Mazor1

Wondering if anyone has added a strip of tint to the very top of their windshield, and if so, did they find that doing so helped keep their car any cooler or the glare down any?

I understand in some States there is a legal width on the top you are allowed to add tinting here, but I'm not sure if since its probably only 3-5 inches, whether it will help.

Harold57

My OEM windshield has a blue tint along the top and it does help with the glare, especially between the two visors where they don't have coverage. I wouldn't say that it is a huge difference but it does make some difference.

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

...it definitely helps cut down on the glare, wouldn't say it helps with the heat that much, but not sure. The width could be an issue in some states, but if it isn't too low you should be ok.......I would check with the law in your state

JohnnyCake

I had to research this once. With most states, it involves the AS1 line. Look for the hash mark about five inches from the top. Some states just talk about a certain number of inches from the top -- four to six generally.
There are a couple of states where you can tint the entire windshield -- I recall Ohio was one -- they just don't care as long as the tint max is 70%.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

50% carbon on the front does wonders. And I mean the whole shield not just a strip...

AZLexicon

I have a 4" strip across the top of the windshield. I can actually drive into the setting sun with no sunglasses so yes it helps a lot. Also helps keep the heat down.

hotrodsrj

Absolutely correct! 50 or 70% knocks down about 90% of the heat coming thru the glass. The 70% is barely discernable in color and if pulled over (and I have been for the rest of my windows) there is NOT a tester/detector for the windshield! No one is going to pull you over for 50/70% on the windshield anyway. Been running it for years here in GA where it's illegal to tint front windshields. However.. it's becoming noticed that very light tints, such as 50/70 can be useful in so many ways without hindering the driver's night vision. Both my wife and I did our new cars in 70 and the heat performance is stupid!

Mazor1

Thanks for the info. I regularly use one of those fold up two piece windshield screens and earlier today when my wife and I stopped at Sprouts we wondered how come so few other drivers seem to use one. I guess that I've gotten so used to using one, but if a 70% permanent solution, along with the 35% tint I am getting next week on the side windows will keep the inside of the car that much cooler, I'm definitely gonna check this out.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Make sure to get carbon on the windshield not the cheaper tint. The light refraction is much better well as heat reduction. Or go ceramic if you have the money and the installer carries it. Ceramic is the best, carbon is a very close 2nd.

Types of tint

hotrodsrj

This is correct! the newest technology infrared (IR) heat blocking nano ceramic films offering reduced interior temperatures and excellent optical clarity in all colors. The properties of this advanced tint allow signals to pass through it, unlike traditional metal films. This ensures no interference to cell phones, radios, GPS, radar detectors, or keyless entry. It does cost more however. Your interiors will thank you for it!

JohnnyCake

+1 on the ceramic, which I got mostly to prevent interference with electronics.

Two points:

*If you live in a state that is very strict about tinting, look for a "medical waiver" in the regulations. It basically consists of telling your optometrist that you get eye strain in bright sun and then he or she signs off on the form. The registration that you carry in the car then gets re-issued with "TINT WAIVER" or words to that effect.

** If you drive in another state, you can get ticketed if your tint is not in compliance with that state's tint laws. It is no excuse that the car is legal in the state in which it is registered.