I've got a Starfire Pearl (white) ES300h. Live in the Arizona desert so heat is always an issue. Thinking about tinting the windows in the car, but I don't know much about tint.

Dealer offered to tint the car with ceramic tint. Is that what you would use? Any advantage to that?

For me it isn't as much about looks as it is the heat and protecting the interior of the car. But I also don't want turn my car over to some tint guy who might install something that takes away from what makes a Lexus classy.

Any advice on this would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

Be sure to check your state's laws on the % tint that is legal. Ceramic tint is very good, it costs more, but there is less risk of interferring with the cars radio and navigation reception. Finally, any reputable installer will do a good job. Your dealer most likely farms out the work to a local installer. If you can find out who they use, go there yourself and save some money. Good luck.

 

Read this thread:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...w-tinting.html

Lou

 

I went with 50% all around except windshield.The brake light illuminates fine.I'll admit I went more for the look than function but the 50% does work well when driving with A/C and keeps less sun on the interior and maybe a few degrees cooler when parked.
Tint is illegal in my state but I'm taking a chance like many others.I know a few cops and most don't bother with tint.Just open windows quickly if stopped helps.No motor vehicle inspection for 5 years on a new vehicle in NJ.
The 50% isn't very dark.Although I think with my black interior it looks a bit darker..
50% in AZ may not be enough.Maybe go 35%.20% may be too dark for night driving,IMO.

 

Ceramic tint - its theoretically less prone to interference with electronics.

There are reports of it causing interference with window attenae, but many people report no problems.

Ive done ceramic before, next week I'm going give standard tint a shot at a reputable shop.

We'll see.

 

My car is registered in Texas where the law is 25 for all the front and rear passenger windows. The rear window can be as dark as you choose. I got Solar Gard Ultra Performance 30 all around and 20 on the rear window. In addition to the heat benefits, the car looks so much cleaner with them done.

 

Has anyone had window tint added on at the dealership? Or is it better to just do this after the purchase at a local window tint company?

 

Do it after the purchase. The dealer will charge you an arm and leg on that. Go to an authorize 3M tint installer in your area.

 

After the purchase. The dealers contract out their tinting etc. to reputable local shops. Good savings to be had when you find a good shop on your own.

 

Thanks everyone, I was thinking they might get me on this.

 

Yes, I did, done for free.

 

Good reminder. We bought a new car last week and now I want it tinted. I wish i would have thought to see about getting it added at n/c at the time of purchase.

 

Yes, but there is a bit of a story behind this.

The car I bought was destined to be used as a demo, and intended to be the sales manager's car as well. So as soon as it came in, he got the windows tinted - that was on a Friday.

When I came in on Monday, the car at 30 miles on it. I took it for a spin ...

 

Do you happen to know what % the tint is - And how do you like it? Here in IL to be legal, you can have up to 35% on the side and rear windows, I'll probably go with something around 40%.

 

I like it a lot, it keeps the car cooler, in addition to added privacy. They maxed out at 35%, which is what I understand to be the legal limit here too. This was not an option I would normally ask for... Now it is. I think you'd be OK at 35%.