Honda-Tech - Honda Forum Discussion

Honda: Window Tint Modifications

Tinting the windows in your Honda can make a bold statement, and there are a few extra benefits as well. Read more to find out.

By Jerry Perez - April 6, 2015

This article applies to the Honda Civic/Del Sol (1992-2000), and Accord (1990-2002).

Tinting your Honda's windows is the simplest way to modify its appearance. It's inexpensive and something you can do yourself, or you can let a pro handle it. Window tint not only changes the look of your car, but it also controls the temperature inside the cabin and keeps you as well as your interior safe from UV rays. There are many myths on how dark or light you should go, but it really comes down to your local street's legal laws and your personal preference. Read the guide below to find out what works for you.

Tint Modifications

A misconception about window tint is on how to interpret it. If a tint level is a light 80 percent, this means that 80 percent of light will penetrate. If the tint level is a medium 50 percent, this means that only 50 percent of all light will penetrate. A dark 35 percent tint level will only allow 35 percent of all light through, while a super dark 10 percent tint will only allow 10 percent of all light into the car. So the trick is, the lower the tint percentage, the less light that it allows through the windows. Keep in mind that window tinting may look easy, but most window tint professionals have hundreds of jobs under their belt and make it look easy. If you've never tried it or don't have much patience, it is recommended getting a professional to do it.

Figure 1. Tinted Honda Civic with 35 percent visibility.

Light Window Tint

DIY Cost – $25-$50

Professional Cost – $150-$300

Skill Level – Moderate; requires a lot of patience

A light window tint is considered to be anything from 50 percent or higher. This offers you privacy, good looks, and UV protection. It's recommended for someone that wants to benefit from only slight protection, and is perfect for most states with tint restrictions lower than 50 percent. Recommended for its privacy, good looks, and UV protection.

Intermediate Window Tint

DIY Cost – $25-$50

Professional Cost – $150-$300

Skill Level – Moderate; requires a lot of patience

Intermediate tint is considered to be anything between 50 percent to 30 percent. Most intermediate tints are allowed in most states as these levels still allow plenty of visibility and privacy. Also, it offers great protection from the sun's rays. Always refer to your state laws to get a clear understanding of the tint levels allowed. Recommended for its visibility.

Dark Window Tint

DIY Cost – $25-$50

Professional Cost – $150-$300

Skill Level – Moderate; requires a lot of patience

Whenever people think of window tint, they usually think of making them so dark that no one can see inside the car. This is a good way to describe dark tint because it ranges from 35 percent to 20 percent visibility, and will only allow a small amount of light to penetrate through the windows. If legal, this option is best for a location with very high temperatures. Recommended for its UV protection.

Super Dark Window Tint

DIY Cost – $25-$50

Professional Cost – $150-$300

Skill Level – Moderate; requires a lot of patience

Although window tint from 15 percent to 5 percent is practically illegal, that doesn't stop a lot of people from installing it. Whether it's the blacked-out look they're chasing for show or legal issues, super dark tint is completely black, so it allows little to no light to penetrate into the cabin. However, one such reason this level tint might be allowed is for medical reasons. Recommended for its light penetration and medical reasons.

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