Confused about window tints

[5509433]

Hi,

I have been getting quotes for window tints and have got 2 very different quotes.

One company said they legally can only do the rear windows, the other company said they can do all of them.

The one who said it was illegal quoted £165+vat.

The one who said it was ok quoted £220+vat for the rears and £260+vat for all.

The one that was most expensive assured me that it is top quality film that will never tear, bubble, ripple etc and the work is to the highest standard.

 

[Nutkin]

It is illegal to do anything forward of the B Pillar.

It should also be illegal to charge that much to stick a piece of plastic on your windows!

 

[tiny-tinkerbell]

that does seem really steep most places round here charge £20 per window, id keep getting quotes..
wouldnt bother with the fronts because if you get pulled they will just make you take them off and/or fine you so isnt worth the risk

 

[Wings988]

+1 at Nutkin.

I had the 3 rear windows tinted on my 3 door Mk4 and it cost £90, that was done in 2011 so a recent price. It might be a little bit more for the 5 door as they'll have to do those small triangle windows behind the main door glass but those prices you've been quoted are well OTT.

 

[gtikezz]

deffinatley shop around , those price's seem well over the top ,

 

[5509433]

I thought I was going mad! I just want it to be a good job. I know how hard it can be getting things like that perfect.

I'll have a look else where. Thanks for the help!

 

[Jhouse_101]

i thought you could do the front windows as long as it allows 70 odd % daylight through??

 

[nightflight]

75% of light let through on the windscreen and 70% on front windows iirc.

 

[jc_boc]

here in London, no one cares. Seen cars with limo tints on the front windows.

 

[DEAN0]

i thought you could do the front windows as long as it allows 70 odd % daylight through??

Correct

The UK law states that the two front side windows, i.e. the windows either side of the driver’s head, must have a VLT (visable light transmition) of >70%. That means that at least 70% of light must pass through. Most modern car windows are made of glass with a 80-70% VLT, so even a very light film applied to the front windows will take the VLT the wrong side of 70% and therefore will not be legal.

All windows behind the driver have no such law applying to them so you can have any tint you want.

Enforcement Standards
Instrumented Checks
An intrumented check is performed by a suitably trained officer with a ‘TintMan’ VLT meter. These checks are normally from Vosa roadside campaigns.

65%-46% VLT: Advise only – The driver will be advised that the legal requirements have been breached.

45%-30% VLT: Delayed prohibition – The driver will be given a prohibition notice and will usually have 10 days to have the film removed before going to a vosa testing station to have the VLT re-checked.

<30% VLT: Immediate prohibition – The vehicle is considered dangerous and cannot be driven until the film is removed.


Non-instrumented Checks
An officer with no Tintman can make a subjective assessment by sitting in the driver’s seat with the doors closed. If the tints are very dark and restrict visibility, they will be considered dangerous and the officer will issue an immediate prohibition (as <30% VLT above). If the level of visibility is not obviously dangerous then the driver will be advised that the legal requirements may have been breached, thus putting the onus on the owner to investigate further.

 

[gillian & james]

Yeah, Deano is spot-on with his remarks.

Plus if you have the fronts tinted, and have a bump. Your insurance can refuse to pay-out.

And before people jump on the bandwagon saying "if its not your fault they have to pay-out". Then this is definitely not true. Any vehicle found being used on a public road with a roadworthiness defect can have the insurance made null and void at the insurance companies discretion.

My advice would be to steer away from having anything forward of the "B" pillar tinted.

 

[5509433]

Ill steer clear for now then! It'll be on hold for a while at those stupid prices. I'd much rather pay for something else than tints!

 

[adambolus]

why not buy a roll of window film tint and have a go yourself.
I bought my girlfirend a massive roll of the stuff for about £15 easily enough for the reaer windscreen and rear 2 windows

 

[5509433]

I did think about that. But getting the windows cleaned perfectly, and cutting around the glass perfectly straight will be a ball ache. Also, how would you do the top of the glass? the top of the glass slides into the rubber seal. Would I have to stick the bottom on first and then undo the window to be able to film the top of the glass?

Sounds like effort, But I may give it ago depending on the price. Im gonna need a lot of sqidgees to lol.

Also, on my rear window, I have a seat cupra interior sticker. I assume that will have to come off.

I also thought about taking my time doing 1 window a day, and remove the glass from the door itself to get a perfect tint. But again, removing the glass, Ive never done that before and could got 1 of 2 ways lol.

 

[5509433]

Never mind, I just watched a movie on youtube. Seems like a lot of patience is required. On top of that, my only location to do it is outside. Which Im sure will get contaminated easily.

Also, I have no idea what brand of film is the best.

The video that I watched showed them measuring up the film to the out side window, and then transferring it to the inside. So many things can go wrong. Although If the film is cheap enough, then I cant see why I shouldn't give it a go!

 

[adambolus]

well the black edges on all the glass helps with it not being all the way to the edge.
But if you get a crease or anything just pull it up and re-apply. use some soapy water on the glass to help the film slide about it gives you a little time to faff about with out it sticking straight away, thhen just use a squigee

 

[5509433]

Ill possibly give it a go then. Cleaning the glass I'm most concerned about. Its hard enough as it is.

 

[adambolus]

well just just clean the glass with some glass cleaner or spirit of some sort (not sure if you can use white spirit) but when once cleaned leave it a couple minutes to let any checmical burn off soit doesnt react with the film and create air bubbles.
Then apply it

 

[5509433]

This place looks quite good.

Even sell fitting kits to.

http://www.window-tint.co.uk/5-window-tint-rolls

 

[adambolus]

it does, 3m roll of limo tint 5% for £9, £12 including postage.

May have to buy some for myself at that price lmao!!