Auto glass tinting uses a thin film which is applied to the vehicle's windows and has a scratch-resistant coating on one side and a clear adhesive on the other. Tint films vary by how much and what type of light they let through or reflect, but tinting is typically done to reduce interior heat, protect vehicle occupants from UV rays, reduce glare and improve overall comfort.
Typical costs:
Automotive window tinting can cost $50-$600 or more using standard, non-reflective tint film, and $100-$800 or more with high-performance ceramic, carbon, metallic, colored or other specialty tinting films, depending on the make, model and type of vehicle. Curved or steep rear windows are more difficult to tint, and will cost more.
For example, tinting the windows of a passenger car typically costs $100-$600, depending on the type of tint film and the make and model of vehicle. CostHelper readers report paying $125-$300 for car window tinting, at an average cost of $194; and at A-1 Window Tinting[1] in Frankfort, KY, it costs $120 for a two-door car and $135 for a four-door car.
Expect to pay $50-$500 or more to tint the windows of a pickup, depending on the type of film and if there is a slider window. CostHelper readers report paying $53-$225 to tint truck windows, with an average of $131; and All American Window Tinting[2] in Denver, CO charges $140 and up for standard tinting on a typical pickup, and $450 and up for its highest quality tint film.
It can cost $200-$800 or more for window tinting on a wagon, SUV, crossover or minivan, depending on the type of tint film, as well as the size and number of windows. For example, VanHorn Tint and Accessories[3] in Bloomington, IN, charges $225 for a station wagon, $250 for a minivan, $275 for a full-size van and $250 for an SUV.
A typical "all-around" tint job involves the rear window, two or four door windows as well as two or four triangle windows. The price quoted should include, at the minimum, basic, non-reflective film and installation on all windows except the windshield.
There are usually two warranties on car window tinting. The manufacturer's warranty against defects in the film may cover one, three or five years, but is typically a lifetime warranty. The performance warranty from the installer that typically covers bubbling, peeling, crackling and grazing. Some warranties are transferable, which means they are valid even if the vehicle is sold to another owner.
Additional costs:
Removing an existing tint film can add $25-$200 or more to the total cost, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, and whether the windows have defrosters or other built-in features. For example, Daku's Auto Body[4] in Pennsylvania charges $25 to remove old tint film from any window without defrosters and $90 for any window with defrosters; and Doctor Tint and Details[5] in Frederick, MD, charges a minimum of $125.
Discounts:
Many shops periodically offer discount coupons. For example, in March 2013 Tint World[6] , with about 20 locations nationwide, offered a $30-off coupon for any tint package.
Do-it-yourself window tinting can be done with rolls of tinting film (typically $10-$25 for a roll about 6' long) or a kit (about $25-$130) of film precut to fit the windows of the specific make and model of vehicle. Alpene Window Tint Products provides a how-to video for using a roll of film[7] and MonkeySee.com has a how-to video for installing a pre-cut kit[8] .
Shopping for window tinting:
The choice of tint depends in part on state law; some states allow tinting on every window as long as there are side mirrors, while other states do not allow tinting the windshield and the two front windows. State laws also specify the maximum darkness and color of tint allowed. The International Window Film Association charts window tinting rules and laws[9] for the US and Canada.
Automotive window tinting is typically done by auto body shops, auto detailing companies or companies specializing in window tinting. The International Window Film Association provides a searchable directory of dealers[10] .
7 Lesser-Known Discounts for the 50+ Crowd As they age, members of the Baby Boomer generation don't like to admit that they're senior citizens, but they love getting discounts. It's kind of a quandary, because some of the best deals available are reduced prices for older folks. || Posted October 21 2013
7 Ways to Stretch Your Reduced Food Budget End of the year budgets are tight for everyone, especially in this economy.It's especially hard for the millions of Americans who depend on government programs like food stamps to help make ends meet. || Posted November 11 2013
Ceramic all the way around. Paid extra for the upgraded tint and 100% warranty for as long as I own the vehicle or I guess as long as they stay in business.
