Tinting the windows of your car has many benefits, including assisting with privacy, keeping your vehicle’s interior protected from UV rays, and better fuel efficiency. Many ask whether or not they can tint the windows on a leased car.
You can tint the windows on a leased car in most cases, but it depends on the dealership or manufacturer’s guidelines. You’ll want to check with them when signing the lease to be sure you will not be charged excess fees because of the tinted windows upon returning the car.
While choosing to tint the windows of your leased vehicle depends on your dealership, you will also want to consider the laws in your state. So let’s look at some of the benefits and other thoughts on tinting the windows on a leased car.
What is the Benefit of Tinted Windows?
If you are contemplating tinting the windows on your vehicle, you should consider the many benefits that come with it. These benefits include everything from privacy to fuel efficiency and many others in between.
Privacy
For many people, privacy is paramount and often extends to not only their homes but also their vehicles. Tinted windows can add a layer of privacy that can make many car owners feel better about parking their cars in various places.
Protection
Additionally, when the windows are tinted on your car, you are less likely to experience damage that the sun’s harmful rays can cause. This means that your dashboard and other interiors will not fade as quickly.
Cooler Inside
Because a tinted window allows less sunlight to enter, your car’s interior will be naturally cooler, so you will not have to run your air conditioner at a higher level. As a result, you will save money on fuel in the long run.
At the end of the day, the benefits of having tinted windows far outweigh the alternative. This is because tinted windows protect the car’s interior and add to its overall value.
Can You Tint the Windows on a Leased Car?
Tinting the windows on a leased car depends entirely on the dealership and manufacturer. However, many view this as an upgrade. The best thing to do is to ask during the time that you are signing your lease paperwork.
Although the benefit of having the dealership do the work means there will not be fees at the end of your lease contract, you may be paying higher prices to have it done. However, for some people, the higher price gives them peace of mind that it will be done correctly.
Third-Party Tinting
Keep in mind that not all third-party window tinters are created equally. Unfortunately, this often means that if you choose someone based on being less expensive than others, you may find yourself with a botched tint job.
If this occurs, you will likely have to pay to have it redone by someone else, or if you accept it as is, you may face the consequences down the road. These consequences include either having to pay charges to the dealership or having to remove the tinting before turning in your car.
The bottom line is that for most manufacturers and dealerships, you can tint the windows of your leased vehicle. However, you will need to check with them and research your state guidelines on tinted windows to be sure you are within legal limits.
Will a Dealership Tint the Windows For You?
The dealership will often do the work for you, with an additional fee that may or may not be market value. In other words, you may want to compare prices from the dealership and other third-party companies.
For most people, the peace of mind that comes with knowing that if the dealership does the work, it will likely not be rejected at the end of the leasing period. This means that higher prices may not be such a bad idea.
It is also much more convenient to have the dealership do the tinting work for you since they can have it done before you pick up your car. This means that you will not have to take your vehicle to have it down the road.
Many people prefer to have the dealership tint the windows if it is allowed, even if it means they will pay more for the job. Since this is the case, many dealerships offer the service as an add-on when you sign your leasing agreement.
You first need to check with the dealership to see if it is allowed, and then with your state regulations. Doing both of these things first can save you time, money, and frustration down the road.
How Much Does it Cost To Get Tinted Windows?
The cost of getting your windows tinted on your vehicle depends entirely on where the service is being done. While the cost range can range from $50 to close to $1000, the average amount you will pay is typically between $100-$500.
Keep in mind that if you get your vehicle windows tinted at the dealership, there are often excessive costs attached to the work. This is often because they are in the business of making a profit and can charge a higher price.
Third-party companies tend to be more affordable, depending on the individual business and their quality of work. In most cases, you can get the job done for less than $500 based on your vehicle type.
The final cost of having your windows tinted is based on several factors, including how many windows you are tinting, the type of vehicle you have, and the level of tinting you are looking for. All of these factors go into determining the cost of the work.
If you have a small car, you can usually get the tint job done for closer to $100. However, you may be paying considerably more if you have a larger SUV.
The bottom line is that you should do your due diligence to ensure that whoever does your tint work has fair prices and great reviews. The last thing you want is to pay for a job that costs you more in the long run.
Can Tinted Windows Be Removed?
If you change your mind about having tinted windows, you should not worry because you can have them removed. You can do the removal yourself in most cases if you have the right equipment, including a hairdryer and some elbow grease.
Since the tinting work is adhered to the window itself during installation and is made to withstand the outside elements, you will need high heat to remove it. Professionals who remove tinting use a high-heat gun to do the job; if you do it yourself, you can use a hair dryer.
The key to removing the tint is to ensure that you are applying enough heat to the area so that many residues are not left behind. While removing all of the glue may not be possible, you can typically work to get rid of it with a bit of cleaning.
Overall, removing the tint from your vehicle’s windows is typically much easier than installing it in the first place. This is because you do not have to worry about the bubbles and unevenness that may result from improper installation.
Tips for Tinting Windows Yourself
If you have chosen to tint the windows on your leased vehicle, you must follow several guidelines. This is because you want to prevent having to pay exorbitant fees when you turn your car in.
Here are some tips for tinting the windows on your vehicle that you may want to consider if you are doing the work yourself:
Clean Your Windows Thoroughly
If you have not cleaned your windows properly, dust particles and other residues can often cause bubbles to appear under the tint that does not go away no matter how hard you try. Cleaning your windows thoroughly to remove any particles is the best way to ensure your windows are correctly tinted.
Keep the Edges in Mind
It is recommended that you take the door panel apart before tinting these windows. This is because if you do not get the tint to the edges properly, you may face peeling or distorted edges when you roll the window up and down.
Pay Attention to the Details
Tinting windows should not be done in a rush since this can often result in a botched job. The tools needed for tinting include sharp edges that can cause damage to the window itself or the rubber seals. Working slowly is the best way to avoid these types of problems.
While these are only a few tips you may need when choosing to tint your windows yourself, you should ensure that you follow the instructions thoroughly. This will ensure that you do the best job possible on your windows.
Final Thoughts on Tinting the Windows on a Leased Car
Overall, tinting the windows on your leased car depends entirely on the manufacturer and dealership’s policies. You will need to ensure they approve the work before getting it done if you want to avoid fees at the end of your leasing period.
You should always do your research before having the tint done since many companies charge different prices. However, if you want the peace of mind that it is done correctly to avoid fees, in the end, you may want to consider having it done at the dealership before leasing the car.