The internet seems to be torn between whether it is OK to tint Tesla Model 3 windows or not. The answer is rather polarizing.
While one party claims you should tint the Tesla windows for maximum UV protection, the others are claiming that tinting is causing the windows to crack.
So, are the Tesla Model 3 window tint problems real? Yes, they are, and you should learn about these issues here before getting the windows tainted.
Tesla Model 3 Window Tint Problems:
Okay, so let’s get done with the tint issues first. There are multiple issues that users face after tinting their Tesla windows. We’ll share all of them along with their probable cause.
Tinting Cracks the Glass
A lot of Tesla Model 3 users have reported that tinting their glass windows has caused them to crack. Now, this isn’t a rumor. Anyone likely tints their Tesla windows with anything darker than 70%.
This is because any tint as dark as 70% is likely to absorb a lot of heat energy. While your vehicle is moving, the airflow is likely to dissipate some of that absorbed heat. However, the same can’t be said when the vehicle is stationary.
In these cases, the Tesla window can end up absorbing too much heat and may even crack, as glasses don’t do well in excessive heat.
May Block Side-Mirror View
Certain Tesla variants come with a beautiful white interior. While the white interior can be beautiful, it can also lead to certain problems, especially if you tint the windows.
Tinting the windows makes them very reflective. Even if they’re lightly tinted, they will reflect the interior of the car at you. The problem here is that the reflection is likely to block your field of vision in most cases.
So, you may find yourself pulling the window down just to get a good look at the side mirror.
Thankfully, this can be avoided to some extent. To do so, try to keep the tint level on the side windows down to 35%. This should keep the reflections transparent enough to see through.
Bubbles Near the Heat Strips
There are heat strips around the back of your Tesla Model 3 roof. These look like white lines across the rear. After tinting your Tesla Model 3’s glass roof, you’re likely to find some bubbles around the heat strips.
These bubbles will be hard to detect, but they become quite visible once you start looking for them. A lot of users may think that this would ruin the aesthetic of the vehicle for them.
If you feel the same, then tinting your Tesla Model 3’s rear glass shouldn’t be suitable for you.
Does Tinting Void Tesla Warranty?
Yes, tinting does void the Tesla warranty. This is perhaps one of the most annoying policies of the renowned car manufacturer. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to tint light or dark colors, 50 or 70 percent. As soon as the manufacturer detects any sort of tint on your Tesla windows, they will declare the warranty void.
Tesla is an electric vehicle, and it can encounter a lot of software-level issues other than mechanical issues. This is why keeping the warranty intact is a far safer option.
Why You Should Tint Your Tesla
Despite the obvious drawbacks, many people tint their Tesla windows regularly. There are multiple reasons behind that as well.
One of the major reasons is that although Tesla windows and glass roofs are pigmented and coated for UV protection, they don’t do a good job at heat rejection.
If you’re tall enough or if you put your hands close to the roof on a sunny day, you’re likely to experience some sort of heat radiation. This is because, although the Tesla windows can reflect harmful solar rays, they also retain heat in the process. The heat is later dissipated through the windows and roof.
So, if that heat annoys you, you should consider tinting the roof at least. Not only will it save you from annoying heat radiation, but it’ll also help your vehicle’s interior last longer.
What Windows Should I Tint on Model 3?
The windows on the Tesla Model 3 vehicles already come with a certain level of tint. However, that may not be enough for everyone, especially those who live in warm and sunny conditions.
So, to counter this, you should consider tinting the side windows and the glass roof. However, try to leave the rear windshield out. There are two main reasons behind this.
Firstly, the rear windshield will help you monitor the traffic and road at your back. Secondly, the rear windshield is studded with heat strips. These will form bubbles if you apply any coat on them, and that would ruin the way your Tesla looks.
As for the side windows, you should consider applying 35% of tint. On the roof, you can go for a 50% tint as it’ll block most sunlight and heat out, thus providing a more enjoyable ride.
Conclusion
The Tesla Model 3 window tint problems can be commonly seen. Yet, these are easily avoidable if you know the causes behind them.
The only problem that doesn’t have a workaround is the warranty issue. No matter how well the tint job is done, you’ll end up voiding the warranty.
So, if comfort matters more than the warranty to you, you should tint the windows and roof on your Tesla Model 3. Just make sure to follow our tips, so you don’t end up with ugly blotches on the rear window.
