Tint Removal

[Sugrat]

I need some help, just purchased a used G80 Sport which came already tinted, looks awesome from the outside and great to drive during the day..... but at night, in low light, I can nearly see out of the side windows, even making it hard to see anything in the side or rear mirrors.

So my question, I have zero knowledge of tinting, how easy is it to remove? I've seen video's saying to get a heat gun and remove it with that but then I've heard it can ruin the heating lines on the rear window, so they say use stream but then I heard that can ruin the seals on the roof cover.

I don't have a problem letting a professional do it if you think that's the best option - how much do you think it would cost?

Any advice would be great.

 

[EdP]

I need some help, just purchased a used G80 Sport which came already tinted, looks awesome from the outside and great to drive during the day..... but at night, in low light, I can nearly see out of the side windows, even making it hard to see anything in the side or rear mirrors.

So my question, I have zero knowledge of tinting, how easy is it to remove? I've seen video's saying to get a heat gun and remove it with that but then I've heard it can ruin the heating lines on the rear window, so they say use stream but then I heard that can ruin the seals on the roof cover.

I don't have a problem letting a professional do it if you think that's the best option - how much do you think it would cost?

Any advice would be great.

There are tints and there are tints. You may still want a tint but a lighter one than what you have.
I share your concern about night driving so I got a 50% tint. Many cars have 35% or greater. OK for a 25 year old, not so much later.

I would go to a tint shop and find out what you have and perhaps go with a 50% instead of what is there. In So Cal you get a good amount of sun so some protection would be a good idea.
FYI if not familiar with tints, at the number goes lower the darkness is greater.
By law, California is 70% on the front side windows but many go darker so check it out.

Window Tint Laws By State - Updated 2024

Explore our 2024 guide to window tint laws by state, featuring updated regulations, detailed infographics, and easy-to-understand summaries for each state.

windowtintlaws.us

 

[surprisinguy]

Tint removal is tedious and if you're trying to remove it from the rear window with the heating/antenna elements it can be a nightmare. There is a tint adhesive remover that is available if you're so inclined (I can provide a link if you want). I would def go to a tint dealer professional and see what they would charge to remove your tint and apply a lighter percentage tint. Most tint shops charge at least $45 a window just to tint - removal might be another $45 each charge.

 

[RCH04]

I agree with taking the car to a shop for the removal. Look online for some area tint shops. Some of them may even have pricing listed including removal which would give you an idea of the cost in your area.

 

[tarhoosier]

I bought a car that was from another state with different tint rules and had to have it removed. It was too dark for me in any case so all the better. I watched the pro do the job and realized I would never be able to fare as well on a car as expensive as this. For a twenty year old with a hand-me-down car he could have the experience but for me, the pro was the way to go.

 

[Sugrat]

Thank you for the information, I didn't know about the lower the number the dark it is, thank you for that! I will look at taking her to a professional shop.

 

[TinsleyC]

Consider a ceramic tint film - they block UV rays and keep the car much cooler. They cost a bit more but are superior.

 

[vmi9d3]

I paid $100 to have tint removed from my Sonata in MD in 2018. Retired from military, changed my residence to MD, and had to get car state inspection for MD plates, the tint I had was too dark for MD.

 

[ctrcbob]

I paid $100 to have tint removed from my Sonata in MD in 2018. Retired from military, changed my residence to MD, and had to get car state inspection for MD plates, the tint I had was too dark for MD.

Tint illegal in NY State.

 

[EdP]

Tint illegal in NY State.

70% is allowed, but that is not much

Window Tint Laws By State - Updated 2024

Explore our 2024 guide to window tint laws by state, featuring updated regulations, detailed infographics, and easy-to-understand summaries for each state.

windowtintlaws.us

State	Front Side Windows	Back Side Windows	Rear Windows	Windshield

New York

70%

70%

ANY 6 inches

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[ctrcbob]

I need some help, just purchased a used G80 Sport which came already tinted, looks awesome from the outside and great to drive during the day..... but at night, in low light, I can nearly see out of the side windows, even making it hard to see anything in the side or rear mirrors.

So my question, I have zero knowledge of tinting, how easy is it to remove? I've seen video's saying to get a heat gun and remove it with that but then I've heard it can ruin the heating lines on the rear window, so they say use stream but then I heard that can ruin the seals on the roof cover.

I don't have a problem letting a professional do it if you think that's the best option - how much do you think it would cost?

Any advice would be great.

A few years ago, I purchased a used Black Mercury Marauder. Very dark tint. Could not see out at night.

Took car to my (Florida) tint guy. He attached newspapers to the glass and sprayed water, soaking the paper. This makes tint soft. Parked car in sun for an hour. Then carefully peeled tint off.
You must keep old tint and newspaper wet.