I'd like to tint the front two windows of my '04 Xterra to match the factory-tinted rear windows. Does anyone happen to know what percent the rear windows are tinted from the factory? Does anyone know if a tint-shop would be able to match it? I guess I could have a cop test it for me next time I get pulled over

Mine was matched by the guy doing the work. It was either 15 or 20%. Both illegal for front windows BTW.

There has been so much talk about this already at XOC. Try searhcing in this "General Discussion" forum...I looked at a thread we had in August 2003 that states factory is 20%. I unfortunately don't know how to provide a link to that thread. I had mine done prior to initial delivery and they would not match the rear's tint as it is too dark per law for front windows.

Thanks for the info. Sorry for the repeat-post, but I searched the General Discussion forum and couldn't find any answers. As far as it being illegal, yes I know I had windows on my Jetta tinted at 30% for close to two years and never ran into any problems with the law, so I'm gonna take my chances with this as well. Thanks again!

OK, the last post trigged my memory. Mine were done at 15% to visually match the rear from the outside, something about the way the film looks versus the original glass.

Be aware that the color does not match from inside and that it does make it difficult to see in the dark or in inclement weather. I'm a pretty attentive driver but if you don't really pay attention in less than full sunlight conditions you will get yourself in trouble with this level of tint.

Honestly, I'm not sure that it's a great idea to have them so dark but it does help allot with the heat and glare here in SoCal so I'll probably keep them for now.

Yeah 15% is pretty freakin' dark. While I would enjoy the privacy and the heat-resistance, I think going that dark would be a bit detrimental to my driving in Columbus traffic. I may just go down to 35% to provide some level of tint. Thanks again for the info!

I got 20 percent for my fronts and they match the rears nicely. There's a slight difference, but nothing noticable at a quick glance.

The rears are about 18 from what I've been told.

in houston, you cant go anything under 15% on your front windows or you wont pass emissions test.

Now that sounds just like 'em to through that into the "Emmissions Check"!

i had the same idea. Just go to your local Nissan dealership, and ask them who tints their windows, they should lead you too a guy that does an amazing job. It cost me 50 bucks, and I got the strongest legal tint for my front 2 windows. It's not as strong as the back, but you gotta think about it to realize that it's not.

I put exactly 38% tint on the front. With the 3% already in the glass from the factory, it's a perfect 35%. I want to limo tint the rear windows so you can't see in at all because of all the gear in the back.

I went with 5% all the way around and you can't even see into the vehicle from the front. I just go to a mom and pop place to get my inspections done.

I purchased a Honda from New Mexico with 40% tint all the way around and found it dangerous to drive at night. It was almost impossible to see especially if there were no street lights in the area you were driving in. After almost running over a couple of people that I did not see turning corners at night, I finally had it taken off on the front windows. It did make the car cooler in hot weather!

Tom

40% tint is not very dark. 35% is darker. Are you sure the percentage is right?The percentage is the amount of light transmitance through the window. The higher the number the more light, the lower the number the less light.

I put 20% on my front 3 eindows and it matched well. I then had my ENTIRE front windshield tinted at 35%, which reduces/eliminates dusk/dawn/rainy night headlight glare. I have had my past 4-5 vehicles tinted this way and I could not imagine it any other way.

Man, that's highly illegal in Maryland. I couldn't imagine doing that.

I have 13% on my front two windows. You can only tell a diff on the match when you are in the X. It is illegal in OK but they don't push it at all. Is OH pretty strick? I know in WV you cannot go below 35%.

Legal tint in Ohio is 50% for the fronts, but no limit on the back or rear. I ran 35% on mine for a couple years with no problems at all though. They'll only hit you with the fine if they get you for something else (ie speeding).