Window tinting refers to applying a thin film to the interior glass surfaces of a vehicle. Tinting the windows in a Honda Fit can provide various benefits such as blocking UV rays, reducing glare, and increasing privacy. Properly tinting the windows can make the interior more comfortable and help protect the vehicle’s interior from sun damage.
This guide will provide an overview of the legal regulations, window tint options, recommended tint levels, and costs associated with tinting the front, rear, and rear windshield windows of a Honda Fit. It will cover where to get the tinting done professionally, as well as tips for maintenance and care. The goal is to help Honda Fit owners understand the tinting process in order to make informed decisions. With the right tint, owners can maximize the benefits for their specific needs and climate.
Legal Regulations
Window tint laws vary by state, so it’s important to check your state’s specific regulations before getting window tinting done on your Honda Fit. Most states allow darker tint on rear windows compared to front side windows.
For example, according to Window Tint Laws By State, states like Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania allow any darkness for rear side windows, but have restrictions on front side window tint.
When it comes to Honda Fit specifically, owners on forums like Unofficial Honda FIT Forums discuss installing legal levels of tint like 35% on all rear windows. However, tint darkness limits for front driver and passenger windows tend to be more restrictive.
So when getting your Honda Fit tinted, consult your state’s tint regulations. Go darker on rears, but stay within legal limits for front window tint to avoid issues.
Window Tint Options
There are several types of window tints available for your Honda Fit, each with their own pros and cons:
Dyed Tint – Dyed tints provide good UV protection and often come in a variety of colors, but they tend to fade faster than other options. Dyed films are typically the most affordable option.
Metallic Tint – Made of metal nanoparticles, metallic tints block more heat and light while letting in less glare. They provide good UV protection as well. However, their reflective look isn’t for everyone.
Ceramic Tint – Ceramic films provide the best heat rejection by absorbing infrared light. They also offer great UV protection and minimal glare. The tradeoff is a higher price point than other films.
Carbon Tint – Carbon window films have a gray appearance and are especially effective at blocking UV rays. They don’t block heat or glare to the level of metallic or ceramic tints. Carbon tints also tend to be more expensive.
Tint Levels
When choosing a window tint, one of the most important factors is the light transmission percentage. This percentage determines how much light can pass through the tinted windows. The percentage essentially identifies how dark the tint will be.
For the Honda Fit, here are some recommended light transmission percentages:
- Front side windows: 35-50% is typically recommended and legal in most states. This allows good visibility and blocks some UV rays and heat (Source).
- Back side windows: 15-35% is recommended for privacy. Going darker can affect night time visibility (Source).
- Rear windshield: 50-70% is recommended to maintain good rear visibility (Source).
Always check your local tint laws before choosing percentages. Getting a high quality and reputable brand of tint, like 3M or Llumar, is also recommended for optimal performance.
Where to Get Window Tinting Done
When it comes to getting your Honda Fit’s windows tinted, you have two main options – go to a professional tint shop or do it yourself. Both have their pros and cons.
Professional tint shops have the expertise, tools, and experience to ensure a quality job. Tint technicians are trained to properly prep the windows, apply the film cleanly and smoothly, trim excess material, and avoid bubbles or defects. Going to a shop also ensures proper installation of the tint by experts. According to How To Choose a Tint Shop, look for shops that show pictures of previous work and have brands you recognize.
Doing it yourself can save money but requires more time and effort. You’ll need to carefully clean the windows, measure and cut the film, and take your time applying it. Any mistakes, bubbles, or creases will be on you to fix. DIY tint may not last as long or look as professional. However, with care it can still work. If going the DIY route, watch tutorials and practice first.
When choosing a professional tint shop, make sure they are experienced in tinting Hondas specifically. Look at reviews and examples of their Honda Fit tint jobs. Ask what brands and types of film they use. Higher quality shops use reputable brands like Llumar, 3M, or Huper Optiks. Also ensure they offer a lifetime warranty in case any issues arise down the road.
Tinting the Front Windows
Tinting the front windows of your Honda Fit can provide several benefits like reducing glare, blocking UV rays, and enhancing privacy. However, there are some important considerations when tinting front windows:
- Most states have legal limits on how dark you can tint your front windows. According to this Honda Fit forum, many states allow 70% VLT tint on front side windows.
- Having darker tint on your front windows can reduce visibility at night or in low light conditions.
- Darker tint may attract police attention if it appears to exceed legal limits.
