If you’re getting the glass replaced on your vehicle, you definitely want to consider the actual tint that you are getting. One of the first things to consider when getting tinted glass replaced is where the glass is located on your vehicle. What a lot of people don’t realize is that there are three primary types of glass that are available. The glass located in the rear and back passenger sides of most vehicles is one type of glass that almost always has a tinting option. On the contrary, the front driver and passenger windows are a type of glass that are not tinted, unless it’s an aftermarket tint applied as film on the glass. When getting a windshield replaced, the main part that the occupants look through is not tinted, while the top sometimes have tinting options aka “eyebrow”.
Vehicles can put a tinted film on the windows after the purchase the vehicle, but the State’s Department of Transportation sets the regulations for this type of tint. Also, vehicle manufacturers have to abide by the rules of no pre-tinting in the front section of the vehicle including front door glass, front vent glass, and windshield per the US Department of Transportation (DOT).
Another difference is the actual glass itself. Normally, glass on the sides of the vehicle are made out of tempered glass. The reason for this is to ensure that the passengers are not cut by the glass since tempered glass is designed to shatter into numerous pieces that typically will not cut the occupants.
If an aftermarket tinted film has been used on tempered glass that is comprised of a sticky backing, it will hold most of the glass together. This actually makes it easier to replace. It’s simply a matter of removing the film and the additional glass that didn’t adhere to the film. Then, the new glass installation can be performed. If the owner would like to have tint applied, he or she can then take the vehicle to a window tinting specialist to have new film applied to the newly installed glass, so it matches the rest of the windows.
It is possible to purchase auto glass in the rear part of the vehicle (rear door glass, rear vent glass, quarter glass and back glass) that is made with a privacy tint infused in the glass itself. Also, in most cases, there is no variation in tint that is available. Either you have the option of purchasing rear glass with privacy tint or without. Some vehicle manufacturers do not even make the rear tinted glass an option, while other manufacturers will add a unique privacy tint in terms of the color that is only available for their vehicle (bronze, silver, blue glaze, etc).
Prices for glass replacement in vehicles with and without the privacy tint can vary depending on which type the manufacturer produces more of; supply and demand. If the majority of a particular make and model were made with privacy tint and a car owner happened to purchase a model that was made with clear glass, then most likely the clear glass replacement would be more costly.
When it comes to the front windshield, as discussed, there is normally the tinting that is present at the top of the glass, while the tinting can vary in style. When there is a need to replace the windshield, the price can vary within a few dollars depending on the style; “shade” or “tint”. Normally, at Mobile Glass, we like to keep the cost down for the customer, so we replace the glass with the least expensive style available, unless the client specifically wants a particular tint style.
How can I find out if someone makes a rear tailgate glass for the Subaru cross-trek that has reduced or no tint?
My wife hates the dark glass.
Yes, we must consider the three types of car tint especially on the front, back and on the passenger side.