2022 - Eyesight Windshield Tint?

11629 Views 71 Replies 19 Participants Last post by Kean, 4 d ago

Sigtinius

Discussion Starter · May 1, 2022

I have done research on whether or not you can safely tint the windshield on a Forester.

I know it's advised against by Subaru for pre-2022 model years as anything in front of the eyesight cameras, even near-clear tint, can possibly affect their function. However, with the MY2022, the eyesight camera has been upgraded and is now flush with the windshield and boxed in.

It looks like Subaru didn't change their manual, but their technology for the eyesight system has changed. I've also taken a look at multiple other car manufacture manuals that incorporate a similar camera system for their lane keep assist or adaptive cruise control that are also flush with the windshield, and none of them say their windshields cannot be tinted. Based on how the new eyesight system no longer has the gap, there is nothing that can get in front of the cameras now, so is there any reason the windshield cannot be tinted with a near-clear tint for heat rejection?

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DragonSubie7

· #2 · May 1, 2022 (Edited)

Sigtinius

One reason for not tinting the windshield is that it is illegal to do it in most states, so it may be difficult to find a shop due to liability reasons.
If the "tint" isn't an actual tint, i.e. it's clear, it might be hard to detect, but it will still be illegal and might cause you to fail an inspection, if your state does that.

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arpadszinegh

· #3 · May 1, 2022

I had a sunshade strip tint done on the windshield of my 2020. One shade less than the darkest available. It was done a year ago. Eyesight operation has not changed.

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Cddelta

· #4 · May 1, 2022

I put a ceramic tint with 80%VLT on my 19 Forester. No issues. The air conditioner works much better, and the infrared driver monitoring system no longer overheats/shuts down. Highly recommend a high quality ceramic film on the front windshield.

Reactions: 5

Sigtinius

Discussion Starter · #5 · May 1, 2022

arpadszinegh said:
I had a sunshade strip tint done on the windshield of my 2020. One shade less than the darkest available. It was done a year ago. Eyesight operation has not changed.

You can't say that because you don't know if Eyesight operation has changed or not. This topic has been talked about for a long time now. It's like if you were wearing sunglasses at night or in the rain. The camera might still be able to work, but not as good as it would if there was no film in front. Nobody knows how much performance is impeded, but it is to some degree. Your Eyesight might still work, but it might cut out faster or respond slower than someone else's in inclement weather/ dark conditions and could result in a crash if you are relying on it. MY2022 is the first generation to not have to worry about putting something in front of the cameras.

Reactions: 3

Sigtinius

Discussion Starter · #6 · May 1, 2022

DragonSubie7 said:
Sigtinius

One reason for not tinting the windshield is that it is illegal to do it in all 50 states, so it may be difficult to find a shop due to liability reasons.

The only allowable windshield tint is a strip across the top of the windshield, and that varies by state in size and some states don't allow it at all.
If the "tint" isn't an actual tint, i.e. it's clear, it might be hard to detect, but it will still be illegal and might cause you to fail an inspection, if your state does that.

You cannot tell the difference between a car with 70-90% "clear" tint on the windshield and a car without, especially at certain angles of the sun/ external light, and if you have other windows tinted in your car. No cop will be able to tell the difference. In addition, multiple tint shops near me advised getting the windshield tinted for heat rejection in any SUV with large windows and a large windshield. All places that I have called are willing to do it.

Reactions: 2

Sigtinius

Discussion Starter · #7 · May 1, 2022

Cddelta said:
I put a ceramic tint with 80%VLT on my 19 Forester. No issues. The air conditioner works much better, and the infrared driver monitoring system no longer overheats/shuts down. Highly recommend a high quality ceramic film on the front windshield.

Just curious, do you have the ceramic tint cut out around your Eyesight cameras or just over them?

Reactions: 1

Cddelta

· #8 · May 1, 2022

My ceramic tint covers the entire windshield, so the eyesight cameras point through the tint. But I do have a 19 forester with a gap. I don’t see why a tint shop can’t cut the film to go around your cameras.

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DragonSubie7

· #9 · May 1, 2022

Sigtinius said:
You cannot tell the difference between a car with 70-90% "clear" tint on the windshield and a car without, especially at certain angles of the sun/ external light, and if you have other windows tinted in your car. No cop will be able to tell the difference. In addition, multiple tint shops near me advised getting the windshield tinted for heat rejection in any SUV with large windows and a large windshield. All places that I have called are willing to do it.

I learn something new everyday. The product you reference is relatively new.
You didn't mention the type of tint you were considering in your initial post, as you just asked whether it was safe.

The film you are talking about actually isn't considered to be a "tint" as it allows for 80% VLT and primarily is intended to reduce heat transfer, not visible light reduction typical in a glass tint film.

