Welcome back to another Taco Tuesday! If you missed last week’s TT, we looked at front skid plate options for the Tacoma. This week, we will be looking at several window tint options for the 3rd Gen Tacoma.
As always, feel free to DM the owners on IG to ask any additional questions about their setup if needed.
Also, prices will vary based on the film used, location, and quality of installation.
Enjoy!
Table Of Contents
Window Tint Basics
What Does Percentage Mean?
The percentage you see on window tint or when people say what film % they have refers to the visible light transmission (VLT). This percentage number tells you how much light can get through the film and into your car. For example, if you install window tint that has a 25% VLT, the film will allow 25% of the sun’s rays through the window.
Before installing window tint on your Tacoma, remember, every state has different window tint laws for allowable film percentages. Also, your Tacoma will typically come with tinted glass (not film) from Toyota for the rear three windows. You’ll need to factor that in when choosing your desired tint level. The front windows and windshield may not seem like they are tinted, but there is usually a small tint from the factory – around 70%. You can generally have your installer check and see what the OEM glass is already tinted to so you can plan accordingly.
A normal darker film will still help with heat, but you have to get your vehicle really dark to achieve this (20% film or lower).
Another option if you want to block heat and still be within your state’s tint law, is the more high-end ceramic tint. This film can block heat with far less darkness. I personally will always recommend it if you are spending money on window tint.Â
What Is Ceramic Tint Film?
Ceramic window tint can help you drastically in reducing the sun’s glare and heat impact on your Tacoma while driving. The ceramic tint will only let 50% of the sun’s heat enter your car. This is regardless of the percentage of films previously mentioned. This means that even if you opt for a film without any tint, meaning just a clear film, then the film will still block 50% of the sun’s rays and heat. If you didn’t get a ceramic-based film, you’d have to get 50% darkness to achieve a similar result.
Ceramic film is also designed to block glaring light without hindering your safety or day/night time visibility. This is super awesome tech because if you are sensitive to oncoming traffic light at night you could put a clear film over your front windshield to help eliminate glaring lights from oncoming traffic. In addition, having a clear ceramic film on your front windshield will help eliminate the warm heat that hits your steering wheel on a hot summer day.
Ceramic window tint keeps you safe from toxic UV rays but it will also help to keep the interior of your Tacoma from fading due to sunlight! A high-quality window tint will block up to 99% of cancer-causing UV rays, reducing your risk of eye and skin damage over time.
Additional Benefits
If you are able to go with a darker film for your Tacoma, then you will gain some added privacy while driving around. Many individuals enjoy this while driving so they don’t have Karen drivers looking to see what you are doing in your own vehicle.
Window tint also helps with security. If you have a dark film on your truck, then it is harder for people to see what’s inside your truck in a parking lot, helping to minimize break-ins. Should somebody want to still smash your glass, having window tint will help make their burglary process a bit longer due to all the glass wanting to stick together due to the film.
Window tint is definitely a mod you should consider for your Tacoma if you haven’t yet.
1. Stetson Westmoreland: Toyota Dealership
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: Unknown – Installed At Toyota Dealer
- Tint Percentage: 30% Front | 5% Rear | 30% Windshield Strip
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
I chose to go with the darker tinted windows because the contrast makes the lunar rock color pop. I feel it also provides a substantial amount of privacy that gives me peace of mind.
In addition, it keeps the truck cooler even on a hot day.
2. Josh Young: Llumar
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: Llumar
- Film Type: Ceramic
- Tint Percentage: 5% Front & Rear
- Price: $450
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
I have never had a vehicle that doesn’t immediately get tinted. Not only does it completely change the look of the truck, but it is extremely helpful to keep the inside temps down during the hot Nevada Summers.
I also really just prefer to stay private while driving with a darker tint. The 5% film also keeps people from being able to look inside to help deter any potential theft. My favorite thing about the tint is the way it looks. I love that you cannot see through any of the windows so no one ever knows if someone is inside or not.
3. Brad Augulis: MK Brother
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: MK Brother
- Film Type: Non-Ceramic
- Tint Percentage: 35% Front | 25% Rear
- Price: $350
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
There are a couple of reasons why I put tint on my Tacoma. The first reason is I like to have some privacy when I’m driving around. I don’t want everybody to see what I’m doing in the truck or being looky-loos while I’m driving. The second reason is it really helps with sun exposure.
Having window tint helps keep some of the heat out of the truck and it also helps if the sun is to the side of you so you don’t get that burning feeling on your arm while driving.
The third and final reason is that tint just makes your truck look that much better! It makes the truck look complete with some tint on it and everything just flows a bit better.Â
4. Danny: 3M
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: 3M
- Film Type: Ceramic
- Tint Percentage: 20% Front & Rear
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
I chose to tint my Tacoma because every vehicle looks good with tint. The white color of my truck is complimented well by the darker window tint. Another benefit to darker window tint is the added privacy you get while driving around. I enjoy knowing that people can’t just look into my truck and see everything while at a stoplight or in a parking lot.Â
5. Chris Fortunato: Unknown
Window Tint Details
- Film Brand: Unknown
- Film Type: Ceramic
- Tint Percentage: 25% Front | 5% Rear | 5% Windshield Strip
- Price: $225
What Do You Like About The Tint Setup You Went With?
There are two main reasons why I chose to have my Tacoma tinted. First off, I live in Arizona and everyone knows about the heat we have here. The tint doesn’t eliminate all of the heat but you can definitely feel a difference in temperature with and without tint in Arizona.
The second reason is, I like the privacy and the comfort of being inside my truck and not feeling like I’m an animal on display at the zoo.
Lastly, a bonus third reason is that I prefer the look of a tinted vehicle better than a non-tinted vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Window tint is 100% the very first mod I recommend anyone adding to their Tacoma. Now… I personally have yet to tint my Tacoma. I know, shame on me. But its days were numbered when I bought it, but every time I drive it on a warm Florida day, I tell myself to just tint the dang thing already!
Even if you don’t prefer a darker film at night, having a ceramic-based film blocks a lot of summer heat and also harmful UV Rays from the sun.Â
If you want to be featured for Taco Tuesday, submit your build through TrailTacoma.com/Feature. Next week’s Taco Tuesday will be featuring Side Window Wind Deflectors. that owners are running and what they like about them. We’re looking for sweet rides to showcase! If this is you and you love your setup, send in your details because we want to see it.
Thanks for reading guys. I’ll see you next week!
