Is 3M Ceramic Tint the way to go?

[RowdiAudi]

I am interested in tinting my Monsoon Grey S4 with ceramic tint all around, to block out the unwanted heat and UV rays. I haven't seen a whole lot of talk about who makes the best ceramic tint and if it's worth the extra cost. I am assuming 3M would be at the top of the list, but I don't really know.

Do any of you guys have ceramic tint? And if you do, at what %? Photo shots of the different %'s would help a lot, especially the Monsoon Grey S4's.

Thanks in advance!

[Bkitch89]

I have hyper optic ceramic tint (15%) which is Supposedly the best on the market. To me paying 500+ dollars for tint is just not worth it. IMHO ceramic tint did nothing for me except drain pockets. My car is still blazing hot when I get inside and I don't feel that it stays any cooler while I am driving. May just be me because I run pretty warm myself. But others will tell you otherwise., especially wherever you are getting tints from.

[RJBS4]

I have hyper optic ceramic tint (15%) which is Supposedly the best on the market. To me paying 500+ dollars for tint is just not worth it. IMHO ceramic tint did nothing for me except drain pockets. My car is still blazing hot when I get inside and I don't feel that it stays any cooler while I am driving. May just be me because I run pretty warm myself. But others will tell you otherwise., especially wherever you are getting tints from.

I went with huper optik as well, but 40% due to NY laws. I also am not convinced it's worth the cost. It is noticeably different before and after, but the leather seats are just as hot with the sun coming in through my windshield.

[A4A4A4]

Huper Optik, Pinnacle Formula One, 3M Crystalline all seem to be regarded in that upper echelon of ceramic tint.

Obviously it's not going to block out all heat but it certainly does keep temperatures cooler, I did some experiments myself when I had 30% HO on my old A4.

Bkitch do you use a sunshade on your windshield when you park or just leave it bare?

[Bkitch89]

I leave it bare most of the time. Unless I will be leaving it for an extended period. But I do have 75 % on the windshield.

[rick b]

I'd just get 3M color stable. Had mine on for almost three years now and it looks like it did day one. Half the price of ceramic and lifetime warranty from certified installer.

Rick b.

[dbX79]

Last year on my A4 I went with carbon on all windows and wasted my money. This time I don't want to spend more than $200 but I want to keep the heat out too. Suggestions? I'm not familiar with the various ceramic tints I thought Llumar was the best choice.


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[SE-Chris]

I did 3M ceramic 18% all around and 80% or whatever on front....

Interior of vehicle is somewhat cooler, however no idea if cheap tint would produce same results or not w/o a direct comparison. There is a huge difference driving if you have the sun on your arm with the window down and you roll it up. Again, not sure if cheaper tint would produce exact same results or not.

The front windshield is probably the biggest thing to consider and I would NOT recommend it. I'm struggling to get the thing completely clean and remove any odd reflections of light at night. I might end up ripping the stuff off and losing out on $100.

[fignewton]

I'll give more votes for Huper Optik. I first used it on a 2007 C6 vette, black on black. Traded that one for a white/black interior one and did it again. When I sold it and bought a Mini Cooper S with twin sunroofs, I did HO on it, including the sunroofs. it's expensive, but the demonstration of heat transfer blockage compared to other films at the installer sold me. It looked great, had no distortion, and true color using the smoke color. I sold the Mini after two years and bought a 2010 Sti. Could not find a local HO installer and went with another brand of "ceramic" film. I never was happy with it. It had a greenish tint, had distortion when not looking straight through it, and heat transfer was higher (Mini and STI were dark silver metallic). Fortunately, my S4 was already tinted when I bought it (it was originally delivered in NM, and I don't know what they used) and it's better than what was on the STI. But if I had it to do over again with a new car today, I'd still spend the money on the HO. BTW, VA requires 50% on front windows and you can go darker on rears and back glass. The HO was 40 all the way around, and it was great, and I never had any questions from law enforcement.

