[Pauls MDX]

I have a 2002 black/ebony tour/nav should I tint front windows to match the back ones? Also if I tint how dark do I go?? 10%, 15% or 20% does anyone know the tint percentage of the back windows??? I believe it will look good on a black suv but any idea's would be appreciated. Also if anyone has any pic's of tinting would love to see.

 

[Bill Diggs]

Window tint

Paul 123,
It is hard to imagine that your ebony MDX could look any better
than that beautiful picture you posted but take my word for it,
you will like it even more with the front windows tinted.

My SS has 35% on the front which appears to be slightly lighter
than the rear sides but there is not enough difference to detract
from the appearance which is stunning! I went with 35% light
transmission as anything darker would not meet code in this
state. I am assuming that the factory tint on the rear sides is
20%. There are a number of threads discussing this subject if
you will search "window tint". Also, gto-dave has posted some
great pictures of his SS and I believe Gator Greg has some of
his ebony X.

In any event, it will be easy for you to determine what your state
of N.Y. says is legal if that is a concern to you. IMO you can't go
wrong with whatever percent you select if you have a reputable
installer do the work.

 

[GatorGreg]

Hey Paul, I have 28% Formula One tint on all my windows, including the rears. As a result, the front windows are lighter than the rears. Of course, I'm in Florida so I wanted it as dark as possible without substantially interfereing with my outward vision. Matching front to rear was less of a concern for me. 28% is as dark as Fla law allows for front windows, and I think that is lower (darker) than what most states allow, so be sure to check the laws where you live. I'd recommend not scrimping on the installation costs, or it will come back to haunt you later. Try to find one that does micro edges instead of half inch edges and will guarantee their work.

 

[papawoolf]

Paul

I have on order the same MDX that you have and plan on getting my front windows tinted. I think it would bring out the black on black much better. If you have your windows tinted professionally, they are suppose to install the tint to state regulations. I have had several vehicles with tinted windows and it makes a big difference with the A/C on and blocking the UV rays from the sun.

Great looking vehicle!!

 

[Ronsully]

Tinting.. I have 20% on the front 2 windows (it is almost a perfect match with the existing windows. A little more risky- I have my entire front windshield tinted with 40%. The windshield was done in one piece and it is just the slightest tint. The only way you can tell is if you look out the front door with the window done and the look straight ahead at the windshield. Most people do not even notice it until I point it out.

 

[Pauls MDX]

Thanks for all the feedback

It was greatly appreciated. I was wondering if anyone could give me an approximate cost to tint the front windows only? I got an estimate of $100 which I thought was a little costly but he mentioned it was a high performance tint????

 

[ardvarkus]

Yep, same place were I get my high performance air for my tires, I'll bet....

Couldn't resist- I'd bet there are differences in "quality" but how does a tint perform?

 

[Pauls MDX]

Difference in Tint

I know it may seem like a rip-off, but there is a difference in types of tint. less quality tints tend to blurr after years of use. There are also differences in the UV rays that go thru different tints. Also some are scratch resistant and other are not. There are less expensive and more expensive types, but some place tend to overcharge and some places say they use the better quality and don't. I reccommend you know the difference between the two before you puchase them.

 

[octavian]

Oh yeah, ya gotta go with tinting, especially with Black. I have had tinting on my black cars since '84. Note how seamless the X looks from the side (see below).

Go to a specialist and make sure there is a lifetime guarantee against bubbling or peeling (or at least for as long as you own the car). Some small bubbles may be present after installation, but should disappear after 24 - 48 hours. If not, they never will....so take it back and have them redo it.

Be careful with %'s....there could be a variance between what one person or product calls 28% and someone else.

I asked that my front tint match the rest of the factory installed tinting. I guess they did OK.

 

[ardvarkus]

"There are also differences in the UV rays that go thru different tints."

I understand that virtually all polymers will stop UV transmission. 96-99%. Of course, the stuff that produces heat is not UV, which is why you need the tint.

My point was that you need to determine what defines "performance" and buy based on those attributes, not just the label (which has been correctly pointed out).

The beauty of this board is that a simple question can educate all of us.

remember, and educated consumer is a ....... pain in the A--

Ard