For the Honda Fit, many owners recommend going with a lighter 35-45% VLT ceramic tint for the front windows. This provides good heat rejection and UV protection while remaining street legal. A reputable shop can help determine the optimal level of tint for your climate and driving needs.
Overall, a medium tint strikes a good balance between benefits and visibility for front window tinting on the Honda Fit. Just be sure to check your state laws first.
Tinting the Rear Windows
Tinting the rear windows of your Honda Fit can provide several benefits. Some of the key advantages include:
Reduced heat and glare – Tinted rear windows block more of the sun’s rays, helping keep the back of the car cooler and reducing glare that can strain your eyes.
Increased privacy – Darker tinted rear windows make it harder for people outside the vehicle to see inside.
UV ray protection – Window tint screens out up to 99% of harmful ultraviolet radiation from entering the car.
There are legal limits on how dark you can tint the rear windows of a Honda Fit. In most states, the rear side windows can be tinted to a minimum of 35% VLT (visible light transmission). The rear windshield may have tighter restrictions, such as a minimum of 70% VLT. Be sure to check your state and local regulations before getting any tint applied.
For the Honda Fit, a light to medium tint of 35-45% is often recommended for the rear side windows. This provides good heat and glare reduction while still allowing for decent visibility. A darker tint is not advised, as it could obstruct your view out the back when parking or changing lanes. As for the rear windshield, a lighter tint of 70% helps cut glare without overly limiting rear view vision at night.
According to this Honda Fit forum, many owners opt for 35% on the rear windows. This darker tint provides privacy and UV protection while complying with legal limits in most states. Just be sure to consult your local tint laws first.
Tinting the Rear Windshield
Tinting the rear windshield of a Honda Fit can be beneficial in several ways:
- A tinted rear windshield helps block UV rays, keeping the interior cooler and protecting passengers from sun damage (https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/general-fit-talk/100579-window-tinting.html)
- It provides additional privacy and security by making it harder to see into the vehicle from the outside
- Tint can make the rear windshield look darker and more stylish
However, there are some important legal limits to consider. Most states restrict rear windshield tint to a visible light transmission percentage of 70% or higher, meaning the tint can only block 30% of incoming light. Going darker than this threshold is illegal in most jurisdictions (https://www.amazon.com/Rtint-Window-Tint-Honda-2015-2016/dp/B00T1R7BIW).
For a Honda Fit, a high-quality ceramic tint film that allows 70-75% VLT is recommended. This will keep the installation street-legal while still providing UV protection and privacy. A 30-35% tint is ideal for optimal effects, but risks exceeding the legal limit. Consult local laws before choosing rear windshield tint percentage.
Costs
The cost of window tinting for a Honda Fit can vary significantly based on the type of film used, who does the installation, and what percentage of light you want blocked. However, on average you can expect to pay the following for a basic tint job:
- Dyed tint film – $100-$300
- Metallized tint film – $150-$400
- Ceramic tint film – $200-$500
Location will also impact pricing. In general, you can expect to pay more in major metro areas compared to rural locations. According to some Reddit users, they paid around $380 for a ceramic tint at a reputable shop in their city.
Other factors that can increase the cost of a tint job include:
- The number of windows being tinted
- Additional services like clear bra installation
- Brand name and warranty of the tint
- Experience level of the installer
So while basic dyed tinting may start around $100, a full ceramic tint with extras could run $500+ from a high-end professional installer. Be sure to get quotes from a few different shops to find the best balance of quality and price.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial for keeping your tinted windows looking great and lasting as long as possible. Here are some key tips for cleaning and caring for your new window tint:
Use a soft cloth or sponge with mild soap and water to gently clean the windows. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive scrubbing, as this can damage the tint. An ammonia-free cleaner designed for tinted windows is ideal (Source).
Take care when wiping down the windows to avoid peeling up the edges of the tint. Wipe in smooth, overlapping strokes.
Avoid rolling down the windows for 24-48 hours after tinting to allow the adhesive to fully cure (Source). Opening and closing the windows too soon could cause bubbling or peeling.
In general, high quality window tint can last 5-10 years with proper maintenance before needing replacement. Keep an eye out for bubbling, cracking, discoloration or peeling, as those are signs the tint may need refreshing sooner.
Extreme heat and sun exposure will degrade window tint over time. Parking in the shade when possible can help maximize the lifespan of your tint.
Consider getting your windows re-tinted after about 7 years, or sooner if you notice any wear and tear. This will renew the sleek, uniform appearance of the tint.