[mcoomer]

I did 3M ceramic 18% all around and 80% or whatever on front....

Interior of vehicle is somewhat cooler, however no idea if cheap tint would produce same results or not w/o a direct comparison. There is a huge difference driving if you have the sun on your arm with the window down and you roll it up. Again, not sure if cheaper tint would produce exact same results or not.

The front windshield is probably the biggest thing to consider and I would NOT recommend it. I'm struggling to get the thing completely clean and remove any odd reflections of light at night. I might end up ripping the stuff off and losing out on $100.

I did 50% on four doors and the rear with 3M ceramic and notice pretty similar results. Wanted the tint for the UV rejection and to knock down glare while driving but didn't want to go very dark. I think I could have the sun on my arm all day and not burn. Yes, it was expensive but I feel like it's working as advertised and I like the look so I'm happy.

Mike

[shonseb]

I did 3M ceramic 18% all around and 80% or whatever on front....

Interior of vehicle is somewhat cooler, however no idea if cheap tint would produce same results or not w/o a direct comparison. There is a huge difference driving if you have the sun on your arm with the window down and you roll it up. Again, not sure if cheaper tint would produce exact same results or not.

The front windshield is probably the biggest thing to consider and I would NOT recommend it. I'm struggling to get the thing completely clean and remove any odd reflections of light at night. I might end up ripping the stuff off and losing out on $100.

This. I got it on my A5 and it is much cooler when you are driving and you compare a tinted window to an untinted one. However, I didn't get the windshield tinted and my car still gets hot in the summer when sitting out. I plan on getting a sun shade for the windshield to combat this. (60% sides, 40% back)

Our A4 has normal tints and although it does seem somewhat cooler, it's still not as good as 3M or any other heat blocking film.

[itzjonjon69]

Huper Optik was the best now it's all about solar adaptive tint.

[LeadToRome]

I have the Huper Optik on my car and right up until now I would have said it couldn't be better, but that photosync stuff looks pretty interesting. Have any more info on it? One thing the HO is really good at is not distorting your vision, any idea about that with the photosync?

[EasternLI]

I went with huper optik as well, but 40% due to NY laws. I also am not convinced it's worth the cost. It is noticeably different before and after, but the leather seats are just as hot with the sun coming in through my windshield.

Even at 40% your still in violation of NYS traffic law, the front driver and passenger windows have to have at least 70% of light transmittance which is almost clear while the back and rear windshield can be as dark as you want

[shonseb]

I've got 60% on the sides, no issues with cops. On my a4, dealer did the tints and they are darker, still no issues.

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[AC419]

3M Crystalline is rated better than Huper Optik. If you want something even better, you can try this stuff from Taiwan called V-Kool's ceramic.

[integroid]

I have used it all and cant say one is better than the other. I have to say the best thing I did was use Llumar Air 80 on my front windshield. I would just make sure whatever tint you use has a lifetime warranty across the country. I currently have Formula 1 Pinnacle 30% on the side and rear windows.

[bhvrdr]

I have used it all and cant say one is better than the other. I have to say the best thing I did was use Llumar Air 80 on my front windshield. I would just make sure whatever tint you use has a lifetime warranty across the country. I currently have Formula 1 Pinnacle 30% on the side and rear windows.

You know I have always done Formula 1 on my cars as well. I would guess around a dozen cars or so trying out different tint combinations. I finally broke down and went with the Llumar air 80 on the windshield. I usually just thought I would never want anything on the windshield but figured what the heck, ill try it. I agree it is probably the more noticeable thing i've done. I've done pinnacle 30 and pinnacle 50 and not really noticed much of a difference but adding the air 80 was a bit more noticeable. I dont notice it blocking any light at night either so i'm happy enough.

