What is a good percentage to get my audi windows tinted, I've heard 28% is a good number. Also what am I looking at as for cost?

35% is what I have on mine. Anything more and it begins to look kind of ghetto IMHO. I paid around $200-250 for mine.

If I can toot my own horn for a second...
This is the one topic where I have the most experience and knowledge.

I researched and spoke with people in all the related professions and learned an enormous amount of info regarding tinting. I spoke with tint installers, tint manufacturers, auto glass makers, chemical engineers, scientists, DOT officials and other politicos. I learned way more info than I needed, but if I can pass on any info that can help you, I'd be glad to do that.

In short: Tint your windows and you will increase the life of your interior (especially your leather seats). All of the better tints have 99% UV protection, regardless of darkness. Even the 50% tint, which is barely noticeable to the eye, has 99% UV protection.

Secondly, dark interiors look darker when compared to cars with light interiors, but that is purely a cosmetic and subjective issue.

Also, be aware of the state laws regarding tinting before you pursue the job. Most violations are enforced as an add-on to another violation or at the time of inspection/registration renewals. It is disheartening to go through the time and expense of tinting your car, only to find out that you have to have it removed (at your expense), because you went too dark or tinted your windows at all (some states prohibit the tinting of some of the windows).

The most popular and reputable brands (in alphabetical order) are:
Huper Optik
Johnson
Llumar
Madico
SolarGard
Sun Guard

My top choices/impressions are:
Huper Optik
SolarGard
By the way: I have SolarGard HP Charcoal 43

When you choose to do the tinting, these are the most basic questions to have answered when shopping for an installer:
1. How long will it take? What is the curing process time?
2. Can I see examples of your work?
3. What is your guarantee on the install?
4. What brand and type tinting does the price include? Make sure you understand the warranty for the type of film quoted - many manufacturers warranty their different grades of films with differing warranties.
5. How do you finish the top edge of roll down windows? Is there a gap, or no gap?
6. Will the rear window be installed in one piece?

That's a start. Details on tint types, and costs of installs are other areas to discuss. But first, look around, ask to see other tint jobs from Audi owners, and get a better idea of how you feel about it.

Do some investigating based on the above and if there are any other questions, feel free to email me.

Here's a pic of my car with the SolarGard HP Charcoal 43........

what is that above the kid asked a simple question on what window tint he should get.
and you wrote a life story. wow[X(]

ORIGINAL: active1331

what is that above the kid asked a simple question on what window tint he should get.
and you wrote a life story. wow[X(]


I chose to elaborate because so many people make mistakes on tint and have regrets later. Rather than give a simple answer to what is really a complex decision, I chose to open the subject so that he'd realize there's more to it than just, " ...35% is what I have on mine. Anything more and it begins to look kind of ghetto IMHO."

Not to say Jestnomen's answer wasn't valid and to the point; I just think there's more to the decision than a number.

"Ignorance breeds further ignorance."

hey I really appreciate your advice. I didn't think it would have been so complicated. I will post me intitial findings next week, thanks again.

forgot to include the fact that using matallic tint can have adverse affects on radio reception from what i've heard.

ORIGINAL: Jestnomen

forgot to include the fact that using matallic tint can have adverse affects on radio reception from what i've heard.


Actually, radio signal interference is a rare occurence that is mitigated by a few factors:
1. The radio antenna is embedded in the glass that is tinted (true of Audis) and the antenna has begun to degrade.
2. The area of reception is remote from any local repeaters; triangulation is minimal if it exists at all.
3. The tint in question is of inferior quality. Older sandwiched tints with metal sheets cause parabolic changes of the radio signals. Some even absorb the signal and reduce its magnitude. The newer "sputtered" and ceramic tints do not sandwich a metallic sheet; radio signals are undistorted and undisturbed by the tint.

well actually it's not all that rare, especially if you listen to AM frequencies. But thanks for all the great info.

metallic tint causing bad reception is not rare. I have seen it dozens of times actually. For an audi its especially common cuz of the antenna location.

Thanks for the tint info, tho, cuz I am looking to have mine done this month.

ORIGINAL: Jestnomen

well actually it's not all that rare, especially if you listen to AM frequencies. But thanks for all the great info.


