Hi All,

I have just bought an 57 plate LR2 (with 2011 facelift) and pick her up next weekend. It is an SE model so has a lot of the bells & whistles but unfortunately no privicy glass.

I have booked the car in at my local Tints place on the day after I pick it up. What I really need to know is your experience of the various tint levels...

5% Limo Black - can you see out of this darkest level?
20% - thinking this may be the best compromise
35% - I'm undecided if this is going to look too light and as such I'm egding towards the 20% version...
50% - probably too light?

What I really want is a jet black look from the outside but still retain visibility for parking and avoiding pedestrians and other boring driving requirements...

I'd get your tinting to place the various tints up against your window whilst the car is outside and see what looks best and which is legal.

I doubt you'd have a problem looking through any tint you finally choose.

IIRC Front is no tint below a certain point from the top of the glass.... Front side 16% and then any thing else goes ( UK ) but worth checking before.

I will say tinting defo reduces visibility although my factory fit seems OK to me.

T Terran



'The' Car For The Modern Day UK Roads ( ie all the pot holes )

'A Freelander that leaks oil is just marking its territory' - Wise words

Now a member of the FL2 'Silly Bill' Club

I've done the legal research and basically adding ANY aftermarket tint to the front is a no go.

As for the rears you can black them out completely if you like (a la Panel Vans) but not really what I'm after. If the Limo Black is nigh on pitch Black then it's a non starter so realistically its the light(35%) to medium (20%) that are in the running.

I'd hate to get them done and think them too light - what a waste of cash that would be! Also don't want visibility issues but have always found tints to look A LOT lighter looking out than looking in - if you know what I mean?

Quote:

Tinted vehicle windows: the law

The rules for tinted front windscreens and front side windows depend on when the vehicle was first used. There are no rules for tinting the rear windscreen or rear passenger windows.

Vehicles first used on 1 April 1985 or later
The front windscreen must let at least 75% of light through and the front side windows must let at least 70% of light through.

Vehicles first used before 1 April 1985
The front windscreen and front side windows must both let at least 70% of light through.

Penalties for having wrongly tinted windows
It’s illegal to fit or sell glass (or a vehicle already fitted with glass) that breaks the rules on tinted windows.

The police or VOSA vehicle examiners use light measuring equipment to measure window tint.

If your windscreen or front side windows are tinted too much you could get:

a ‘prohibition notice’ stopping you using your vehicle on the road until you have the extra tint removed
a penalty notice or court summons
Tinted windows are not part of the MOT test.

https://www.gov.uk/tinted-vehicle-window-rules

 Terran



'The' Car For The Modern Day UK Roads ( ie all the pot holes )

'A Freelander that leaks oil is just marking its territory' - Wise words

Now a member of the FL2 'Silly Bill' Club

I assume the windscreen and front side windows are already at maximum tint as standard from the factory? (Like my old Focus?)

i.e. adding any additional aftermarket tint to the front windows would flout the relevant law?

english yeoman wrote:

Hi All,

I have just bought an 57 plate LR2 (with 2011 facelift) ......

You mean A freelander 2  Freelander 2 HSE Lux 2013MY - Barolo Black with Ivory Leather. Alpine DVD - Privacy -Evoque 20" Dynamic Wheels and more to come.........

The Land Rover factory fitted privacy rear windows are 35% tint if it's any help.

Don't forget that there is a slight tint to your window already which has to be factored in. I'm sure a reputable tint company would have a light meter to check the legality.

Never had an issue with visibility, even at night or with sunnies on.

It is also good security as it's more difficult to see in and harder to break through a window.

I had a stone hit my rear passenger window once and shattered the glass. Luckily it all held in place by the film else things would have been messy!

Muckboots wrote:

The Land Rover factory fitted privacy rear windows are 35% tint if it's any help.

AiiEEX wrote:

Never had an issue with visibility, even at night or with sunnies on.

Just had mine done with 20% tint by local firm recommended by my LR dealer. It's certainly dark enough for me. They picked up car from outside my office in morning and returned early afternoon. Also the stealer had quoted me £250 plus VAT if I had them do it and they us the same firm! Glad I went direct to the firm as only charged £180!  Disco 4 HSE SDV6 Orkney Grey
Gone FL2 MY13 XS TD4 Manual Orkney Grey

what's the visibility like for reversing (a) daytime and (b) at night? can you see anything?

Daytime is fine, not been out at night yet so don't know. Disco 4 HSE SDV6 Orkney Grey
Gone FL2 MY13 XS TD4 Manual Orkney Grey

I have found the 35% tint film too light in summer especially or even on a sunny day! Get 20% tint that way the tint still remains relatively dark on a sunny day