Mike

[DannyDeez]

Even at 40% your still in violation of NYS traffic law, the front driver and passenger windows have to have at least 70% of light transmittance which is almost clear while the back and rear windshield can be as dark as you want

Not true. You cant have the rear side windows as dark as you want. You can only do the rear windshield in a dark shade.

In case anyone is unclear of the NYS Tint law:

NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 375, Subdivision 12-a


12-a. (a) Every motor vehicle, except a motorcycle, when driven or operated upon a public highway, road or street shall be equipped with a front windshield in a fixed and more or less upright position constructed of safety glass as defined in subdivision fourteen of this section and required by subdivisions eleven and twelve hereof. No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign or other nontransparent material other than a certificate or paper required to be displayed by law upon the front windshield or the sidewings or side windows on either side forward of or adjacent to the operator`s seat.
(b) No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public highway, road or street: (1) the front windshield of which is composed of, covered by or treated with any material which has a light transmittance of less than seventy percent unless such materials are limited to the uppermost six inches of the windshield; or (2) the sidewings or side windows of which on either side forward of or adjacent to the operator`s seat are composed of, covered by or treated with any material which has a light transmittance of less than seventy percent; or (3) if it is classified as a station wagon, sedan, hardtop, coupe, hatchback or convertible and any rear side window has a light transmittance of less than seventy percent; or (4) the rear window of which is composed of, covered by or treated with any material which has a light transmittance of less than seventy percent. A rear window may have a light transmittance of less than seventy percent if the vehicle is equipped with side mirrors on both sides of the vehicle so adjusted that the driver thereof shall have a clear and full view of the road and condition of traffic behind such vehicle.
(c) Any person required for medical reasons to be shielded from the direct rays of the sun and/or any person operating a motor vehicle belonging to such person or in which such person is an habitual passenger shall be exempt from the provisions of subparagraphs one and two of paragraph (b) of this subdivision provided the commissioner has granted an exemption and notice of such exemption is affixed to the vehicle as directed by the commissioner. The applicant for such exemption must provide a physician`s statement with the reason for the exemption, the name of the individual with a medically necessary condition operating or transported in the vehicle, the specific condition involved, and the minimum level of light transmission required. The commissioner shall only authorize exemptions where the medical condition certified by the physician is contained on a list of medical conditions prepared by the commissioner of health pursuant to subdivision sixteen of section two hundred six of the public health law. If such such exemption is granted, the commissioner shall make a record thereof and shall distribute a sufficiently noticeable sticker to the applicant to be attached to any window so shielded or altered pursuant to such exemption.
(d) The commissioner may test any window for a person who has been charged with violating this subdivision. If such window is found to be in conformity with this subdivision, a small label attesting to the conformity shall be affixed to the window tested.
(e) On and after January first, nineteen hundred ninety-two, no person shall manufacture, sell, offer for sale, equip or operate a motor vehicle in this state in violation of the provisions of this subdivision, except that a person may operate a nineteen hundred ninety-one or earlier model year vehicle without violating this subdivision if the windows on said vehicle were in conformity with this subdivision as it existed on December thirty-first, nineteen hundred ninety-one.

[RJBS4]

By the way, I meant I went 40% only for less of a chance of being pulled over due to NYS laws. Should have stated that I suppose. I've had 20% before and got too many tickets.

[itzjonjon69]

here's more info on the solar adaptive tint:

http://www.evsmotors.com/sat-solar-a...in-houston-tx/

[Stereodude]

here's more info on the solar adaptive tint:

http://www.evsmotors.com/sat-solar-a...in-houston-tx/

And how much is it?

[LeadToRome]

here's more info on the solar adaptive tint:

http://www.evsmotors.com/sat-solar-a...in-houston-tx/

From that link:

"SAT Window Tint™ contains a zero metals composition which will not interfere with modern technology found in cars today, such as GPS, cellular signals, radio frequencies, or keyless entry signals."

Is that really an issue?

