Window Tinting

BigMick2023 · June 22, 2023

What are you guys doing for window tinting?.......leaving as-is from factory or going aftermarket to make it darker?

My 2023 Silverado High Country has 20% in the side-rear and 70% in the side-front.

Below are pictures of my truck (Red) along with another High Country that had the side-front done to match rears.....I like the look for sure.

I'm seriously considering going 20% side-front to match the rear and make it more comfortable.

Also, talked to a local installer and his suggestion is to go with the IRX Ceramic heat-rejection tint for all sides and back since my truck sits outside.

Minnesota is max 50% on side-front.....

Any input or recommendations appreciated.......

Edited June 22, 2023 by BigMick2023

June 22, 2023

I have 35 and 20 on the front and rear, respectively. NC inspections measure tint on the front, otherwise I would have went to 20 all around. My previous car was 27.5 front and 20 rear. It just made it a headache come inspection time to get it to "pass". My advice, go with legal if you have to deal with inspections. I don't regret having darker tint previously, I just hated dealing with the inspection piece. Not sure if that helps with your decision.

BigMick2023 · June 22, 2023

1 hour ago, 1454 said:

I have 35 and 20 on the front and rear, respectively. NC inspections measure tint on the front, otherwise I would have went to 20 all around. My previous car was 27.5 front and 20 rear. It just made it a headache come inspection time to get it to "pass". My advice, go with legal if you have to deal with inspections. I don't regret having darker tint previously, I just hated dealing with the inspection piece. Not sure if that helps with your decision.

Thanks for your input.....

No inspections in Minnesota, so that's not an issue. Just if I got pulled over for something and they wanted to be a butt-head about it.

I asked the installer and he said there are very few issues going darker as long as you aren't a jerk with the cops or drive like an idiot.....sports cars are more vulnerable, trucks not so much.

Thanks....

Silverado4x4 · June 22, 2023

2 hours ago, BigMick2023 said:

Thanks for your input.....

No inspections in Minnesota, so that's not an issue. Just if I got pulled over for something and they wanted to be a butt-head about it.

I asked the installer and he said there are very few issues going darker as long as you aren't a jerk with the cops or drive like an idiot.....sports cars are more vulnerable, trucks not so much.

Thanks....

Butthead or not put yourself in a police officers shoes, you do a traffic stop with a vehicle that has dark illegal tint worse at night now you proceed to the vehicle and what runs through your mind is do they have a weapon pointed at me? Even though the spot is aimed at the driver side door mirror to luminate the inside of the stopped vehicle it doesn't help much with dark tint now on vehicles that are tinted behind the drivers front seat area the spot will light up the inside of the vehicle. So the best thing to do is put the driver side door window down and have both hands on top the steering wheel.

Jus Cruisin · June 23, 2023

I have a close match to the rear and a limo tint brow. I've had side tint and brows all the time I was in Florida (30 years). Can't stand to be without it now. I would limo tint the rear until this truck. Now with the camera rearview mirror it isn't necessary.

BigMick2023 · June 23, 2023

12 hours ago, Silverado4x4 said:

Butthead or not put yourself in a police officers shoes, you do a traffic stop with a vehicle that has dark illegal tint worse at night now you proceed to the vehicle and what runs through your mind is do they have a weapon pointed at me? Even though the spot is aimed at the driver side door mirror to luminate the inside of the stopped vehicle it doesn't help much with dark tint now on vehicles that are tinted behind the drivers front seat area the spot will light up the inside of the vehicle. So the best thing to do is put the driver side door window down and have both hands on top the steering wheel.

I don't want this thread to turn into a legality debate.....we're all adults here and can make that decision for ourselves.

Just inquiring what you guys have done for window tint and what works well for both blocking UV and heat rejection.

bdallas · June 23, 2023

Whatever you do, go with the ceramic tint... Makes a big difference with the heat radiating through the windows. Yes, the inside of the truck still gets hot when baking out in the sun all day.

I put a ceramic tint on my windshield a there is a noticeable difference that you can feel from the heat coming through the side windows vs the windshield.

The dealer had put a tint on the side windows, so at the time I didn't add ceramic to the sides... but I will be going back to add ceramic all the way around.

