Why is my windshield so dark?
Not sure if it’s a feature to block the sun out or something, but the top half of the windshield in my 2014 GMC Terrain looks really tinted at night. This obviously is not good, and it obscures the road and makes signs harder to read. Is there even a solution to this? I can’t think of what I can even do. I have driven this car 5,000 miles now, would hate to give it up.
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
This is a really unique type of problem. Other than a defect in the windshield itself, I cannot think of another cause. Have you taken the vehicle in to the dealer or called to see if this is something that has been reported before? They might be your best resource.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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The reason that cheap window tints fade and turn purple over time is that low-grade window film uses mounting adhesive and dye components break down over time when subject to UV rays and extreme heat.
50% VLT blocks out half the sun`s rays. This may not sound like enough but in fact, this is a very dark tint. This is really noticeable both from the inside and outside of the car. Keep in mind that while your window tint may be legal in your state, it may not be OK in others.
Some glass brands may be different, but this really does not make any difference. If you have an older vehicle like a collectors car, then repairing or replacing anything with OEM parts retains the vehicles originality. Aftermarket glass is manufactured by companies that deal directly with the car manufacturers.
35% tint blocks out 65% of the light, and is considered a medium shade in the tint spectrum. For comparison, 5% tint, also known as limo tint, is is the darkest tint available by most window film manufacturers. 35% is a shade that is legal for front windows in many states, making it a very very popular shade of tint.
“The frit is black painted enamel that`s baked onto the surface of the glass, and it provides a secure point of contact between the glass, urethane adhesive, and windshield frame.”
Why is my window tint turning purple? Here`s why: Overtime, a dyed window film gets bleached by the sun, causing it to turn colors like purple, pink, or even completely clear. As this happens over time, the film will stop blocking the sun`s UV and infrared rays, allowing them to pass through your windows.
Is 70% tint dark? No, 70% VLT tint is very light, and may not even be perceptible to some people, both inside and outside the vehicle.
A 35% tint will give you more darkness, but it`s still easy to see through. Drivers like this tint because of it`s stylish and sleek aesthetic. If privacy is your purpose for tinting, a 20% tint is an excellent choice. You can see through windows with a 20% tint if you`re up close, but it`s still difficult.
OEM auto glass will likely be stamped with the carmaker`s brand name and logo. As for aftermarket or OEE auto glass, you need to tell your customers that: Aftermarket or OEE glass manufacturers are not licensed by car companies to fabricate windshields for their car models.
What you`re seeing when you notice a checkerboard or rainbow pattern in a car window is an effect called stressed birefringence. Stress on optically clear materials often produces birefringence, which basically means that the material changes the polarization of the light.
The sun has ultraviolet — or UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can result in a sunburn and increases the risk of skin cancer. Much like sunscreen, the blue or green color tinting protects people from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Windshield wipers move slow and get stuck
ANSWER : A few different items can cause the windshield wipers to work slow. The most common causes are the windshield motor beginning to fail, poor electrical connection at the windshield motor, or high resistance at the wiper motor. A qualified technician will be able to diagnose your window issue and perform any repairs required.
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My windshield is scratched.
ANSWER : Hello.
Scratches on glass can sometimes be hard to buff out, due to the hardness of glass. I would try using a polishing compound with medium to high abrasiveness to try and polish out the scratches. If the scratches are deep, professional equipment may be remove the scratches. If the scratches are too deep, then a replacement windshield may be the necessary.
Regards,
Eduardo
YourMechanic
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is glow in the dark paint legal in wv
ANSWER : The best place to find this information would be at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. They can give you information on any laws related to automobiles in your state. You are wise to look into the legality of this issue before going ahead and adding the glow in the dark paint. With this in consideration, I can not imagine that something like that would be illegal since it would only make your vehicle more visible in the dark rather than less visible.
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Knocking Sound Run Roughly Dark Transmission Fluid and Dark Engine Oil
ANSWER : I am not sure how many miles your transmission has on it. I would say replace the transmission fluid but if its been more that 150,000-200,000 miles you may have to have a rebuild done on your transmission if you replace the oil. There are particles in your transmission at that point that are keeping your transmission running.
You probably do need to get a tune up including, oil change, oil filter, air filter, replace spark plugs and wires, I always suggest my customers (I do this to my vehicle faithfully also), put 1/2 can of sea foam in your engine before changing the oil. Let the engine run around 10 minutes but not more than 15 minutes. Then drain oil and replace oil filter. Do NOT drive your vehicle while sea foam is in your engine. Sea Foam will help with cleaning out sludge in your engine.
If you would like one of our professional technicians perform a tune up on your vehicle you may book one in your area at the link provided below.
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Should I use windshield washer fluid to defrost my front windshield 2016 Nissan Altima
ANSWER : Hi There,
You can certainly use the window washer fluid in your car to spray on the windshield when defrosting your windshield. As you may know, most window washer fluid contain an alcohol solution in them that reduces the freezing point of the liquid to -20-50 degrees F depending on the brand you buy. This helps to keep the fluid from freezing inside the container while sitting in the car. The alcohol content in the fluid also helps to break up the ice on the windshield when it is applied to the ice.
You can certainly use the window washer fluid in your car to spray on the windshield when defrosting your windshield. As you may know, most window washer fluid contain an alcohol solution in them that reduces the freezing point of the liquid to -20-50 degrees F depending on the brand you buy. This helps to keep the fluid from freezing inside the container while sitting in the car. The alcohol content in the fluid also helps to break up the ice on the windshield when it is applied to the ice.
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How much to install a windshield wiper motor
ANSWER : Hi there. It depends on the type of car you drive and the auto repair shop you go to that often dictates the price for replacement of a windshield wiper motor. Our mechanics are mobile, which means they don’t have the overhead that repair shops have. They provide you convenience by coming to your home or office. Simply submit a quote request for a windshield wiper motor replacement including your vehicle information and we’ll be able to send you a quote.
Read Full Q/A … : Why is my windshield so dark?
Why is my windshield so dark?
ANSWER : This is a really unique type of problem. Other than a defect in the windshield itself, I cannot think of another cause. Have you taken the vehicle in to the dealer or called to see if this is something that has been reported before? They might be your best resource.
Read Full Q/A … : Why is my windshield so dark?
Car’s interior-rear view mirror broke off from the windshield. How do I reattach it or is it even possible?
ANSWER : Hi there. It seems that the base may be cracked and not fitting on the support base that is attached to the windshield. You can try putting Gorilla Glue on the mirror bracket to make it fix the crack and then it should mount back up with a mounting screw. Warning, do not attempt to attach the mirror mount to the base on the windshield with Gorilla Glue. This will make the windshield crack. If you need further assistance with your rearview mirror, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
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