[SHR]

From that link:

"SAT Window Tint™ contains a zero metals composition which will not interfere with modern technology found in cars today, such as GPS, cellular signals, radio frequencies, or keyless entry signals."

Is that really an issue?

I have 3M Crystaline and highly recommend, I had a 3M non-Crystalline film in a different car and liked it as well however I thought the Crystalline performed better. I believe I get a higher level of UV protection with moderate darkening and I preferred the Crystalline sheen over the other 3M product, however both performed well. I used Crystalline in my prior car too.

Regarding signal degradation, I believe the metals in the Crystaline film impede mobile phone signal strength so much so that I dropped calls when traveling through areas with lots of hills, central NY state and the Berkshires for example. I purchased the Wilson mobile phone amplifier found here:
http://www.wilsonelectronics.com/sto...direct-connect
which I swear by, don't know the specs exactly but I think you'll boost your signal from something like .8db to closer to 4 or 5db depending on which antennae you choose. I am currently using the low profile antennae which has less gain but looks better than the larger traditional style antenna. I have the outside antennae magnetically installed just behind the factory roof top GPS/SAT antennae with no disruption.

[RowdiAudi]

I had decided to go with the 3M Crystalline, since my dealership only uses 3M… but when I saw this little demonstration I am undecided once again. Still on the fence with this one. I also didn't realize the hue differences were so great in the two.


3M Crystalline vs Huper Optik Automotive Window Tint

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNJs_VmoQGE

[focusaudi]

I have 20% all around (except front windshield). When I park in the sun, it's still hot without a sunshade. With a sunshade, it's considerably cooler.

[BillyG]

I finally bit the bullet and got tint in my car this past Friday. After reading many posts here I really wanted ceramic, but no one in my general area carries it. I ended up going with 50% 3M color stable for the sides and rear, and Llumar blue 80 on the windshield. It's been in the 80s the past few days, and today was the ultimate test. My car was parked in the sun from 0700 until 1430, with the sun coming in the windshield as I got in. I was able to jump right in, grab the wheel and shift knob, and drive away no problem. The Llumar air 80 is amazing!

[SHR]

I had decided to go with the 3M Crystalline, since my dealership only uses 3M… but when I saw this little demonstration I am undecided once again. Still on the fence with this one. I also didn't realize the hue differences were so great in the two.


3M Crystalline vs Huper Optik Automotive Window Tint

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNJs_VmoQGE

My Crystaline film does not have the same color as the Crystaline shown in the youtube video. The film in the youtube video looks muddy, the film in my car has a nice muted silvery sheen to it, very clean looking and transparency seems to adjust with light, much like photochromatic lenses. It looks identical to the Crystaline I had in my last car, not sure if they are showing Crystaline in the youtube video.

[RowdiAudi]

My Crystaline film does not have the same color as the Crystaline shown in the youtube video. The film in the youtube video looks muddy, the film in my car has a nice muted silvery sheen to it, very clean looking and transparency seems to adjust with light, much like photochromatic lenses. It looks identical to the Crystaline I had in my last car, not sure if they are showing Crystaline in the youtube video.

I have to admit that I am a little skeptical about this video as well. If the Crystalline tint is that easy to scratch, I would think the simple everyday motion of the window going up and down would show the same results... and I don’t see any complaints from owners who have it.

What I like about the Crystalline is that you can get a light tint without sacrificing any UV and heat protection. I am considering 60%, but I see that you have 50%. What made you go with 50%, and do you happen to have a shot of your car with the tint?

[itzjonjon69]

I got quoted for the same brand of tint but from a dealer here in AZ and it was about the same price i paid for Huper Optik.

And how much is it?

I never had issues with Huper Optik, but i guess some tints it does interfere with the car.

From that link:

"SAT Window Tint™ contains a zero metals composition which will not interfere with modern technology found in cars today, such as GPS, cellular signals, radio frequencies, or keyless entry signals."

Is that really an issue?

[dogbert]

I'd actually be really interested in pics of the 50% Crystalline as well.