Jonathan Farmer, the owner, and his team did an excellent job. They use high quality materials and the craftsmanship is second to none. In the South, tinted vehicle windows are crucial! Just took my daughters 2010 Honda Civic Coupe back there last week to have her vehicle done. I’d highly recommend them.
Got a few quotes around town. This place low balled me to get me in the door, but I already knew I'd want more premium grade tint. Office was friendly and explained my options well. Ended up getting carbon tint on each window since it gets extremely hot in the desert. Tint still needs to cure, so we shall see. Color and 35/20 flow look good so far. It would have been $235 less, but I decided to get the windshield tinted as well, again because of the extreme summer heat.
I paid for ceramic window tinting with lifetime warranty. Ceramic is twice as expensive as other tints, but well worth the price. Tint Tech did quality work.
TINTMASTER Window Tinting has the best Google reviews and prices in The Orlando, Florida area - that's saying A Lot for one of the most competitive Areas For Window tinting in the country! they did a great job on my Hyundai
I had my Subaru Impreza window tint installed by Legacy Widow Films. They did a fantastic job! I couldn't have asked for better service! The tint looks amazing, couldn't be happier!
They did a great job, very good communication.They were middle of the road as far as price. Its a owner operated company (one guy) he took his time and it looks great. I would feel confident recommending them ashevillewindowtinting.com
These guy's really did a great outstanding job..Great customer service as well as wait time..I highly recommend these guy's to anyone anywhere..I love my car and just dont trust anyone with it great job guy's also thumbs up on my 2 house windows..
I stopped by the tint shop to get a price, and was so blown away by the useful information (Angel) the tinter gave me. He was very knowledgeable and helped me pick the right tint for my car. Looks GREAT.
Was one of the most knowledgeable and professional people i had talked to about tinting before i even got my car done. He answered all my questions and helped me with things i never knew about tint. His Mobile service was one of the other things i liked. Weekend and at the convenience of my home.
Called the Dr. that morning to see if they had an slot open for a tint job. They told me to bring it in around 2, made in after being held up in traffic (called to let him know I was held up in traffic). The tech went over the types of tint and the tint laws (thanks). By 2:15 I was out and by 3:15 my car was ready with a superb job done. Talk about customer service, these guys are on it!
Horrible, HORRIBLE place. Poor quality work. I highly do not recommend these tinters to anyone looking for a good outcome on their car. They do third-rate work and will damage your car.
I had recently used this tinting shop to tint my Lexus car. I find Quality Tire's service very good&reasonable. As this tinting helps us from various harmful rays of sun. Even it helps from discolour of our car furniture. Tinting helps a lot.
This mobile tint company in NorthWest Arkansas did such a great job on my car. It was so nice that they came to my home and did it in my garage, I never had to leave the house and I could continue working. It was so easy and they did such an awesome job. I would highly recommend their service to anyone.
I had come home for the weekend to buy a new car. Purchased car on Friday night called Saturday morning explained I needed to leave early Sunday morning to get back to my duty station. He was pretty booked for the day but would work me in. He had my car for about 5 hours but that wasn't his fault since I knew he was doing me a huge favor. Randy, the owner did an amazing job that exceeded my expectations. I paid for the best quality tint and received the highest quality service. I'd recommend Randy to anyone.
Have a Silverado removed one side tent..$10 and added tent to driver side $55. Two weeks later Nissan Versa hatchback... CXP 35%... totaled $215. Lifetime warranty and looks great!!
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
UTI urgent care visit Paid: 147.00 Visit was $135. Antibiotics was $12. Waiting for four hours in the waiting room and the visit was quick... [more]
Spanish Medical Interpreter Paid: 150.00 I worked with SynShyne Services out of Monroe, NC. They were so worth the price! Professional, friendly, accurate, great attitude and always on time. I recieved an itemized report after every contact and a user friendly invoice weekly... [more]
Skin prick allergy test Paid: 573.00 Took my 9 yr. old in after an allergic reaction to eggs. Several panels for nuts, fish & top 8 allergens. Sure enough, egg came up. Got a script for epinephrine and left... [more]