Please recommend a brand/type of window tinting

[konisaan]

I need to tint the front windshield no more than 20%. I tried going without for a while after the windshield was replaced, but it's pretty nasty for long drives during the day. I don't do a lot of night driving.

I want to reduce heat while reducing visibility as little as possible. I don't mind paying a premium to do that. I've heard ceramic tinting is good but know very little about this subject.

[transam]

3M is meant to be the best...........Personally, you should not use it on the front screen EXCEPT the top part, just above your line of vision.

If I had a big problem with daylight vision and the sun, I would wear lightly tinted sunglasses, then night driving will be noooooo problem without the glasses........

[konisaan]

I've done some research. Apparently side windows have lousy UV protection (SPF 16) and tinting them is essential in a country like Thailand. The windshield has an SPF of around 50 due to the plastic layer sandwiched between two layers of glass. So the main problem with the windshield is heat and glare. Virtually any coating you add to the windshield will bring UV protection close to 100%.

[initiala4]

Depending on your budget you can try 3M, Lamina, or V-Kool.

[wilcopops]

There's been a lot of discussion on this - basically it is a waste of time - a strip over the top of the screen might be your best bet.

I think you'll find that you won't notice temperature improvements.

I think UV tales are unfounded.....sounds like you've read re4search sponsored by film/tint companies.

[culicine]

I've done some research. Apparently side windows have lousy UV protection (SPF 16) and tinting them is essential in a country like Thailand. The windshield has an SPF of around 50 due to the plastic layer sandwiched between two layers of glass. So the main problem with the windshield is heat and glare. Virtually any coating you add to the windshield will bring UV protection close to 100%.

UV levels are generally quite low in Thailand, compared to say, Australia. I changed my tint in my honda - there was originally no tint on the front, but there was about 20% natural tint in the glass. I did get a new windscreen tinted when I re-did the whole car. I think it's about 40%, but this is quite dark. I have solargard on my swift, about the same percentage, but seems lighter in the front when driving at night. I'd suggest like others, just put a tinted strip along the top. Heat really isn't an issue when the air cond gets going. I always used a leather / vinyl conditioner in my honda and the dash is still perfect with no tinting in the front for 10 years.

[sstuff3]

Recently saw this being advertised at the Auto Show. Anyone have any experience with it in Thailand? Seems very clear looking out from the inside but very dark from the outside looking in. Called Cardinal Tuxedo.

[wilcopops]

I've done some research. Apparently side windows have lousy UV protection (SPF 16) and tinting them is essential in a country like Thailand. The windshield has an SPF of around 50 due to the plastic layer sandwiched between two layers of glass. So the main problem with the windshield is heat and glare. Virtually any coating you add to the windshield will bring UV protection close to 100%.

UV levels are generally quite low in Thailand, compared to say, Australia. I changed my tint in my honda - there was originally no tint on the front, but there was about 20% natural tint in the glass. I did get a new windscreen tinted when I re-did the whole car. I think it's about 40%, but this is quite dark. I have solargard on my swift, about the same percentage, but seems lighter in the front when driving at night. I'd suggest like others, just put a tinted strip along the top. Heat really isn't an issue when the air cond gets going. I always used a leather / vinyl conditioner in my honda and the dash is still perfect with no tinting in the front for 10 years.

UV levels are HIGHER in general in Thailand than Australia...

I believe UVB rays are more or less blocked by car glass - UVA rays can get through, but many windscreens - i.e. laminated - prevent this they have a blocking factor of 50 - (side windows in general aren't)

[mortenaa]

I recently did a lot of research on the topic. What you want is 3M Crystalline CR70. 30% tint, but super clear compared to others. I have no problems at night, compared to a cheaper Lamina, which is also 30%. Can't see s***!

[wilcopops]

I recently did a lot of research on the topic. What you want is 3M Crystalline CR70. 30% tint, but super clear compared to others. I have no problems at night, compared to a cheaper Lamina, which is also 30%. Can't see s***!

the best you can say is "I FEEL i have no problems at night"

[IMHO]

I recently did a lot of research on the topic. What you want is 3M Crystalline CR70. 30% tint, but super clear compared to others. I have no problems at night, compared to a cheaper Lamina, which is also 30%. Can't see s***!

Yep, this is the brand I have - can't fault it.

@OP: Be aware that most of the posters here are half-blind aging expats (no offence, mates ). If you're over 60, listen to them, if your vision is still decent, asses for yourself

[Ace of Pop]

Even if your Vision is good,then you can see the imperfections in Lamina, and that drives you mad. As Truckers say in USA."Chrome Dont Ger Yer Home" .Neither do Looks aid Safety. Steer Clear Old or Young............Get the Best 3 Ms or equiv.

