The cost of tinting the windows of your Tesla is a meager amount compared to the price of the car. Still, many Tesla owners hesitate about tinting their windows, worrying about the cost.
So, how much does a Tesla window tint cost? Tesla window tint may cost about $400-$900. The cost can vary depending on what material you use, how many windows you want to tint, and which auto shop you choose. The price variation also occurs due to the difference in the area of the window panels and the tint brand.
Let’s get into the details of Tesla window tinting and find out the rough estimate of the cost for your Tesla.
Tesla Window Tint Cost: Factors That Impact the Cost
The estimated cost of tinting a Tesla window is about $400-$900. This estimation is made for Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model X, etc. In this price range, you can install hybrid or ceramic tints in your Tesla.
Metallic tints are also available at this cost, but metallic tints aren’t that great. Nano-hybrid or ceramic tint works best for any Tesla model. The cost of tinting your Tesla windows will vary depending on these factors.
Tint Type
Different tint materials are used to tint Tesla cars. More protective and durable tint films will cost more. I discussed this factor further in the next section. Don’t forget to check that.
Tint Area
If you tint only the rear side windows, the tinting cost will be much lower. I talked about the tinting cost for four side windows and the rear glass. The total tint area will also vary in different models.
Location
The price of the tint film and the service charge may vary depending on where you live.
Protection Level
Tint films come in different levels of darkness. The darkness level determines the light transmission, heat rejection, and glare reduction. Tint films with more protection, i.e., darker tints, will cost a bit more than lighter tints. You can check different levels of tint below.
| Darkness Level | Light Transmission (%) | Heat Rejection (%) | Glare Reduction (%) | Cost Range(4 windows + rear glass) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Dark | 5 | 55 | 95 | $700-$900 |
| Dark | 20 | 52 | 85 | $650-$850 |
| Medium | 35 | 45 | 64 | $620-$800 |
| Light | 55 | 40 | 45 | $550-$740 |
| Super Light | 70 | 38 | 37 | $450-$650 |
| Ultra Light | 80 | 37 | 25 | $400-$580 |
Different Types of Tesla Window Tints and Costs
Five types of tint films are commonly used to tint Tesla windows or any other car. Here is a quick overview of the tint materials.
1. Dyed Tint
As the name suggests, dyed tint films have a dye layer to make the windows opaque. The film is actually a sandwich of three layers. The topmost layer is the protective layer. It is made of polyester.
The bottom layer is an adhesive layer to attach the film to the window. A layer of tinting pigment is sandwiched between the top and bottom layers. The darkness of this layer determines how opaque your windows will be.
Cost
Dyed tints will cost about $400-$520, depending on what Tesla model you have. This is the cost for four side windows and the rear windshield. If you tint only the side windows, the cost will go down to about $300.
2. Metallic Tint
The name metallic tint comes from the metal particles stuffed between the top and bottom layers. An extra layer of film is used here to protect the inside from UV rays. The top layer provides protection against heat and scratches.
Cost
Metallic tints cost about $480-$650, including four side windows and the rear windshield. Tinting four windows will cost about $350 and two windows will cost about $200.
3. Hybrid Tint
These tint films are made by combining the previous two types. Besides the adhesive bottom layer and the protective top layer, two different layers are stuffed inside. These are the dye and metal particle layers.
Cost
Hybrid tint will cost about $450-$600, considering you want to tint all side windows and the rear windshield. The cost of tinting four windows is $380 and two windows is about $220.
4. Carbon Tint
Carbon tints are great at protecting the interior from harmful UV rays. It reduces a lot of glare and prevents heat from entering the cabin. The matte finish of carbon tints is also more aesthetic than dyed or metallic tints.
Cost
Carbon tint will cost about $640-$750 if you choose to tint all the side windows and the rear windshield. For four or two side windows only, the cost will be 25%-60% less.
5. Ceramic Tint
This is considered the best tint material for your Tesla. Non-conductive ceramic material is used in the middle layer of the tint film. This tinted automotive film provides the best heat and glare reduction.
Cost
Ceramic tints will cost about $740-$900. If you want to tint just the rear side windows, the cost will be about $300.
Tesla Window Tint Cost Summary
Depending on the Tesla model, tint type, tint brand, required film area, and the experience of the mechanic, you may have to pay various amounts. Check a chart of rough estimations for different Tesla models and tint types. This price chart is for tinting four side windows and the rear glass.
| Model | Dyed | Metallic | Hybrid | Carbon | Ceramic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | $400 | $480 | $450 | $640 | $740 |
| Model S | $450 | $550 | $500 | $680 | $750 |
| Model X | $470 | $580 | $520 | $700 | $800 |
| Model Y | $520 | $650 | $600 | $750 | $900 |
Which Window Tint Provides the Best Value for Money?
Among all window tint types, ceramic tints are the best choice for your Tesla windows. Even though the upfront cost of ceramic tints is higher, you can enjoy the following benefits.
Ceramic Tints Are Durable
Inexpensive tints like dyed tints work great in the beginning. But when they are exposed to UV rays for a long time, their performance drops. Ceramic tints are safe from this. So, they will continue to provide you with the protection you need.
Ceramic Tints Are More Protective
Whether it is scorching heat or harmful UV rays, ceramic tints efficiently prevent all of them. Ceramic tints are capable of blocking about 99% of UV rays falling on the windows. So you will remain safe inside.
They Are Shatter-Proof
Tint films increase the resistance to shattering. Ceramic tint films are the best in protecting your windows from shattering. Even if the glass breaks, the pieces will be retained inside the film.
Is the Tesla Window Tint Cost Worth It?
Of course. Installing tint films on your Tesla windows is a one-time cost. If you maintain the film properly, it should run for years. During this period, you will have the following benefits.
- The interior will remain cooler.
- The battery range will be increased.
- It will improve the overall aesthetics.
- The interior will be pristine for longer.
- It will protect window glasses from scratches.
Considering these benefits, an investment of less than $1,000 is more than just worth it.
FAQs
You should also check the answers to some common questions about Tesla window tint.
Only the Tesla Model 3 has a super light tint from the factory. The tint permits 80% light transmission.
A darker tint level will cost more. If you have the budget, you can go for the Super Dark tint. Otherwise, choose something with a medium darkness.
No. Tinting windows requires special techniques and environment. So, get it done by professionals.
Conclusion
Tinting your Tesla windows not only increases privacy but also increases the efficiency of the car. You can cover more miles in one charge if the windows are tinted. Well, it is quite affordable at about $400-$900, depending on various factors.
Ceramic tint films are the most effective and durable of the different tint materials. They also cost more than other tint types. But the additional cost is totally worth it considering the longevity and the protection ceramic tint films have. So, go for a ceramic tint on your Tesla.