If you’re a proud owner of a Tesla car and considering tinting its windows, you might be wondering whether it could potentially void your warranty. Tesla’s warranty policies can be complex, and window tinting is a common modification many car owners make to improve their car’s aesthetics and reduce heat from the sun.
So, does tinting Tesla windows void the warranty? In this blog post, we will dive into the details and give you the information you need to make an informed decision about tinting your Tesla’s windows without affecting your warranty coverage. Keep reading to learn more.
You can easily upgrade your car with window tinting. People don’t consider it a modification since it’s so common. You might have already considered having your windows tinted if you just bought a new car.
First, let’s clarify some information about what window tinting is. Window tinting involves installing a special film inside a window to block UV and infrared light.
Regarding quality and style, window tints are available in many varieties. Each type differs primarily by how dark it is and how much light it lets through. This is represented by a number called the tint percentage. The higher the percentage, the more light passes through the glass.
For example,
- 100 percent transparent, all light comes through
- 85 percent – most light gets through
- 35 percent – quite dark, most light is filtered
- 5 percent – extremely dark, nearly no light penetrates
The more light is filtered out, the more harmful stuff is filtered out, too. The darker it is, the cooler the car interior will be.
Besides looking good, window tinting has many other benefits. In the summer, tinted windows reduce interior vehicle temperatures by reflecting sunlight and protecting passengers and drivers from skin damage. In addition to helping visually impaired people, tinted windows can prevent crime since thieves cannot see your vehicle’s interior layout.
There are, however, some downsides to window tinting, such as legal limits on how much you can tint your windows and windshield. It depends on where you live. Different states have different rules. It is even worse if it voids your original car warranty.
What’s legal in my state?
Tint percentages vary from state to state. With different requirements in each state, it’s easy to see why Tesla leaves it mainly to the aftermarket to apply tint.
Road Safety:
Window tinting reduces cabin visibility. Even if they are darkly tinted, you can still see through your windshield and front windows. Nevertheless, you would drive in bad light all the time, no matter how bright your headlights are.
As a result, perceiving and reacting to hazards like cyclists is a severe problem.
This is why most windshields are tinted from the top. It will protect the driver’s and front passenger’s faces from glare and UV rays without obscuring their view.
Visibility from outside:
While privacy is important, it is illegal to hide your windows from police officers. Law enforcement officers should be able to see drivers who violate the law, such as talking on the phone or eating and drinking while driving. Window tinting would prevent that.
The officer must also be able to see what the people in the car are doing if they have pulled the car over. Criminals could use a dangerous weapon on an officer if the glass is obscured.
Typically, most states require you to stay above the AS1 line when tinting front windshields. There are several reasons these laws are necessary.
How long does tint last?
High-quality tints like ceramic, crystalline, or carbon tints can last the vehicle’s lifetime. Most come with a lifetime warranty against bubbling and purging.
However, a cheap tint won’t last more than a few months or years if you install it. A tint’s lifespan depends on its location, heat damage, and quality.
Related Article: How Long Does Paint Protection Film last?
How much does a Tesla tint cost?
This can vary depending on your tint type and location. A reputable shop charges between $400-1200. If you opt for something like 3M Crystalline, expect to spend over $1000 to tint all vehicle windows.
The Model 3, in particular, is expensive because of the massive rear glass size and the skills required for Tesla vehicles. Teslas are unique cars because plenty of electrical components are hidden around the car’s exterior, so you should take them to a shop familiar with them.
So is it worth tinting the Tesla windshield?
If you’ve already spent so much money on your Tesla, is it worth spending even more, to get the windows tinted? On balance, despite the expense and hassle of car window tinting, the benefits are apparent and worthwhile:
- Improved the interior environment: Your car becomes cooler and safer when the windows are tinted, as they block ultraviolet and infrared rays. Children or adults with fair skin should not be exposed to the sun constantly. By tinting the windows, you can protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
- Improved EV performance: If your windows keep out heat and UV radiation, your car’s air conditioning has less work to do to keep the interior cool. That preserves the battery power, allowing a longer battery life.
- Better Interior Protection: UV and IR rays are not just harmful to people inside the car. The sun can also damage your car’s dashboard and upholstery. Cloth upholstery can fade, while leather can dry out and crack. Intense sunlight can also crack and damage the dashboard.
- Increased comfort and privacy: Finally, passengers in the rear seats can enjoy increased comfort and privacy. Although the glass isn’t one-way, a passing glance can’t see anything happening inside the car due to the tinting. Passengers won’t get headaches from glare, another advantage for those watching screens during long journeys. Overall, it’s a worthwhile investment for any car, including a Tesla Model 3. It is imperative to ensure that you apply tint within the law and that your tint won’t interfere with Tesla’s cameras or sensors. Use reputable and experienced applicators to ensure a quality job, even if it costs more.
Finally, does tinting Tesla windows void the warranty?
The simple answer is no. Car window tinting is unlikely to affect your warranty. There are, however, a few things you should consider carefully.
Manufacturer warranties:
The document states that the vehicle manufacturer will pay for or fix specific problems with the vehicle for free for a specified period. The manufacturer may replace certain vehicle parts, perform regular maintenance, or provide free checkups.
The initial cost of the vehicle includes warranty costs. A warranty differs from car insurance, where the owner pays monthly to cover the car. The warranty does not require a monthly payment.
How does window tinting affect warranties?
It’s unlikely that window tint will affect your vehicle warranty. In addition, the manufacturer must prove that the aftermarket part directly caused the vehicle’s problems.
When a door is damaged due to adding window tint, the manufacturer must prove the tinted windows caused the damage. The car owner is still entitled to the warranty, even if the manufacturer cannot prove this.
Additionally, you should know the laws in your state since they can affect the warranty and determine whether it is void or valid. Tinted windows must be installed according to your state’s laws.
Hire a professional window tinting company: Auto Boss Vaughan
Installers such as Auto Boss Vaughan can help you avoid warranty voids. As a team of skilled installation technicians, we offer quality and experience. Professionals like us should manage the installation process to avoid warranty voids. Our expertise and industry knowledge allow us to safely install your doors and windows.
Your car window tinting shouldn’t affect your vehicle’s warranty as long as it is professionally installed. With Auto Boss Vaughan, you don’t just get window tinting benefits, you also keep your vehicle’s warranty protected.
If you would like to get started with your new window tint installation, give us a call or stop by our Vaughan store.
Why choose us?
Window tinting is a complex process; car owners deserve professionals who know what they are doing. You can get the right tint from Auto Boss Vaughan according to your needs.
- 5+ years of industry experience
- High-quality window film
- Customization options to meet your unique needs and preferences
- Lifetime warranty on all tinting services
- Solar, decorative, security, and privacy window tinting options
- Affordable and competitive prices
- Proudly serving Vaughan and the surrounding areas
FAQs
Is it worth tinting the Tesla windshield?
Besides looking good, window tinting has many other benefits. It reduces interior vehicle temperatures by reflecting sunlight and protecting passengers and drivers from skin damage. In addition to helping visually impaired people, tinted windows can prevent crime since thieves cannot see your vehicle’s interior layout.
Why don’t Teslas have tinted windows?
Tint percentages vary from state to state. With different requirements in each state, it’s easy to see why Tesla leaves it mainly to the aftermarket to apply tint.
How much does a Tesla tint cost?
This can vary depending on your tint type and location. A reputable shop charges between $400-1200. If you opt for something like 3M Crystalline, expect to spend over $1000 to tint all vehicle windows.