Hi guys-
quick question or two about window tinting...
we are planning to have our 98 xc windows tinted for everything from the B pillar back. that is, the back seat windows, and windows around the cargo area. we are doing this for two reasons: to keep our new baby cooler and for parking lot security.

my first question(s) is... how dark can you legally tint in North Carolina and will it provide enough tinting to protect baby? is it as effective as the window shades that you can buy?

second question is... what are opinions about how much parking lot security you actually get from the rear tinting?

also, is it worth doing a little tinting to the front seat windows?

thanks!!
Dan

I live in New Mexico and would never have a car without tinting...makes a big difference.

And yes, I'd get the front doors done...with something lighter than the rear.

It might seem weird at first, with the front doors tinted it seems like you are looking thru a tunnel, but that effect quickly passes and all seems normal after a few days,

A professional tinter will know what is legal in your area. I live in SC, and have 30% on the front door windows, and 5% (Limo) on the rear doors, and rear wagon windows. I love it! I carry expensive scuba equipment in the rear and like the fact that it is impossible to see from outside.


You will like the fact that it keeps the interior cooler too of course. The manufacturer might supply a test data sheet that shows what it filters out. I found a company called Sunbusters that tinted all 3 cars and 2 sides of my house in one day. Some of the best money that I have spent (only $800).

On a related note: If you have tinted windows and get pulled over by police, it is a good idea to go ahead and roll your driver's window down before he approaches the car, or even before you come to a complete stop. Then put both hands on the steering wheel and keep them there. It will put the officer at ease, and he'll be nicer to you!

good luck

My black 855 is 50% on the doors, 35% on the three rear panels and really looks sharp with smoke tint. In Nebraska there is no speciific "tint" law, but the darker the tint, the more you get hassled. In most states 35% is the limit for anything on the sides that might affect the driver (my first tint was a 1985 T-Bird 30th Anniversary with limo tint on the rears-too dark). NC will probably not hassle anyone with 50% tint, and why just do it for the baby? Do it for the seats and your wife!

Sorry I can't help you with what's legal in NC and with your baby, but on my 98 V70 I have 50% on the front windows and 20% on the rear and cargo area windows. I think the rear with the darker tint definitely helps with parking lot security. You have to look pretty hard to see what's inside. I don't use my rear cargo cover (because it rattles like crazy) and that's one reason for getting my windows tinted. I think it is worth tinting the front windows...anything to help cut down on the heat.

Dsides,
Go to a local tint establishment that applies 3M tint or any other high quality tint. They will know how dark you can go in your state. In Florida the installer is required to put a sticker on the door jamb stating that they applied a 'legal' tint according to state code.
Regards,
Eddie