Window Tinting (Maricopa: relocating, showing, medical)

[Fruit4Harvest]

I am relocating from Ohio to Maricopa, AZ within the next two weeks. I want to get the front driver and passenger windows on my Ford Windstar tinted and get the partial tinting on the windshield before I leave Ohio to help block out the sun and heat. I want to make sure that I get the right grade of tint.

Can anyone give me advice as to what grade of tint I should get? My rear window and back windows have the privacy window tinting. Is that going to be enough for the sun in Arizona, or should I have all of the windows done? I am going to have it done a few days before we leave because tinting of the front windows is illegal in Ohio.

Appreciate the help!

[CodyW]

Well, I'm not sure what advice I should give you. But, I think the legal restriction on front side windows is 33% in Arizona.

[nitram]

Front windshield tinting is definitely illegal in AZ. Side and rear windows is about 35%. When you get here check with the window legal tinting dealers and they'll put the right % on for you. The police are pretty strict on this issue.

[nitram]

Arizona Window Tint Law
Arizona Tint Law Enacted: 1994
HOW DARK CAN WINDOW TINT BE IN ARIZONA?

Darkness of tint is measured by Visible Light Transmission percentage (VLT%). In Arizona, this percentage refers to percentage of visible light allowed in through the combination of film and the window.

Windshield Non-reflective tint is allowed along the top of the windshield above the manufacturer's AS-1 line.
Front Side Windows Must allow more than 33% of light in.
Back Side Windows Any darkness can be used.
Rear Window Any darkness can be used.

HOW REFLECTIVE CAN THE TINT BE IN ARIZONA?

Similar to sunglass lenses, some tinting film contain metallic elements that help in reflecting incoming light and reducing the glare and heat generated by visible light.

Front Side Windows Must not be more than 35% reflective.
Back Side Windows Must not be more than 35% reflective.

OTHER ARIZONA RULES AND REGULATIONS

Restricted Colors The tint color(s) of RED are not legal by state law.
Side Mirrors Dual side mirrors are required if back window is tinted.
Certificate Requirements Manufacturers of film do NOT need to certify the film they sell in the state.
Sticker Requirements No sticker to identify legal tinting is required.
Medical Exemption State allows medical exemptions for special tint. For more details about the specific terms of the exemption, consult your state law.

[joemomma]

One thing that you'll need is a dash-mat to prevent your dashboard from cracking from the heat. You can order them online or any local auto parts store. Also a reflective foil shade for inside the windshield. Also, remember that your car battery will only last about 2yrs in Arizona due to the heat. You won't have to worry about rust, however.

[CodyW]

Not to hijack a thread, but..

You know. I've never actually seen dash issues from the heat. I've seen discoloring from the heat, but every car we've had has held up pretty well.

Has ANYBODY actually experienced it?

[Fruit4Harvest]

Thanks to all for your input and especially the detailed info about the AZ law regarding tints, etc. I will go online to purchase the dash mat. Everyone provided a wealth of information that I did not know. I am glad I just purchased a new battery -- although I will have to buy another one in about two years. I will take this information with me to the dealer to make sure the tinting is done correctly. I had originally planned to wait until I got to AZ but with the heat at 115 degrees, I dreaded driving into that with no protection on the windows.

Thanks again to all!

[azloafer]

I'm not sure if it has already been mentioned, but the best tint is the metallic type. It reflects the heat better and it doesn't turn blue like some less expensive tints. Just ask about it at any window tinting business.

[nitram]

Dashmats aid in the prevention of discoloring, cracking, shrinkage, and burning your hands.

[Ponderosa]

Originally Posted by CodyW

Not to hijack a thread, but..

You know. I've never actually seen dash issues from the heat. I've seen discoloring from the heat, but every car we've had has held up pretty well.

Has ANYBODY actually experienced it?

Cody, your youth is showing . Back in the day dashboards were made of vinyl covered foam and turned black, dried out, cracked and fell apart when left to heat up in the sun. But you are correct in observing that today's plastics are superior and are pretty much impervious to the sun. Still they do glare and I like the look of a dashmat myself.