yellowssm

had interference because of the tint? I was reading somewhere that metallic tint interfered with the NAV or the FM reception.

I also read that ceramic tint like Huper Optik did not do this.

And last question for those that have had Huper Optik tint. Is it better than regular metallic tint. Does it keep the car cooler? Does it look like regular tint?

Thanks in advance.

DRIVEN1

Great Question. I have been struggling with this for two weeks and I have canceled two tinting appointments already. Here is what I have been told:

If you use Metalized tint on the rear window, you will loose about 80% of your AM reception and will not loose any FM. I have also been told there is NO issues with the NAV system. For me, since I will listen to Jim Rome and Sports on AM, this is an issue.

Solution offered to me is to find a really good tinter that carries a top tier brand film like Solar Guard, 3M, etc. My tinter uses Solar Guard and has a product that is Ceramic for the rear window and then we will use Metalized on the sided windows. Since they are all made by Solar Guard and designed to be blended, the car will look like the same tint all the way around. I have an appointment this upcoming Wednesday and I will try to post pics shortly after.

Still not 100% I have found the best option or combination, but my tinter is giving me 100% guarnatee and will retint any window I don't like. Time to just bite the bullet!

yellowssm

I wonder where the NAV antenna is?

I have quotes for 250 regular tint and 450 for Huper Optik ceramic. Almost double the price but at least I know for sure nothing will be affected.

onihc

iTrader: (1)

i have seen portable navigation and car navigations work indoors. i highly doubt tint will reduce your reception. your radio antenna is on your wind shield, so it will not reduce your am reception.

mike714

They make color stable dyed tints now that won't turn purple. Talk to your tint installer.

sbasinger

i have 16% titanium/metallic tint and I have not experienced ANY lose of AM, FM, or NAV reception.

ChrisM910

I just tinted my windows 3 days ago and i havent had any problems at all with the NAV

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

There are many posts on this forum from other members who have used metallic tint and their navigation has either lost accuracy or stopped working entirely.

I personally would recommend against using it, lots of empirical data that it is an issue with Lexus nav systems.

Again, this is for metallic tint. Other tints (including the new ceramic stuff) are fine.

hofman_dzn

I have 32% Metallic Tint by Solargard on my IS and have experienced no problems at all with my NAV (and i've had it for over 3 months). I never listen to AM, so that's not an issue for me. The installer even guaranteed it wouldn't affect the NAV. If you live in the OC and you're looking for tint, check out Tint Connection is Costa Mesa. They did mine and it came out perfect. It even has a lifetime warranty against fading.

mink92890

Well i do not know about the tint issue...
But i know in my 2001 LS the antenna for navigation reception is in the front center of the dashboard as close to the windshield as possible. I know this because i had a radar detector right above that, now knowing there was the antenna underneath and the navigation had barely any reception. One time it told me i was 2 miles away over a lake. Took it into the dealer, and they said the radar detector was interfering since it was right above the antenna.

Moral of the story is is that it might be in the front of the car, but do not mark my words as this information is from the 01 LS

Mink92890

musikdok

I have been using a company in Arlington,VA for years named TNT Tinting. Matt is the best of the best and is always in high demand. He is very familiar with the problem of metallic tints and reception. On my new IS350 he selected a tint known as "Charkool" by a company named MADICO. I went with 35% light trans. as in Virginia you need a physicians letter in order to get the 35%. I have sensitive eyes and had a letter sent to DMV. I have had the tint on for about 2 months (had the car for 3 months). No problems whatsoever with reception on radio and the tint is very cool. Maybe it isn't that "mirror" look, but since I also have one of the few "Gold Kits' for the IS, I don't care.

Musikdok
(DrKen)