[shonseb]

My Crystaline film does not have the same color as the Crystaline shown in the youtube video. The film in the youtube video looks muddy, the film in my car has a nice muted silvery sheen to it, very clean looking and transparency seems to adjust with light, much like photochromatic lenses. It looks identical to the Crystaline I had in my last car, not sure if they are showing Crystaline in the youtube video.

Actually mine does look like inner in the video, 60%. The A/S5 are plagued with developing small tiny scratches on the inside of the window when going down/up. I had some but seem to disappear when the glass is cleaned. I agree that the tint seems to change intensity depending on the lighting and angle you look at. I like it because its light enough that cops never ask about it, but dark enough to give me the look I want and privacy. And on top of that the heat protection

Sent from Tmobile MyTouch 4g

[RowdiAudi]

Actually mine does look like inner in the video, 60%. The A/S5 are plagued with developing small tiny scratches on the inside of the window when going down/up. I had some but seem to disappear when the glass is cleaned. I agree that the tint seems to change intensity depending on the lighting and angle you look at. I like it because its light enough that cops never ask about it, but dark enough to give me the look I want and privacy. And on top of that the heat protection

Sent from Tmobile MyTouch 4g

If the scratches are disappearing when you clean the windows, they may not be actual scratches. They may just be streaks.

Do you recommend the tint, and are you happy with the 60%. Can you post photos of your car? I'd like to see how light it is.

[SHR]

I have to admit that I am a little skeptical about this video as well. If the Crystalline tint is that easy to scratch, I would think the simple everyday motion of the window going up and down would show the same results... and I don’t see any complaints from owners who have it.

What I like about the Crystalline is that you can get a light tint without sacrificing any UV and heat protection. I am considering 60%, but I see that you have 50%. What made you go with 50%, and do you happen to have a shot of your car with the tint?

Regarding scratches, I've never had a problem on 2 cars.

Regarding why I did 50%: The tint shop that did my installation urged me to go 50%, I wanted a bit lighter but they finally talked me into it and I am glad they did. Audi factory tint must be a bit darker than BMW because my b8 is darker than my e39 was with the same 50% film. I have included a picture of my e39 and b8 together the day I brought the b8 home pre-tint, and a whole bunch of pics with the b8 now that it is tinted.

[RowdiAudi]

Very nice... SHR! Pictures are always worth a thousand words.

Any problems driving at night? Was there a big difference in the two tints (50% vs 60%)? Curious as to why the installers were so adamant about you switching to the darker tint.

[SHR]

Very nice... SHR! Pictures are always worth a thousand words.

Any problems driving at night? Was there a big difference in the two tints (50% vs 60%)? Curious as to why the installers were so adamant about you switching to the darker tint.

No problems at night whatsover, and I do a lot of night driving, especially in winter. I think the installers main driver was all about esthetics, he felt that if you had tint the car should look like it had tint, he felt that the 50% was the right balance between not too light and just dark enough. I've had 50% crystaline for a year on my b8, and 7 or 8 years on my e39 and love it. I'm sure there are other great films but this one has been perfect for me. Thinking about doing my windshield now, but curious how to handle the inspection and registration tags.

[RowdiAudi]

No problems at night whatsover, and I do a lot of night driving, especially in winter. I think the installers main driver was all about esthetics, he felt that if you had tint the car should look like it had tint, he felt that the 50% was the right balance between not too light and just dark enough. I've had 50% crystaline for a year on my b8, and 7 or 8 years on my e39 and love it. I'm sure there are other great films but this one has been perfect for me. Thinking about doing my windshield now, but curious how to handle the inspection and registration tags.

Well, I totally agree. You definitely made the right choice for your car. The tint is a perfect shade on your phatom black exterior and black leather interior. Very nice my friend!

Thanks for the input!

[dogbert]

Awesome, thanks for the pics SHR, really nice balance you have there.