BigMick2023 · June 23, 2023

5 hours ago, bdallas said:

Whatever you do, go with the ceramic tint... Makes a big difference with the heat radiating through the windows. Yes, the inside of the truck still gets hot when baking out in the sun all day.

I put a ceramic tint on my windshield a there is a noticeable difference that you can feel from the heat coming through the side windows vs the windshield.

The dealer had put a tint on the side windows, so at the time I didn't add ceramic to the sides... but I will be going back to add ceramic all the way around.

Good to know.....they have so many types now it's tough to figure it out.

These are the two types of ceramic Im considering....

CTX Ceramic Tint

Restyle your vehicle and make it more comfortable with LLumar® CTX® ceramic window tint. This durable window tint comes in multiple color-stable charcoal shades that range from limo-dark to a subtle gray hint. Because it’s metal-free, there’s no mirror-like, reflective look with CTX.
CTX ceramic tint is an excellent performer when it comes to rejecting heat and is loaded with other benefits too. It shields you from 99% of harmful UV rays, cuts irritating glare, and helps protect against injuries from shattered glass – all while helping you feel cooler. This makes LLumar CTX a smart choice when you want top quality window tint but not the top-of-the-line price. You’ll feel the difference when you choose CTX or any of our other ceramic tint products. They’re all made with powerful, road-tested nano-ceramic technology that’s able to help block heat even in the lightest shades. Our infrared-rejecting IRX tint and clear AIR film are also excellent choices when it comes to harnessing the power of nano-ceramic technology.

IRX Ceramic Tint

IRX Heat-Rejecting Window Tint LLumar® IRX™ heat-rejecting window tint transforms your vehicle inside and out. It features advanced nano-ceramic construction that specifically targets infrared rays. This is what gives LLumar IRX tint its name and its cooling power. IRX is also loaded with additional premium features:

Easy electronic connectivity
Protection against more than 99% of UV rays
Discreet privacy
Glare reduction

IRX comes in a wide range of shades. It can change the look of your car or blend seamlessly with your factory tinted windows. Either way, IRX’s premium composition can block a significant amount of heat. So, you can pick your perfect shade, without compromising on comfort.
All tinted windows block some heat, but advanced, infrared heat-rejecting ceramic tint can block the most. LLumar IRX is no exception. It’s the next step up from CTX.

Edited June 23, 2023 by BigMick2023

Wiggums · June 24, 2023

I have 3M ceramic tint all around, including front windshield. Totally worth it but it repels heat so well I climb in cold interiors during winters.

Grumpy Bear · June 24, 2023

9 hours ago, Wiggums said:

I have 3M ceramic tint all around, including front windshield. Totally worth it but it repels heat so well I climb in cold interiors during winters.

This ^^^^^

BB68 · June 24, 2023

19 hours ago, Wiggums said:

I have 3M ceramic tint all around, including front windshield. Totally worth it but it repels heat so well I climb in cold interiors during winters.

3M is the only way to go. I still see our 2001 Impala driving around and the tint is still black like its was brand new

BigMick2023 · July 8, 2023

Following up to my original post, had the window tint installed today @ Black Diamond here in Minnesota.

I went with the IRX ceramic tint on front side windows, rear side windows, and rear window with slider.

Front Sides: 25%

Rear Sides: 40%

Rear windows and slider: 5%

This is over the top of the factory tint of 70/20.

I love the look and should be great with reducing interior heat and sun damage.

The tinting flows nicely from front to back, rather than stock that just looks weird IMHO.

TxTruckMan · July 10, 2023

Looks great! I also went with ceramic all the way around including the front windshield and the results are amazing. A must have for here in Texas.

dieselfan1 · July 10, 2023

How is it at night?

Wiggums · July 10, 2023

1 hour ago, dieselfan1 said:

How is it at night?

Not bad at all! My front windshield is also tinted. I see a lot of people around here doing the same, sure, it's illegal, but have never seen people cited for that.

From the outside, it looks really dark, but if you're inside, you can still see everything. It's like sunglasses. People can't see your eyes but you can see outside just fine. Same thing.