Ridiculous neurotic window tint question

^ Where do you live? Aesthetics aside, if you live in a hot climate, IMO it's a worthwhile investment.

Here in Texas, it is hot for a good portion of the year, so I opted for maximum legal tint all around on my 911S, and Huper Optik ceramic on the windshield. All coordinated through our local Ferrari dealer. I plan on doing the same to my Cali, but it's currently stored in a temperature controlled facility, so not a top priority at the moment. ...T

 

From what I have seen in forum posts, tinting is generally frowned upon. I think showcasing the interior enhances the drama of the overall Ferrari presentation. My car (360) came tinted all around and I am in the process of removing some of it.

As you say, it's all about personal preferences, but if you are concerned about the community reaction, I would go light rather than dark.

 

I think you'll enjoy the heat rejection benefits in AZ. I agree with a white car, you may not want to do it. Post pics of your Cali...T

 

I personally went for zero tint. When the dealer asked if I wanted the windows tinted, my response was, "I don't expect to have the windows rolled up very often."

 

A good film, regardless of color will block out a high percentage of UV rays. Most tinted cars leave the windshield alone, but it accounts for a significant amount of sun and heat. Consider a clear film if your car did not come with the Ferrari heat reducing windshield option. "Dark tans are wrinkles in the larva stage." Don't know who said it, but I like it.

 

I put Huper Optik on my Porsche. Just checked my Monroney sticker, my Cali came with "Heat Insulating Windscreen". 😎 Love this forum!
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I see you're in Washington State. That is less of an option in Texas. And Arizona, I presume. We are more likely to have the top down in winter than in summer, especially if I'm driving with the queen (wife), queen mother (MIL), or princess (see below).
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Your dog is paying very close attention. Love it.

 

Thanks. She's a sweetie. She's making sure I turn the A.C. to max flux capacitance!
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Hey TOMC - I see you have an adorable pet. How do you prevent her claws from damaging the upholstery?


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I have a couple of large blankets and towels that I place in the back seat area. She's also wearing a harness, for safety, which keeps her from moving around too much in the car...T

 

I went with the lightest ceramic tint possible... Wanted to keep the heat out but still showcase the interior. Just my two cents.

 

Filtering out visible light is different from filtering out thermal radiation. You should be able to keep out the heat without having to apply a dark tint.

The dark tint approach is a very old and outdated idea. You should ask the people supplying the tint films if the have the Light-to-Solar-Gain (LSG) ratio values for their films for you to compare or can calculate them from their Visible Transmittance (VT) and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) values (LSG = VT/SHGC). Higher LSG values are better. You can have a lightly-tinted window that keeps out the heat better than a dark-tinted window. Most of the thermal radiation from sunlight is not visible.

Have a look at this 3M’s Window Films Block Heat and UV Rays Without Dark Tint . Sorry for the 3M promo verbiage but it is from Motortrend and it does explain the concept well.

 

^ I'm a science nerd, and that's just plain sexy tech talk. 😃 I went max legal tint on Porsche because I thought it complemented the black wheels...T