[wilcopops]

I recently did a lot of research on the topic. What you want is 3M Crystalline CR70. 30% tint, but super clear compared to others. I have no problems at night, compared to a cheaper Lamina, which is also 30%. Can't see s***!

Yep, this is the brand I have - can't fault it.

@OP: Be aware that most of the posters here are half-blind aging expats (no offence, mates ). If you're over 60, listen to them, if your vision is still decent, asses for yourself

Sadly regardless of age people aren't aware of the limitations of their own vision, but more importantly with tints, films etc., they are unaware of the loss of detail and peripheral vision that occurs especially in adverse lighting - e.g. low light and ultra bright.....the percentage figures relate to the amount of light that gets through and this is directly - if not obviously - correlated to the amount you notice.

It's a bit like low alcohol levels - you FEEL OK but in reality it is well established that your reaction times are slower....the lack of light received by the eye has a similarly effect that is not particularly noticeable to the driver.

[Ace of Pop]

For some reason dot A.S.1 now seems to be tinted like A.S.2.No longer 70% transmission imo.Your screen stamp should be marked dot A.S.I, take a look ,but if you drop the drivers side window and compare, wow what a difference.Try it. .

[mortenaa]

Sadly regardless of age people aren't aware of the limitations of their own vision, but more importantly with tints, films etc., they are unaware of the loss of detail and peripheral vision that occurs especially in adverse lighting - e.g. low light and ultra bright.....the percentage figures relate to the amount of light that gets through and this is directly - if not obviously - correlated to the amount you notice.

It's a bit like low alcohol levels - you FEEL OK but in reality it is well established that your reaction times are slower....the lack of light received by the eye has a similarly effect that is not particularly noticeable to the driver.

I am aware of it. And I felt it since I started driving cars in Thailand with tinted windows. I am now 37 years old, but started driving here back in 2007. My GF is 26, and she also complains about the Lamina 30%. I will have it changed to 3M Crystalline asap. It offers so much better clarity at night - but of course no tint is better. I used to have a only a slight factory tint, but it just got uncomfortably hot during the day.

[Ace of Pop]

Poor Old Ting mortenna even trucks have A.C these days. Just seen, or rather not Hi Cool Clear, and it is .No or very little optical flaws in the film.Had to be ordered though.

[ATF]

Tried them all very little difference except Lamina comes in different grades. The top grade is comparable with the rest.

I always use a slight green tint so it's clear at night and during the day. Dark shades will give you vision problems day or night.

[Ace of Pop]

...1st Pic 30% tinted band over screen top. 2nd pic.Implanted O.E. tint in new Accord,no film whatsoever.3rd Pic.Camera resting outside of screen.

[JAS21]

This topic comes up time and time again. It's important to understand that there is more than one grade/quality and definitely price offered by each manufacturer. So anyone who says a certain film is poor quality then maybe he is looking at the cheaper offering by that company. I understand that CR70 is quite highly recommended and many are very pleased with it, it is around the price of Lamina Special Series.

In previous discussions on this topic I explained ... seem to have failed though... that it is important to understand what eg 40% means.

I have the top range of Lamina fitted to my truck ... called Special Series and L75. I have L75040 on the wind screen and L75051 on the side windows ... here is the info http://www.laminafilms.com/main.php?hm=product&op=car&type=film&cate=ss . I paid the money because as like many, old eyes need all the help that they can get!

And here are the views through the screen and front just in front of the screen. Photos taken a few seconds apart with my 2nd hand Galaxy Note 2.

[OMGImInPattaya]

This topic comes up time and time again. It's important to understand that there is more than one grade/quality and definitely price offered by each manufacturer. So anyone who says a certain film is poor quality then maybe he is looking at the cheaper offering by that company. I understand that CR70 is quite highly recommended and many are very pleased with it, it is around the price of Lamina Special Series.

In previous discussions on this topic I explained ... seem to have failed though... that it is important to understand what eg 40% means.

I have the top range of Lamina fitted to my truck ... called Special Series and L75. I have L75040 on the wind screen and L75051 on the side windows ... here is the info http://www.laminafilms.com/main.php?hm=product&op=car&type=film&cate=ss . I paid the money because as like many, old eyes need all the help that they can get!

And here are the views through the screen and front just in front of the screen. Photos taken a few seconds apart with my 2nd hand Galaxy Note 2.

2nd Hand Galaxy Note2_1.jpg2nd Hand Galaxy Note2_2.jpg

Wow...that link must have been very helpful for all the Thai language readers on the forum; for the rest of us...not so much.

[JAS21]

_{Ah ... try opening the link in Chrome and press translate ... here is the link again http://www.laminafilms.com/main.php?hm=product&op=car&type=film&cate=ss}

_{There doesn't seem to be a direct English version available ... sorry}