AM radio signals are susceptible to an array of factors that may affect the reception. But in reference to metallic tint, there is no AM antenna and, I repeat...
The tint in question is of inferior quality. Older sandwiched tints with metal sheets cause parabolic changes of the radio signals. Some even absorb the signal and reduce its magnitude. The newer "sputtered" and ceramic tints do not sandwich a metallic sheet; radio signals are undistorted and undisturbed by the tint.

ORIGINAL: brrman

metallic tint causing bad reception is not rare. I have seen it dozens of times actually. For an audi its especially common cuz of the antenna location.

Thanks for the tint info, tho, cuz I am looking to have mine done this month.


Maybe rare is a subjective term for you. I was referring to the newer cars with current high end tint. Having said that, I repeat...
1. The radio antenna is embedded in the glass .... and the antenna has begun to degrade.
2. The area of reception is remote from any local repeaters....
3. The tint in question is of inferior quality. Older sandwiched tints with metal sheets cause parabolic changes of the radio signals. Some even absorb the signal and reduce its magnitude. The newer "sputtered" and ceramic tints do not sandwich a metallic sheet; radio signals are undistorted and undisturbed by the tint.

I was speaking of aftermarket metallic tinting. Im sure high end cars with factory tint are tested and the radio reception is fine.

ImolaS4 I dunno if you get really defensive or what, but you come off as that. We are not disagreeing with you and we do have an opinion worth giving. There's no reason to keep pressing issues like you do.

So now I need suggestions for my 2003 black A4. I know imolas gave me some brands, I guess I just need the suggestions on the finish.

ORIGINAL: brrman

I was speaking of aftermarket metallic tinting. Im sure high end cars with factory tint are tested and the radio reception is fine.

ImolaS4 I dunno if you get really defensive or what, but you come off as that. We are not disagreeing with you and we do have an opinion worth giving. There's no reason to keep pressing issues like you do.


And I was speaking of aftermarket tints, too. Some are of better quality and technically superior.

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No, as you disagree I just defend my points; if I seem overly sensitive, I'm not.

I'm sure your opinions are well intended, but if I think they may be mistaken or misguided viewpoints, I feel compelled/obligated to defend my points with further evidence.

Lastly, it may be a case of misinterpretation. Sometimes you may say something that I misread or maybe I didn't make myself clear or explain the details as I intended. So, with a response, I am trying to clarify any confusion.

With specific regard to this post.... It's just that, with this issue (tinting), I feel very well informed due to months of reading, research, telephone calls, and direct use/experience. I feel I have a lot of valuable info that I can pass on. I believe there is a lot of misinformation and/or supposition about the current industry of window tint, too.

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It's all good bro. No hard feelings. ;)

so yeah, what finish does everyone recommend for my black 03 Audi?

ORIGINAL: absltcit33

so yeah, what finish does everyone recommend for my black 03 Audi?

Finish? Not sure what you mean?

sorry I mean like metallic, charcoal, mirror?

ORIGINAL: absltcit33

sorry I mean like metallic, charcoal, mirror?


I wouldn't do mirror. It just looks cheap (or ghetto to some people) - the better grade tints don't come with a mirror finish either.
Metallic only if you go with the better grade metallics; they have a slight shine to them, but, more importantly, they are very durable.
Charcoals are the standard - tried and true - and they come in a wider range of tints and LT percentages. The better charcoals are as good as the metallics without the slight shine. I think charcoals are the classiest of the bunch - just my opinion.

It's very subjective. I'd ask to see other cars with their tints and make the choice based on your own gut feeling - you have to live with it.

ORIGINAL: imolas4


And I was speaking of aftermarket tints, too. Some are of better quality and technically superior.

---------------------------------------------

No, as you disagree I just defend my points; if I seem overly sensitive, I'm not.

I'm sure your opinions are well intended, but if I think they may be mistaken or misguided viewpoints, I feel compelled/obligated to defend my points with further evidence.

Lastly, it may be a case of misinterpretation. Sometimes you may say something that I misread or maybe I didn't make myself clear or explain the details as I intended. So, with a response, I am trying to clarify any confusion.

With specific regard to this post.... It's just that, with this issue (tinting), I feel very well informed due to months of reading, research, telephone calls, and direct use/experience. I feel I have a lot of valuable info that I can pass on. I believe there is a lot of misinformation and/or supposition about the current industry of window tint, too.

