MessingWithMerC

Was wondering if installing windshield UV protection (clear, 70% tint?) would interfere with the front radar service sensors? Sorry I'm not too technical here, but I'm referring to the cameras/radar sensors behind the rearview mirror. Has anyone done this?

Mbm6f

Someone on the C43 forum just tinted their front windshield. I think generally any additional layers of material will reduce the effectiveness as electronics such as a RD/LD, when I had my V1 hardwired in my 63, I made sure it was not behind the sun strip at the top of the windshield.

You thinking huper-optik?

MessingWithMerC

Thanks for the response. I don't actually know yet which brand I should use or anything really lol Where I live gets extremely hot in the summer (easily newer 120° F) and my dash cam and radar/laser detectors normally don't even survive the summer heat. But I've never opted to do the windshield in the past. This year I thought maybe I should try it. The guy I'm talking to is saying what he uses for the windshield doesn't interfere with the electronics. I've asked him for more specific such as brand and other details.

MessingWithMerC

This is what the tint guy is suggesting for the windshield.

Mbm6f

Yep. Huper is Ceramic as well. Good stuff.

Guilty

My windshield is covered in Huper Optik 40% and there's no interference at all.

Mbm6f

Good to know, I'd be curious if it diminishes the range of the LD/RD. Love the look of that but hate driving with a tinted windshield (less VLT than factory). Always do a consistent tint all around and big strip at the top.
Example of strip:

(Please excuse BMW).

Guilty

Yes, the glare does suck at times. I still enjoy the look and the extra privacy

Mbm6f

100%, the privacy is much needed.

Yours is a masterpiece by the way.

Guilty

Thank you kind sir.

ChaseRMc

I have LLumar Air 80. I have had no problems with it.

MessingWithMerC

Thank you for all the responses. But does having the windshield tint/protective film also not interfere with the HUD visibility? As it is to me the HUD isn't the clearest...

Mbm6f

Do you have poor vision or an astigmatism? I can see film SLIGHTLY distorting the HUD projection if not 100% perfectly installed.

MessingWithMerC

20/22 vision and no astigmatism. The HUD isn't unclear necessarily. My poor choice of word I suppose. It's my first car with HUD and I guess I had unrealistic expectations. I have turned up the settings and it is as clear as it can be. But I can imagine how it could easily be distorted if not installed perfectly.

Mbm6f

I have very limited HUD experience, X5M only and it was about what I expected. I asked about the vision thing because I know some people with vision problems have issues with certain red dot/holographic sights... wasn't sure if it would translate.

ChaseRMc

With the Air 80 I don't notice any difference with the HUD. However Maui Jim sunglasses make the HUD look really faded.

dp61627

Does anyone know if tint only drastically affects RD/LD performance if it is metallic tint?

I've heard that ceramic tint has little effect on performance, but it is not noticeably worse.

I'm thinking about installing ceramic tint (30% or 35%) all around; however, I do not want it to affect my V1 radar that much. If that's the case, I can just stay away from tinting the front windshield.

MessingWithMerC

I'm scheduled to have 20% installed all around and 80% widnshield (ceramic) tomorrow. I have HUD as well as an Escort Passport 9500ix RD. I guess I'll have some idea whether this will be affecting my setup in any way. I'll try to come back and post an update.

JPMBenz

I have 70% on my windshield with HUD & a V1 installed; no zero and I wear Polarized sunglasses.

dp61627

What type of tint do you have? Ceramic?

Guilty

i have ceramic Huper optic with HUD and v1 and there is ZERO interference. Just get it guys.

FDNewbie

Metallic tint WILL interfere with highway toll passes, radar detector detection sensitivity, cell phone reception, etc. That's why ceramic is the way to go.

All my cars have 50% tint on the front windshield. It's definitely noticeable on the outside when you're looking at the car, but it looks like a factory tint (yes, believe it or not, some cars come with a factory tint to the front windshield). From the inside, you can't tell; there is NO effect on visibility whatsoever. I've NEVER had a passenger realize the front windshield was tinted. But the difference in overall heat rejection is VAST. Definitely a no-brainer.

I have Llumar CTX 15% on all windows, Llumar AIR80 on the pano roof (if I want the sunshade, I'll use it. And if I want to let the light in without the interior heating up, clear ceramic is the way to go). And Photosync on the front windshield. Looks killer, works even better.

black63s

I have 35% ceramic on my windshield and have zero issues with my v1 as well.