I'm definitely not interested in a strong rear 3 window tint as I really dislike the abrupt change in shade from the front/back windows (for me it's not aesthetically pleasing haha) but I'm open for a smokey effect, a slight one if anything so realistically between 35-50%

I'm based in London and not sure on where to get it done and how much.
 
Of course, it's about personal choice, but you're choosing to break the law, and risk losing your insurance.
Searching a lot online and loads of people have illegal tint percentages, I guess it's just a personal choice after all. Each to their own.
 
I agree. We all make risk assessments, and I'm more risk averse than many others.

I'm the same as you. But then again, it's also my personal preference that I dislike the dark tints so it's not just the legality for me.

Roughly how much would it cost to tint the back 3 windows?
 
I had mine done two years ago, and it was about £200 IIRC. That was the rear window, both rear door windows and both rear three-quarter windows, so five in all not three.

It's a bit much compared to what else I can get for that money.
I've seen some similar quotes by other people whilst searching so it would probably be around that mark. Guess that will be a luxury addition once I've done all my other "more important" ones.

Cheers buddy.
 
just to add, our saloons are more expensive that a hatchback as the rear windows are a pain for the tinters to get to. You can get he average hatchback 3 door for £99
 
I think £150 give or take is the average rate for the 3 rears.
£150 sounds dirt cheap. Where'd you get quoted that?

I've read of some real horror stories with tinting peeling and bubbling after a short time.
 

Similar threads