-----------------------------------------------

It's all good bro. No hard feelings. ;)


nah man - no hard feelings. Just not sure about your tone half the time - maybe its just me. Comes across as argumentative when someone posts a viewpoint contrary to your own. But thats what this forum is about. If you (I mean anyone) post your opinions in a well informed manner, most people will pick up on that and come away with the correct info. You dont need to crush the misinformation, simply support your own opinions adequately.

Anyway - its nice to have another informed member to deal with all the noobs... Jest, Slim and I were getting sick of answering the same questions over and over... heh heh :D



absltcit33 : Leave the mirror tint to the Neons and Accords of the world. :)

I have mine as 19%, it looks real hot dude, like i think tints are wat make a car look the best, it changes so much in look, but think about the police and their tickets, those BASTARDS!

I saw my state laws say F 70 B 70 R Any, what does that mean in relation to percentage

ORIGINAL: Mehurrman

I have mine as 19%, it looks real hot dude, like i think tints are wat make a car look the best, it changes so much in look, but think about the police and their tickets, those BASTARDS!


Id love to see a picture

ORIGINAL: absltcit33

I saw my state laws say F 70 B 70 R Any, what does that mean in relation to percentage



what state is that? Looks like 70% front and 70% back and any% rear
the lower the percentage the less light passes through.
Its a percentage of light that can pass through the glass.

you better hope that its not true because 70 is not even a tint, because dont stock audis have some type of tint?

Some states do have 70% tint laws (ie. Rhode Island, California, D.C.)
State Tint Laws - You need Adobe Acrobat Reader (http://www.solargard.com/State_Tinting_Laws.pdf)

70% is a way for the state to allow the "natural" factory tint within the windows to pass inspection. Most factory glass has a tint from 90% down to 74%. Thus any light meter will register above 70% on any factory glass, but if tint were added, then the net result would be below 70% and the glass would fail inspection.

For peace of mind, let me know what state you're in and I will double check for you what the law specifically says.

I have a question.
I was unsure whether i should get limo tint (like Pitch black, which i know is illegal) or as my car is going to be re sprayed cherry black and my interior is a light cream colour leather... should i get a tint that is completely see through, so it shows off my interior more??? which i think will look great contrasting with the black exterior.
Any ideas or suggestions?

Also can you get tint that protects your interior but is absolutely clear! as if you have no tint at all?

I have a question.
I was unsure whether i should get limo tint (like Pitch black, which i know is illegal) or as my car is going to be re sprayed cherry black and my interior is a light cream colour leather... should i get a tint that is completely see through, so it shows off my interior more??? which i think will look great contrasting with the black exterior.
Any ideas or suggestions?

Also can you get tint that protects your interior but is absolutely clear! as if you have no tint at all?

ORIGINAL: fresh1

I have a question.
I was unsure whether i should get limo tint (like Pitch black, which i know is illegal) or as my car is going to be re sprayed cherry black and my interior is a light cream colour leather... should i get a tint that is completely see through, so it shows off my interior more??? which i think will look great contrasting with the black exterior.
Any ideas or suggestions?

Also can you get tint that protects your interior but is absolutely clear! as if you have no tint at all?


Limo tint (or 5% as it is known) is not recommended. It is extremely dark and will severely reduce your vision at night - to the point of being all out dangerous. 15% is even too dark for safety in my opinion.

50% tint is practically clear to the naked eye. The better quality 50% tints provide 99% UV protection - the best you can get. Many installers carry 50%, but they don't like to install it because it is very thin and difficult to install. They will probably push the next darker % they carry just to get away from the hassle they will have to endure.

IMHO: I'd get a charcoal tint in the 30 - 40% tint range (for the exterior and interior description of your car). The tint will match well with the cherry black, but the light interior will still show through and get attention in a subtle way.

