Opinions on window tinting wanted.

[al_templeton]

opinions needed....

What are the pros and cons of window tinting?

Would you tint all windows or just sides and back?

Anyone got pics of a tinted 2006 Blue Mazda5?

Thanks in advance for your input.
AL

 

[Dphillips]

Just do it! You wont regret it.



Until you try to reverse into a spot at night time, lol.

 

[CaptainSpalding]

Anyone got pics of a tinted 2006 Blue Mazda5

Hi AL,

I saw this photo in another thread on this forum:

 

[x10dude]

Pros: + Cooler in the summer. + More secure (blocks view from outside). + Makes the car look alot "cooler"

Cons: It does darken your view from your rear-view mirror a bit (only really notice it at at night). This depends on the level of tinting you choose.
You can't clean the inside of your windows with strong cleaners as they might damage the film.

 

[1WICKED6]

You can't clean the inside of your windows with strong cleaners as they might damage the film.

What cleaner are you using and how dirty does the inside of your 5 get?

Windex cleans mine fine.

It does make the 5 look alot better...makes it stand out more

 

[Saluki]

Make sure to check with your local laws. Until recently, Illinois didnt allow tint forward of the rear side windows. As of Jan 1, tint is now allowed on the driver and front passenger side windows.

 

[wedginator]

Hi AL,

I saw this photo in another thread on this forum:

haha, that's my car. it's a 2009 so I'm not sure if it's the same blue as the 06.

I really like my tints, car is cooler in the summer. Plus people can't see into the cargo area unless they put their nose on the window.

 

[x10dude]

What cleaner are you using and how dirty does the inside of your 5 get?

Windex cleans mine fine.

It does make the 5 look alot better...makes it stand out more

I've heard that Windex without Amonia is fine. If course I'm NOT an expert on this. My tint installer said to avoid any cleaners with amonia in it. He said over time it will ruin the film. I've never used amonia based cleaners so I don't really know if his words are true.

So maybe you can strike that "cleaner" comment from my above post. I guess any cleanser is fine for tints.

 

[Kona Bear]

Fish Bowl FTW!!!!!...............Actually a tint all the way around (except the windshield) looks good.

M

 

[8.5MS3]

I've heard that Windex without Amonia is fine. If course I'm NOT an expert on this. My tint installer said to avoid any cleaners with amonia in it. He said over time it will ruin the film. I've never used amonia based cleaners so I don't really know if his words are true.

So maybe you can strike that "cleaner" comment from my above post. I guess any cleanser is fine for tints.

yes amonia will turn your tints that bad purple color

 

[The ManLaw]

get 3M tint, you can clean that with straight amonia and it will never turn colors. I paid $225 for my protege5, but for your vehicle i'd say around $300-350 for 3M tint. Shop around and ask. If you hear of Diamond tint DO NOT GET IT. It turns different colors even if you park it in a garage and never clean it with anything but water and vinegar.

 

[al_templeton]

Hi AL,

I saw this photo in another thread on this forum:

Thanks Capt Spalding, that is a sweet one, thanks for the pic!

 

[al_templeton]

Thanks for all the input, great info to think about.

I'm definitely going to get it tinted all the way around!

 

[skyhawk]

I did the tinting myself on our 2006 M5. Got those 'off-the-shelf' films from canadian tire.
It was supposed to be temporary (we were going on a long trip the next day) before I get the professionals do it. 3 years later, the tint held up well. No bubbles, no discolor.
lolz. I can't justify yet taking it to the tinting professionals.

I tinted only the 2nd and 3rd row windows. Somehow I like it when people see me
driving the mazda5. The untinted rear window also allows cars following me to see
what's ahead .

The untinted windows also announces to the curious public that 'there is nothing valuable' stored inside the vehicle.

 

[tpotter]

Tinting is a must in warmer "Brighter" climates. The added security in the cargo area is a bonus. There are other benefits, if your in a accident, the tint "holds" the glass together better then without. It also filters UV, so it keeps your interior looking good, longer. As stated before, at night, when your backing up, it can be the big downside. I had my 5 tinted with 35% for the front windows and 15% for the rear. I guess it is much more expensive in the Northern climes, as it was $150 for top of the line LLumar film here in Florida.


Here is a crappy pic of my 5, if you notice, the tint looks pretty dark, but look through to the passenger side window, not that dark at all. I am the darkest you can go legally in Fla.

 

[tpotter]

Here is a link for most of the states Laws.

http://www.tintcenter.com/laws/

 

[x10dude]

Thanks for all the input, great info to think about.

I'm definitely going to get it tinted all the way around!

So does Canada allow tinting all the way around? In the US I'm fairly certain that in most states, it is illegal to tint the front windshield.

 

[skyhawk]

So does Canada allow tinting all the way around? In the US I'm fairly certain that in most states, it is illegal to tint the front windshield.

I remember now why I did not tint the windshield and the front windows.

As for the curved hatch window, the curved shape and the defogger
discouraged me from even trying.

http://www.windowfilm.ca/auto/autofaq.html#Laws

 

[thaxman]

Got pics of my tinted Phantom Blue '06 on this page here...

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=123680189&page=41

But will try to repost them. Just need to relearn how to do so.

 

[KBrian]

So does Canada allow tinting all the way around? In the US I'm fairly certain that in most states, it is illegal to tint the front windshield.

In British Columbia, no tint anywhere but behind the driver.