It can cost anywhere between £200 and £500 to tint all the windows of your car. This is roughly how much a professional would charge you, and it can be cheaper to do the tinting yourself. You will need to obtain pre-cut window tinting film that is tailored to the specifications of your car. Other equipment you will require include a cleaning cloth, a sharp razor, a scraper and a heat gun.
According to UK law, the tinting of your vehicle depends on when it was first used. For vehicles that have been used from the 1st of April 1985, the front windscreen should let at least 75% of light through and front side windows should let at least 70% of light through. For cars that were first used before this date, both windows should let at least 70% of light through.
It is illegal to exceed these tint specifications.
Any changes that were not part of the original manufacturer’s specs are considered a modification. Tinted windows, car wraps and other cosmetic customisations are considered a modification.
Tinted windows can block up to 90% of harmful UV rays from the sun, but you will need to check with your window tinting supplier about the efficacy of your tint. Search through our extensive directory on Yell.com to find providers who specialise in this. Many mention solar and heat control as well as UV and glare protection, so this can be a deciding factor when you contact a supplier.
As long as your tinting is within the legal limit and is done in compliance with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, it should not increase your insurance. However, make sure you clarify this point and get it in writing from your window tinting supplier.
Your tinted window may appear darker than it is, but you will get used to it in time. The percentage of tint will not change, but it may appear darker to the naked eye as it dries and cures. It can take several days, sometimes weeks, for your window tint to completely cure.
Check with your local window tinting company during installation to make sure you are happy with the percentage of tint provided to your vehicle. You can do this yourself by purchasing a tint metre and placing it on the glass for an accurate reading.
For situations like this, it is best to consult a professional as it would depend on the quality of the previous tint, how dark it is already and whether the previous layer needs to be stripped off first. If your vehicle has already been factory tinted, your only option is to add another layer that is darker, not lighter. If your vehicle was tinted aftermarket, then the layer may need to be completely stripped off to add a smooth tint of your liking.
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