Is it OK to tint the IR-coated windshield or sunroof?

[buzzz]

I'd like to put a privacy film on the windshield. Ceramic for extra heat rejection. The car has the IR glass (evidenced by the purple-ish hue in the sunlight) which rejects 50% of the heat. Theoretically, ceramic film would increase that even more.

Some say adding tint on the inside will trap the heat onto the glass, causing it to potentially crack. Others say it doesn't matter.

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[devmach-e]

In most states, tinting the windshield isn't allowed, even with a clear tint. Skip it, it's a waste of time and money. The heat rejection by the windshield and glassroof is pretty damn good.

 

[buzzz]

I live in a state where these laws are just not enforced.

 

[hbirring01]

I tinted mine. So far so good

 

[satchel prefect]

South Florida native here. In my experience, the IRR windshield and roof have superior heat rejection to any films that I have tried. It's even more impressive considering the solid black seats in the Route 1.

If you're installing for privacy, aside from the legal aspect, one thing you may want to consider is how a windshield film's optics may affect a dash cam if you choose to install one. In addition to constraining the amount of light available to a cam, some films may also introduce more reflections from the dashboard. For some cams, a CPL may help reduce reflections, but then you'd potentially be further reducing the light reaching the image sensor; that could be a problem if you drive in dark areas at night.

 

[Lynsey]

Glass roof is good as is. I added a 5% 4-5" ceramic tinted band on the front windshield. It hits right at the level marked on the windshield. Works perfect for someone that is shorter, like myself. Really helps with glare.

 

[kltye]

Have had 70% 3M ceramic tint for almost two years; no issues so far. Definitely makes a big difference in heat rejection.

 

[connoisseurr]

50% Llumar IRX or FormulaOne Pinnacle substantially increased the IR rejection on my Mach-e. I’d only tint the windshield as long as you’re tinting all the side and rear glass with a ceramic film.

Skip the roof. Get a sunshade if you need it.

 

[Ev Blau]

I live in a state where these laws are just not enforced.

So you’re never going to take a road trip outside your home state - or move? Just sayin’!

 

[ARK]

So you’re never going to take a road trip outside your home state - or move? Just sayin’!

Cops are usually less strict for out of state vehicles. For example, California requires a front license plate, but the police here usually won't bother someone from out of state without the front plate (or even Californians without them ?)

 

[generaltso]

Cops are usually less strict for out of state vehicles. For example, California requires a front license plate, but the police here usually won't bother someone from out of state without the front plate

Well, they can't really have a law that requires front plates on cars visiting from states that don't require one.

 

[buzzz]

Cops are usually less strict for out of state vehicles. For example, California requires a front license plate, but the police here usually won't bother someone from out of state without the front plate (or even Californians without them ?)

Native Californian here. Now in Nevada. I haven’t had a front plate in 20 years between the two states and never an issue. Tint on the front windows (which is illegal in CA, just the same as windshield tint is illegal) — I’ve had a “fix it ticket” once and it was a concession in lieu of a speeding ticket. A gift from the cop, actually.

Bottom is it doesn’t really matter. Just enjoy the car and set it up the way you want provided it’s safe and doesn’t create a nuisance. If a cop wants to hassle me and give me a fix it ticket, I’ll be happy to remove the tint, sign it off, then re-apply it the next day.

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