I live in PA, and the law says 70 70 any

so does that basically mean I can't get a tint job

ORIGINAL: absltcit33

I live in PA, and the law says 70 70 any

so does that basically mean I can't get a tint job



Read this (http://www.berksweb.com/users/dmv/tint/)

ORIGINAL: Jestnomen

ORIGINAL: absltcit33

I live in PA, and the law says 70 70 any

so does that basically mean I can't get a tint job



Read this (http://www.berksweb.com/users/dmv/tint/)

Yeah, the PA courts have been swinging this around since 1999. There are lawyers taking advantage of this ambiguity; they are happily spending time (and money) arguing these points in courts on behalf of PA drivers.

The final point (and my opinion) is really whether a PA resident wants to risk the hassle of having to defend the issue should they get cited. Most don't care and go ahead and tint their windows; they'll deal with it when and if they are faced with the issue. Furthermore, PA residents have to contend with the inspection - will they pass or fail? There are inspection officials who are very strict and will fail the car solely on the tint.

I'd get the highest tint % I feel comfortable with (probably 40-50%) and risk the trouble, but that's my opinion. I'm not endorsing defying the PA law. I think that with a minimal tint, the chances of being cited are slim even as an add-on violation.

Do what you feel is comfortable to you.

[Deleted by Admins]

With my Durango I did the limo tint on all the rear windows (more for security than for function) because my subs got ripped off. And in the front I put 15%. Needless to say it was totally illegal, and my vision was obscurred til I got used to it, but I loved having it on there cuz it keeps the car cool and abolutely NOBODY can see in, thus, keeping anything inside my car safe. I certainly don't recommend this to everyone because it was very dark inside the car, but for someone goin security crazy, it's definitely a good thing. Not to mention, when the car was clean, it looked absolutely bad ass!

As for the cops, Los Angeles has bigger fish to fry than some college kid with tinted windows.

what are the tinting laws in Connecicut?

35% on the sides and any % in the rear.

(sorry about the late response - been away lately)

Hey ImolaS4, thanks a lot for the awesome info. I'm really interested in a tint myself, so I dug up this thread (sorry for bringing back a deceased) But, to the questions:
1. How long will it take? What is the curing process time?
2. Can I see examples of your work?
3. What is your guarantee on the install?
4. What brand and type tinting does the price include? Make sure you understand the warranty for the type of film quoted - many manufacturers warranty their different grades of films with differing warranties.
5. How do you finish the top edge of roll down windows? Is there a gap, or no gap?
6. Will the rear window be installed in one piece?

what kind of answers should I be looking for?

I have 5% on my 99 A4 2.8 front & rear with a 5% strip at the top of the windshield and 40% on the rest or the windshield. I was concerned that it would look ghetto but it turned out very nice.

what's the law for tinting in ny?

i have a black on black a4.

black with tints just looks so much better, i would definitely like to pick some up some time.

i have 30% black tints (27% is the legal limit here in colorado) and they look great

WTF!!!, Illinois is gay. I live in Illinois, and the state tinting law is this, no tinting whatsoever in the front driver and passenger, but in the rear, i can have it pitch black, is this common to have it totally clear in the front, as much as you want in the back?

How do I get that blue-ish hue that Mercedes does on its Silver cars?

Whats my tint options in TN and does anyone have a B5 Green Audi A4 tinted how does it look? Can u post pics? Thanks

wondering about polarized tint cause I want to tint my car a smaller percentage such as 25 or lower but would like to be able to see out of the windows at night without having to roll them down like somepeople have to do

pa is 35% max all around...my mom got stopped in her s10 that had 15% all around and the fine was like 400 bucks and that sh!t was a b!tch to get off

It seems like this issue has been put to bed...for what its work the deal recommend ceramic tint...said it does not cause mobile phone or radio distortion...also recommended tinting the open sky system, has anyone done this?

Okay here's my question for the Tint Guru ;)

I've read through most of this post and there was one thing I didn't learn about and that was the dotted edging on the back and side windows - when I had mine done it looked solid tint from edge to edge. Then by day's end it was lifted and I can see the factory added "dotting" that lines the edge.

Is this normal? I took it back to the place I had the work done and he said it's unavoidable - even showed me his ride, a Benz C class, had the same...

if this can be remedied - how and what should I ask?

the only way to go is 5%!! i just got mine back from the shop and it looks bad ass!!! i have had 5 on my last ten vechicals and only had problem with my last truck because i had 22 inch rims so i belive thats why i got two tickets but it makes your car look so much better!!!!!