I just bought a chili red clubman with black roof and stripes. I live in south florida, hot here!!!! And I was wondering about the tint debate, and the cracking sunroof. If we add tint does it VOID any manufactures warranty if the sunroof starts not working properly, as I have read a few posts here about problems with the sunroof, not related to tinting, but mechanical problems. Would a sunroof graphic block out enough of the hot summer sun, or is tinting the best option?????????

 

After carefully considering all the possibilities, IMO, the bottom line is that static-cling tint is the best, least expensive option which still allows you to completely "see" the sky (and whatever else happens to be up there ) from the inside of the vehicle. I recommend "static-cling" because that type of tint has no metal in it to cause the intense heat build-up which can crack the sun-roof, plus it is completely and easily removable at a moments notice should you anticipate a problem or change your mind. It's available at most auto parts stores or Walmart (costing between $10-$15) and is pretty easy to apply yourself, even if you've never done it. One box contains enough film for both sun-roofs with some left over. After trying both, I'd definitely recommend the 5% film over the 20%, as it also greatly reduces the glare which is really the biggest problem in Florida, especially if you get migraines. It may look really dark in the store, but trust me, you can still see out just fine (except at night, of course). Coupled with a lighter degree of tinting on the rest of the windows, the difference is amazing! Ours has been in place for a year and a half now with absolutely NO issues.

We initially thought we'd get a sun-roof graphic because of the warranty issue, but the cost combined with the fact that they say it fades over time, and that it partially blocks the view, made us keep searching for a better answer. For us, it was a "no-brainer" and a decision we've been 100% happy with. HTH.

 

thank you, did you apply on the inside or the outside? There is no glue involved, it just peels off?

 

Thats some good info.... As much as I hate to say it, I'll stop by Walmart and see what they have............

A~

 

You're welcome! Tint is applied on the inside using nothing but lots of soapy water (from a squirt bottle so you can slide it around easily as needed to adjust) and a squeegee. We happened to get our small squeegee from a window tinter, but I think they're available pretty cheap & easily in stores. Correct; no glue involved, just cut to size and peel the rubbery tint from its backing paper, then apply. The more water/bubbles you squeegee out, the better/clearer it looks! IMO, the hardest part is measuring/cutting the right size (just slightly bigger than the clear part of the glass because it stretches as you squeegee, and you don't want so much overlap that it fails to adhere to the "black dot" grid around the edges). If it's not going well, just peel it off, re-wet, and start again. Feel free to ask whatever questions you may have either here or via PM.

 

I'll stick with our baked on polarized ceramic film tint

It's been near 100* most of the summer with a peak of 112* and we have had zero issues with the tint or the sunroof

 

So tint on the sunroof in 100+ degree should be ok???? I've seen where it's not recommended, even the dealer said it's not a good idea. Here in Arizona we are lucky if the LOW is 100 during summer. I don't want to risk the glass breaking..........

A~

 

Actually, that's exactly why we didn't opt for regular tint, even though I'm sure it's a great choice with respect to heat/glare reduction. Had our dealer (as well as several tinters around here) not refused to do it and strongly implied they would not warranty it if it should crack, we would have gone that route, for sure. Just didn't want to risk it, since so many said it has happened. "Ya rolls the dice, and ya takes yer chances..." Either way, tint is a good thing!

 

haven't had an issue, but then I'm not one of those people that parks in the direct sun with all the windows sealed shut either. I always pop the sunroofs up and put a shade on the windshield, makes for less of a sauna when I go to get in

 

To the original poster, have you considered Zippee Shades?

The poster in the thread below had 5% tints all around but still opted for the Zippee Shades.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ee-zippee.html

 

I installed a perforated sunroof grafic on mine. Cuts way down on the heat, and you can still see the sky through the perforations