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Acura: Window Tint Modifications

There are various grades of window tinting; some are light, some are dark, and some are illegal. Learn more about the tint modification options for the Acura.

By Bassem Girgis - April 13, 2016

This article applies to the 3rd/4th Gen Acura TL, RDX, MDX, 1st/2nd Gen TSX.

Window tinting is one of the first common modifications people have done to their Acuras. Some window tinting works well to add a slick look to your car, while others work to protect the interior leather from the sun. Whether you're looking for privacy or you want to ensure your interior stays in mint condition, this article will go over the most common grades of window tinting. Some states don't allow window tinting at all, while others allow a certain grade of tint, so if you're not sure about your state laws, click here to get an idea. Read on to learn more about window tinting for your Acura.

Figure 1. Window tint percentages.

Tinting Modifications

Light Tint (50%)

DIY Cost – $30

Professional Cost – $100+

Skill Level – Moderate; This job requires previous tinting knowledge.

The light tint is usually a 50% tint, and it's considered to be one of the most common front window tints. Tinting the front windshield is illegal in all 50 states, however. A lot of drivers find this grade of tint to be the safest, as it won't change your outlook on the roads at night, but it will add a nice look to your car. You can say that this can make your car look slick, without sacrificing the visibility. Although this tint isn't the best when it comes to protecting your interior, a high quality film can offer some protection. If you are not sure about tinting your windows, the 50% might be the best place to start.

Medium Tint (50-35%)

DIY Cost – $60

Professional Cost – $150+

Skill Level – Moderate; This job requires previous tinting experience.

It's safe to say that the medium tint could be legal in most states; anything below that, and you will need to do some extra research. This tint will add an aggressive look to your Acura, as well as give you some privacy, more so at night but privacy regardless. This is the tint you get if you don't have a back-up camera, because even though you can't see inside the car, you can see outside through this tint at night. A lot of people prefer having the medium tint in the front driver and passenger side windows, while going with a lower grade tint in the back. If your priorities are safety and a more aggressive look, this is the perfect combination.

Dark Tint (30-20%)

DIY Cost – $70

Professional Cost – $200+

Skill Level – Moderate; This job requires previous tinting experience.

A lot of states, starting with California, don't allow dark tint in the front windows. This is the tint that could call for unwanted trouble. Feel free to do anything you want inside the car at night, no one will notice, but you may not feel as safe driving because this grade can mildly abstract your vision. If you have expensive leather seats, a good quality 30% film will protect them for ages. Make sure you do enough research; getting a window tint ticket will require you to remove it, which can get a bit messy and/or expensive. If this tint is legal in your state and you like to do day driving more than night, this grade will make your Acura look HOT.

Very Dark Tint (15-5%)

DIY Cost: $80

Professional Cost: $250-500

Difficulty: Moderate; This job requires previous tinting experience.

With this tint you better look twice before backing up. Welcome to the darkest tint available, the tint that screams trouble. This tint will give you privacy, day or night, and through all four seasons. If you look at this tint in the daytime, it will reflect the sun, giving you absolutely nothing to look at, and at night, well, you can have a kangaroo drive the car and no one will notice. Although this is illegal in a lot of states, some allow it, which still doesn't make it the best option; this tint level is the definition of dangerous. Even though this will protect your dashboard, leather seats, and even your sensitive skin, it will also make you feel like you're driving with three pairs of sunglasses on. No one can deny how good this will make your Acura look, so if you want your car to look like a limousine, get this tint and hope for the best.

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