Forester window tinting?

[Robert]

Does anyone have experience tinting the windows in a Forester? Can you
get by without it? Any advice about types and brands of film? Will
tinting compromise the antenna printed into the glass?

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Does anyone have experience tinting the windows in a Forester? Can you
get by without it? Any advice about types and brands of film? Will
tinting compromise the antenna printed into the glass?

Many films are 'metallicized' and will interfere with reception. I've
read it may only interfere with weak/moderate strenght AM radio - not
sure. Ceramic films like Huper Optik will have no effect on reception,
but are $$$. Not knowing where you are located, I can't comment on
whether you can get by without it. If your previous car had it, and your
neighbors and coworkers have tint - I'm sure you would prefer it on the
Forester as well.

Carl

 

[QX]

Does anyone have experience tinting the windows in a Forester? Can you
get by without it? Any advice about types and brands of film? Will
tinting compromise the antenna printed into the glass?

From my experience (2005 Forester XT purchased new in the desert
Southwest USA) the Subaru side/rear window tint is for all purposes,
pretty much non-existent, and they don't offer a deeper tint glass
option on rear windows like is optional with other manufacturers.

My other car is a Dodge Caravan which has a tint band on the
windshield top, light tint glass on driver & passenger windows, and a
deep tint glass on all other windows (50 states legal). Granted, that
was an extra $$ option. The factory option is built into the glass and
is not an applied film.

I added an aftermarket tint film to my Forester. A while ago, I
questioned Subaru USA as to why they don't offer a Forester deeper
tint option, but got no answer. (Honda, Toyota & other imports offer
it for US models. No idea why Subaru declines it) . The film DOES MAKE
A DIFFERENCE, and I would highly recommend it.

BTW, Subaru has the radio antenna mounted on the window. Some folks
say using metallic window films can adversely affect radio reception.

Formula One film makes a convincing argument for their Pinnacle series
which uses a non-metallic, ceramic material so as not to degrade or
disrupt radio signals. Go to http://www.formulaone.com/ and click on
<Pinnacle> Series for their story.

I had the FormulaOne Pinnacle series installed. I selected a lighter
tint for the driver & passenger windows, with one step darker on the
remaining windows, to include the sunroof. So far, after 2 years in a
hot, sunbaked area, no lifting, bubbling, purpling or scratches. I
could have gone darker on the tint, but personally, don't really like
the "privacy" tints in a vehicle I am driving.

If you are in the area, these folks did an outstanding job on my
install:
Nevada Window Tinting
2015 S. Decatur Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89102
Phone: 702-878-9930

The FormulaOne website has a dealer locator.

 

[Blair Baucom]

Well to be 50 state legal for an automobile the tint has to pass 70% light.
The laws for MPV - "A vehicle such as a recreation vehicle such as a pickup
truck including GMC Suburban's, Nissan Pathfinders, Extra Cab Trucks" exempt
the 70% requirement for windows behind the driver. My Ford Ranger had
privacy tint on the rear and supercab side windows from the factory as it
was an XLT model. I can't find any offers of a factory dark tint for Honda,
Toyota, or other imported cars. I do see the tint on the minivans, SUV, and
truck models. While Subaru does certify the Legacy Outback as a truck now,
the Forester is still a car, or station wagon as it says on my Illinois
title, or as State Farm list it as a sport wagon.

Blair