Tint or No Tint?
#1
Tint or No Tint?
How many of you guys have tinted your car? The dealer had already tinted my 11 Black XKR. But interestingly my last Z4M Coupe I also bought new and never tinted. And if they wouldn't have already done this one I probably would have left it alone too.
Even though a few years ago I always tinted my cars along with suspension, wheels, exhaust (which I will still be doing).
What is your personal preference regarding tint?
Even though a few years ago I always tinted my cars along with suspension, wheels, exhaust (which I will still be doing).
What is your personal preference regarding tint?
#3
Evoking, since you're in Texas IMHO it makes good sense to tint - I think that's why the dealer did it. It's not a matter of aesthetics; it is simply being practical by keeping the interior a bit cooler, especially if your interior is black.
Since you can't legally tint the entire windshield, I strongly recommend using an aluminized folding sun reflector to keep the direct sun off your leather dashboard when parked. Some XK/XKR owners have complained in this forum about their dashboard leather shrinking from the hot sun. It's also a good idea to apply leather conditioner monthly to the dash to keep it from drying out and shrinking, as well as all the other leather surfaces.
Hope this helps.
.
Since you can't legally tint the entire windshield, I strongly recommend using an aluminized folding sun reflector to keep the direct sun off your leather dashboard when parked. Some XK/XKR owners have complained in this forum about their dashboard leather shrinking from the hot sun. It's also a good idea to apply leather conditioner monthly to the dash to keep it from drying out and shrinking, as well as all the other leather surfaces.
Hope this helps.
.
#6
I live in central Fl and up until 5 years ago had never had tinted windows. Well let me tell you, it makes one hell of a difference. Additionally, I prefer tones of gray paint on my cars for several reasons and tinted windows on gray to black cars IMHO do enhance the appearance. A lot!
If you really have a strong objection to the look the window tinting can be removed but it is not an easy job. At least that's what a local tint shop told me.
If you really have a strong objection to the look the window tinting can be removed but it is not an easy job. At least that's what a local tint shop told me.
#7
Feh -- doesn't matter where you live, the tint really helps keep glare and temps down. I tint mine even though I'm in Seattle. Mind you, keep an eye on two things: what is legal in your state, and what you really want to have. Initially I had the Jag tinted to 20% and it was too dark for me... especially in night driving. So I went to 30% instead. Much better, and bonus is that it's the legal limit here in Washington.
Any side benefits of it looks better are just a cheerful happenstance! All of my passenger cars previously I had done at 30 to 35, and the Jag was the first car I tried darker though. Obviously, YMMV with how bright your state is and your personal preferences!
Any side benefits of it looks better are just a cheerful happenstance! All of my passenger cars previously I had done at 30 to 35, and the Jag was the first car I tried darker though. Obviously, YMMV with how bright your state is and your personal preferences!
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#8
I had my white XJS tinted and I really like it. I spend every other week end in the desert here in So Cal and it makes a big difference. I went with a light tint so as not to attract as much attention from the CHP or city cops, so far no problem. I also use a reflective sunscreen to protect the dash. Quite a bit cooler!
#10
Add on question as I will be tinting my sliver XK this summer. How badly does the rear vision on a coupe get distorted? I know it will have an effect thanks to the steap rake of the back glass, but does it really "waver" the view enough to be annoying?
thanks,
Vince
BTW OP, I vote for tint... especially down south....
thanks,
Vince
BTW OP, I vote for tint... especially down south....
#11
I used to tint my windows years ago when the AC systems in cars (especially 80's 911's/turbo's) were not so good (I live in S FL) but now I don't.
However, if your car needs to be parked outside during the day some light tint and a winshield sunscreen makes sense to protect the interior and keep it cooler.
However, if your car needs to be parked outside during the day some light tint and a winshield sunscreen makes sense to protect the interior and keep it cooler.
#12
#13
#15
Add on question as I will be tinting my sliver XK this summer. How badly does the rear vision on a coupe get distorted? I know it will have an effect thanks to the steap rake of the back glass, but does it really "waver" the view enough to be annoying?
thanks,
Vince
BTW OP, I vote for tint... especially down south....
thanks,
Vince
BTW OP, I vote for tint... especially down south....
#19
Evoking/others, Light transmission is definitely a matter of personal preference. So is metallic -vs- ceramic, but the reception thing is real. The radio reception already needs all the help it can get; I'd stay away from metallic if you can avoid it. You may be able to get the same look, but it may cost $100 more to be ceramic. My position: I don't like a dark look and the nicer the car (which these qualify as), the cleaner and more complementary the look needs to be. But mine is a Lunar Grey car. I went with Suntek ceramic 55% all around (including the windshield). With black leather, small windows, and the windsheild also tinted -- it looks more like 45%.
Rscultho, I can vouch for and give very high marks for Oasis - they did my '99 twelve years ago and it still looks great. I just had them do my XKR and it's top quality. Sundown, Andy, and Clark are top notch - you;re in good hands. But the they don't carry 4 different brands, from what I can tell. If you're looking at 3M or other film, you may have to elsewhere. BTW, finally got back to ATL last night.
CleverName, I too was concerned about distortion on a steeply raked rear window - no distortion that I can see. Be sure to research the film though, as it could differ with the film.
Rscultho, I can vouch for and give very high marks for Oasis - they did my '99 twelve years ago and it still looks great. I just had them do my XKR and it's top quality. Sundown, Andy, and Clark are top notch - you;re in good hands. But the they don't carry 4 different brands, from what I can tell. If you're looking at 3M or other film, you may have to elsewhere. BTW, finally got back to ATL last night.
CleverName, I too was concerned about distortion on a steeply raked rear window - no distortion that I can see. Be sure to research the film though, as it could differ with the film.
Last edited by bart_redline99; 05-05-2012 at 05:31 PM.
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rscultho (05-05-2012)
#20