Used Search and couldn't come up with a definitive answer, so I'm putting it out to you all. I am getting my windows tinted tomorrow and for reasons with Missouri law and the fact that the federal emissions folks will flunk your inspection if you have your front windows tinted, I am only tinting the back windows. I know it will look goofy, but I'd rather have the back then none at all.

That being said, I would like your recommendations on what tint to get. The only thing I am excluding is limo tint as my opinion is that it would look really goofy on a black car with only the back ones done. Other than that, I'd like your recommendations.

Thanks,

Matt

 

Since the law won't allow u to tint your front windows, i would say to go with a light tint, cuz if u go dark, it will look wack on the car. I have my car double limo tinted all windows, i got one ticket but fought it off, and i like mine really dark, but i need to watch out for cops non-stop. So if u don't want to go that route, but have a nice looking car, go for a not so dark somethin lighter then a 35% would work great.

 

Thanks Player1, I will take that route. I'm not so concerned about the cops - I could deal with that, but when I was told that I would fail my federal emissions inspection, that would be a pain so I will go with something lighter than 35%. I appreciate the input.

 

I have 20% on my car and it works great. Not too dark for night driving, while dark enough for the day time.

 

What's the lowest % tint one can go before it's considered ILLEGAL?? 35% ? I'm thinking the % would differ by state...no??

 

Yeh differs by state. I love the Formula 1 stuff that I have on my i30. It's the higher-end of their stuff, guaranteed forever, and it looks great I think....

Somewhere online I saw a tint chart for all the states, I don't remember where, sorry. I am astonished that tint would have anything to do with an emissions inspection. Perhaps whoever told you that is clinically insane?

/aac

 

Probably - it was actually the installer - I asked him if he would still tint my fronts even though it was illegal. He said he would, but I needed to be aware that I'd have to sign a waiver and that I would fail my inspections. I told him it was no problem because my local mechanic does saftey inspections and I know I could have him overlook that to pass. He said that was usually no problem - the safety inspections are easy for people to 'overlook' the front tints, but the every-2 year federal emissions inspection people have 0 tolerance (I guess that's where Bobby Knight works now!!). I said the same thing - how did front tinting have anything to do with emissions. He said he wasn't sure, but he knew they'd flunk me. So, I caved and said I would just have the rears done.

I appreciate all the input though - I get it done at noon central time - I can't wait!!

 

There is definately a premium grade tint. No matter what percent you go with, make sure it is a tint that is guaranteed not to turn purplish over the years, and find a good shop to apply. They should guarantee their work for the life of the car. I have only my rears tinted too.

 

I made sure that they guarantee for life, and I will check on the premium grade. It's all good advice. It's hard to see with the shadows, but your car looks nice with just the rears. Maybe it won't look so goofy after all - although I still wish I could get them all done.

 

Does anyone have a picture of their Maxima with 35% tint on the windows...?? I know a picture won't do justice, but I just want an idea of what it would look like. I'm thinking it would work well with my black leather interior. Thanks!

 

my 2k se has formula 1 tint that is rated at 28%. This tint is darker than the 35% and looks much better. I currently have all windows and the sunroof tinted. Let the tint shop show some photos of the cars they tinted, and ask to see their personal vehicle.

 

I got better than pictures - they do all the tinting for the dealership so when I asked them how come it wasn't an option for my maxima - they told me they had it done aftermarket. I weasled the name of the place out of them and just cut out the middle-man. I totally agree, though - you have to see some of their work.

 

Does anybody know where that list that acitrano mentioned? The one that might outline the tinting laws in all the states. It would be nice to see an official list like that, for those of us that care.

 

I got my car back and I got 15% - it doesn't look too bad. Actually I love it. I was warned by Michael to watch to see if they cut my windshield when they cut the rear sheet to size - apparantly they use the window on the outside to measure and then cut to fit. While checking for that, I found a nice 5 inch long perfectly straight cut beginning at the back (closest to the window) of the trunk. I am pissed to say the least. I took a pic and will post it later. I have spent the last hour using 3m rubbing compound and 3m swirl mark remover and it's about gone. That's all they would do anyway and I wouldn't trust them to fix it right and be careful with it. Anyway, thanks for everyone's advice and I will post pics of the car next time she's all clean and it's sunny! I'll see if the scratch pic turns out (it was dark outside) and if it does I'll post it here.

Thanks again everyone,

Matt