Provided that your windshield has at least 70% VLT after the film is applied (a reputable shop should test it with a sample before install) it is legal.

adc

· #10 · May 1, 2022

I don't think it makes any sense to darken the windshield. Subaru's eyesight is certainly as good as anyone's. Why challenge what engineers have spent mega $ developing. To each his own.

Reactions: 1

DragonSubie7

· #11 · May 1, 2022

@adc
You're right. It doesn't make sense to darken the windshield and it's illegal to do it,
The ceramic tint the OP wants isn't intended to darken the windshield, it reflects heat and UV.

Probably not something needed in Pennsylvania, but in a hot climate with a blazing sun. different story.

Sigtinius

Discussion Starter · #12 · May 1, 2022

adc said:
I don't think it makes any sense to darken the windshield. Subaru's eyesight is certainly as good as anyone's. Why challenge what engineers have spent mega $ developing. To each his own.

Darkening or not, it’s a giant windshield that definitely could at least use some heat rejection. I would like to just put a light ceramic tint on the windshield, nothing crazy. I’ve only had my forester for a few months over the winter time and can already tell how hot it gets inside on a cold but sunny day. Also, I’m specifically referring to the MY2022 so you don’t change the function of the eyesight because nothing is being put in front of the cameras.

Reactions: 1

Mooseknuckle

· #13 · May 1, 2022

I have 50% ceramic tint on my windshield. They just cut around the eyesight areas(they're black) and everything works well. no issues.

Reactions: 2

Sigtinius

Discussion Starter · #14 · May 1, 2022

Mooseknuckle said:
I have 50% ceramic tint on my windshield. They just cut around the eyesight areas(they're black) and everything works well. no issues.

How much harder is it to see out at night with 50% tint on the windshield? I’m sure the heat reduction is amazing!

Menel

· #15 · May 1, 2022

Sigtinius said:
I have done research on whether or not you can safely tint the windshield on a Forester.

I know it's advised against by Subaru for pre-2022 model years as anything in front of the eyesight cameras, even near-clear tint, can possibly affect their function. However, with the MY2022, the eyesight camera has been upgraded and is now flush with the windshield and boxed in.

It looks like Subaru didn't change their manual, but their technology for the eyesight system has changed. I've also taken a look at multiple other car manufacture manuals that incorporate a similar camera system for their lane keep assist or adaptive cruise control that are also flush with the windshield, and none of them say their windshields cannot be tinted. Based on how the new eyesight system no longer has the gap, there is nothing that can get in front of the cameras now, so is there any reason the windshield cannot be tinted with a near-clear tint for heat rejection?

Correct, from what I've glimpsed, tint should be a total non issue for the 2022 with the new sealed eyesight system.

For the pre2022, your mileage may vary. But myself and others have put VLT70-80 tint on in order to reduce solar load and had no issue. My eyesight works perfectly as factory. I have Xpel XRPlus Ceramic 70. You can't tell it's there, it's basically clear.

Reactions: 1

Menel

· #16 · May 1, 2022

Sigtinius said:
How much harder is it to see out at night with 50% tint on the windshield? I’m sure the heat reduction is amazing!

Heat reduction is not appreciably better than 70/80 if you have ceramic. You just tank your visible and make your car worse functioning.

Going from 100% solar energy down to 29% vs 35% is already such a large jump, the difference is basically a wash.

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Mooseknuckle

· #17 · May 2, 2022

Sigtinius said:
How much harder is it to see out at night with 50% tint on the windshield? I’m sure the heat reduction is amazing!

I cannot decern a visibility difference between air 80 and 50% ceramic, not during the day and not at night. From the exterior, you cannot tell a difference in the look. No one knows it's tinted when they see it.

Mooseknuckle

· #18 · May 2, 2022

Menel said:
Heat reduction is not appreciably better than 70/80 if you have ceramic. You just tank your visible and make your car worse functioning.

Going from 100% solar energy down to 29% vs 35% is already such a large jump, the difference is basically a wash.

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you don't tank anything, again the visibility is no different than my vehicles with LLumar air 80, the cost was equal and the increase in glare reduction was worth it. additionally, ANY additional heat rejection in Southern CA is not nominal to me.

But don't go around spreading BS about visibility, it is not accurate. I don't have one complaint about going with Lummar IRX ceramic on the windshield and if someone can decern that you have 50 on the windshield they'll know you have the 80 as well.

Mooseknuckle

· #19 · May 2, 2022

Menel said:
Correct, from what I've glimpsed, tint should be a total non issue for the 2022 with the new sealed eyesight system.

For the pre2022, your mileage may vary. But myself and others have put VLT70-80 tint on in order to reduce solar load and had no issue. My eyesight works perfectly as factory. I have Xpel XRPlus Ceramic 70. You can't tell it's there, it's basically clear.

Is not really "Sealed", I have taken it apart to put in the auto-dimming mirror. but you can certainly tint around it and not even tell.

CrystalPistol

· #20 · May 2, 2022

I'm also wondering what tint would do to the following a vehicle deal in cruise control?

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