[OGHalo]

So I'm basically getting tinted windows on my 2018 Mazda 3 GS Sedan on Thursday and I got a good deal on the tints, since I lived in Ontario, Ontario law state that I can't have no tint on the windshield which I wasn't gonna do anyways, and the max limit tint I can have on the driver and passenger side windows is 35% which is fine by me, and the rears I can have it at any percent. I definitely want 20% on the rear window, but not sure yet on the side rear windows since I never had tints before, should I go with 20% or 35% to match the front driver and passenger windows which will be 35%, any advice?

 

[ADarkerBreed]

It's common to have darker rear window tints if you want to use the 20%. If you are concerned about being able to see I would stick with the 35% all around.

 

[2017mazda3]

Whatever you choose, keep the tint the same throughout. It will look better and draw less attention. Unless you're a limo driver, I'm personally not a fan of the gradient tint approach front to back...just my opinion.

On a side note, I'm surprised states do not enforce their tinting laws more aggressively since they vary significantly...maybe some do. Having come from CA and seeing so many cars that don't meet the CA standards, they have fairly stringent laws on the matter including requiring drivers to carry certificates from the tinting installer and law enforcement claims they are carrying more electronic tint readers in their cars. Most likely they are dinging most people when they pull them over for something else.

 

[M3Nitro]

Asking advise about window tinting is IMHO the same as asking about what to wear for cloths. Think about that.

*I support Law Enforcement "BLUES" in every aspect so I must at least say that you should consider the vehicle codes in the place you live. If you do get red lighted by any law enforcement roll down all your windows and if at night turn on your interior lights as well so the officer(s) can CLEARLY see the inside and all passengers.

Common sence can go a long ways when thinking about tinting? Is it for looks or function. The type of tint available now, clear UV is the same UV protect as darker tints.

The interior color will have effect on what the outside looks like.

I live in California, all my vehicles have always had dark tints and since the the late 70's I have never gotten a citation for the *tints.

I would suggest to go with what you want just keep in mind the biggest factor of cost should you do get a citation for having tinted window that do not comply.
Oh I do believe that in all states including Canada that even if you do comply with what qualifies as legal an officer still can cite you for what he/she feel is a safety issue and in court it could stick!

M3 has 2% all windows and 35% drivers and passenger front and UV clear on the windshield.
But as you can see with the black exterior and black interior the front windows look like 2% at som eangles.

Pictures just taken .7:00a.m 52f

View attachment 243802

I forgot to note that in some cities in California (mostly LA) the local police DO IN FACT carry a device to measure the window tint.
The CHP (California Highway Patrol) does not by policy.

 

[Rdrokit]

If the limit where you live is 35% then do all the windows (except front windshield) the same. 20% is quite dark especially for the rear hatch window as you will have trouble seeing details at night. I am running 30% on all and can see good at night.

 

[RochieWill]

My car has 50% on the front windows and probably 35% on the rear windows. Back when I bought my car, my dealership offered my tints for free and I requested for a light tint like around 70 to 80% but unfortunately the lightest they have was 50%. Also, they told me that my car comes with factory installed privacy tint on the rear windows which is darker than the ones at front. I did not really like it at first and wished that they could have just done 50% for all the windows but after a couple of months I probably got used to it.

I suggest not to go too dark as it will affect your visibility at night. Darker tints at the back can be good if you have passengers who are concerned about their privacy and your state allows it. Darker tints will also affect your rear view mirror but you should be alright if you can see cars both day and night. Having the same tint all around your car would make your car look really neat. Personally I go for light tints since I want UV protection while keeping my vision clear. I don't use sunglasses when I drive. The choice is up to you and how you want your car to look.

 

[OGHalo]

Thank you for the advice that you have shared, I'll definitely consider what everyone have said

 

[Lanny]

The darker the tint, the more useless your auto-dimming rear view mirror will be--it won't dim if the rear view isn't much brighter than the front. Also, I wonder if anyone has studied whether tinted backlights correlate with getting rear-ended, because the driver behind you cannot see the traffic ahead? Sure, dark tints look all gangsta and badass, but there are lots of downsides and no real benefit.

And hey, get off my lawn!

 

[M3Nitro]

Ya I hate when I get behind a semi truck and trailer and cant see the traffic through the cabs windshield.:nerd:


And do you need auto dimming with a rear none clear tinted window???? :smile2:


I drive like I fly .....constantly looking out for birds (people who should not have ever got a driving licence) and ice (can't use the real word for forum policies and use of some words..lol) ...

As for benefits honestly of dark tints. there are many positive aspect to tinting and many production platforms have come with factory tinted windows that were not the normal clear glass.

 

[Road Trip]

I have 35% on my Mazda 3 and it looks good and works well —including at night. I wish I could have gone with 20% (for IMO it looks a little better) but not legal where I live.

 

[CerealKiller]

I went with 3M's Color Stable brand and got 20% visibility all around, except for the front windshield, which has nothing.

You do lose some night time visibility, but not enough that it would cause me any problems.

You also gain some privacy while you're in the car, it blocks 99% of UV light and 57% of the solar energy coming in the windows... oh... and it looks badass.
CK

 

[OGHalo]

Just got a my car from the tint place not too long ago and it looks a lot better, I did 35% all around, best choice I made

 

[zx6rrdan]

I've got 20% all around on mine... love it. I've had 20% on all my vehicles since 1995 and like tint. I don't have any issues with seeing day or night, auto dimming rearview mirror works great and so far no issues with police because of the tint.

 

[undecided101]

From Ontario myself and 35% it is ...my last few cars have been 35% and i have had no issues...

yours looks great !!!!

 

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So I'm basically getting tinted windows on my 2018 Mazda 3 GS Sedan on Thursday and I got a good deal on the tints, since I lived in Ontario, Ontario law state that I can't have no tint on the windshield which I wasn't gonna do anyways, and the max limit tint I can have on the driver and passenger side windows is 35% which is fine by me, and the rears I can have it at any percent. I definitely want 20% on the rear window, but not sure yet on the side rear windows since I never had tints before, should I go with 20% or 35% to match the front driver and passenger windows which will be 35%, any advice?

i'm getting mine done tomorrow in 20% except the front windshield. should be under $250 including taxes to do all the windows except the front