Does Tesla Glass Need Tinting?
4 Answers
Tesla glass requires tinting. Here are the precautions after applying car window film: 1. Do not roll down the windows: After applying the car film, the film has not fully adhered to the car glass, so avoid rolling down the windows for three days. 2. Do not wash the car: Avoid washing the car for three days and do not wipe the film with hard objects. 3. Bubble phenomenon: On the second day after applying the film, water mist and bubbles usually appear, which is normal. The moisture will evaporate after exposure to the sun. 4. Winter film application: If the film is applied in winter, do not roll down the windows or wash the car for a week. The moisture evaporates more slowly in winter, and the front and rear windows take about a month to dry completely. The rear window heating wires should not be turned on for a month.
I drive a Tesla Model Y and had a window film professionally installed last summer primarily to combat intense sunlight. The southern region has strong UV radiation, and although the factory glass provides decent UV protection, its infrared blocking capability is insufficient—the steering wheel would get too hot to hold at noon. I opted for a ceramic heat-rejection film, which significantly improved heat insulation and reduced air conditioning load. The privacy benefit is also practical; when picking up my kids from school, outsiders can't see the backpacks inside the car, lowering theft risks. I recommend using a darker tint for the rear windshield while keeping front side windows above 70% light transmittance to comply with regulations. Always choose professional installers—a friend cheaped out with a roadside shop, ended up with bubbles obscuring visibility and had to redo it, wasting money instead.
As a frequent long-distance driver, I recommend Tesla owners decide on window tinting based on their needs. The factory-installed glass is actually thicker than regular car glass, with built-in explosion-proof layers and 99% UV protection. For those mainly driving in urban areas in northern regions, tinting might be unnecessary. However, for those who frequently travel to southern areas, ceramic or metallic films can significantly reduce interior temperatures, making highway driving more comfortable. I opted for a mid-range film, which hasn't bubbled in three years and even saved me from using sunscreen in summer. Just remember to avoid metallic films as they might interfere with ETC signals. Maintenance after tinting is simple—just avoid ammonia-based cleaners.
My Tesla didn't have window tint when I picked it up, and after six months of use, I noticed the dashboard temperature became excessively high under direct sunlight. After consulting professional technicians, I opted for premium ceramic tint film with immediate results: the burning sensation from direct sunlight disappeared, and the driving range improved by approximately 5%. I particularly recommend darker tint for rear windows - it protects luggage privacy without compromising nighttime visibility. Note that front windshield tint must have over 70% light transmittance (meeting national standards), otherwise it may cause issues during annual inspections. The tint also provides additional shatterproof protection, as shattered glass will adhere in a web-like pattern for enhanced safety.
