Leasing a car can offer many advantages like making your commute easier or saving money. However, there are many limitations to how much you can personalize a vehicle you’re leasing, which leaves many people wondering if you can tint the windows on a leased car.
You may tint the windows of your leased vehicle if the lease agreement allows it. Modifications to the vehicle, including the tinting of windows, should be stated in the lease agreement. Consult your leasing company before tinting your leased car.
This article will discuss whether tinting of a leased car is permitted, the benefits of tinting your leased car, and alternatives to window tinting.
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Modifying Your Leased Car
Leasing is an excellent option whenever you need a new car without having the financial means to purchase it.
You can drive a new car every couple of years without paying for it upfront through leasing. You get a new vehicle without paying the total price, and you have the added convenience of trading in your car at the end of your lease.
The cost of leasing will vary depending on your vehicle and where you live.
A car lease requires you to make monthly payments and return the vehicle to the dealership at the end of your lease. However, there are ways to modify your leased car that can help make your experience more enjoyable.
To start, ask the dealership about their policy on modifications. Some dealerships will allow you to add specific features or accessories to your vehicle for a fee; others may not allow any modification. The best way to find out what you can do is to ask.
Suppose you want to modify your leased vehicle. In that case, the first thing to consider is how the modifications will impact the lease value.
For this article, we’ll look at tinting as a modification aspect.
You Can Tint the Windows of a Leased Car
When leasing a vehicle, you’ll want to make sure you receive a good deal. Find out whether or not you can modify the car by adding aftermarket parts, such as a window tint.
By signing an agreement with an auto dealership, you agree to certain conditions. And with that comes a restriction on what you can modify on the car. One common modification people make is to tint the windows, which helps maintain a cool interior during summer. However, this modification might violate most lease terms.
You can try negotiating with your leasing company about tinting your windows. They may refuse because changing the vehicle’s appearance can affect its value afterward.
Several car dealerships have licensed partners for auto modification and can suggest tinting from them. By doing so, you can meet lease requirements more effectively without any violations.
Furthermore, most manufacturers and dealers permit a vehicle’s window tinting by registered workshops without any problems. Issues may arise if you attempt to tint your windows through a third party.
Dealers accept professionally tinted windows because they increase the car’s value. Therefore, they might not mind receiving a tinted vehicle at the end of the lease.
State Laws for Tinting
When it comes to window tint, you have many options. You can choose from several different shades and even different types of tinting materials. However, know that state laws regulate how dark your tint can be.
In the United States, the laws governing tinting windows vary from state to state.
Here are the tinting level regulations in some states:
- Idaho: 35%
- Wyoming: 28%
- Arizona: 33%
- North Carolina: 32%
- Texas: 25%
- California: 70%
- Georgia: 32%
Benefits of Tinting Your Leased Car
Tinting your windows is not only about security but also style and comfort. Tinted windows offer drivers several benefits aside from making your car look fantastic.
There are several ways that your car can benefit from tinted windows:
- Window tint protects you from UV rays. Tinted windows can prevent UV radiation from damaging your skin. When your car’s windows are tinted, they block out harmful UV rays by nearly 99 percent. Thus, you and your passengers can enjoy being in the car without worrying about the sun’s potential harmful effects.
- Window tint protects the car’s interior and upholstery. Tinted windows can shield your car’s interior from UV radiation and other damaging elements.
- Window tint reduces glare from the sun so that you can see out of your car windows more easily. The feature is handy during peak hours when there’s a lot of light reflecting from buildings and roads.
- Window tint offers protection against solar heat. Solar heat can cause your car’s interior to reach unsafe temperatures for humans, leading to dizziness and nausea. Tinting helps keep this heat out by reducing the amount of light entering your vehicle and keeping your car cool.
- Tinting your car windows offers privacy and safety. Tinting your car windows can make you feel safer. There is a greater likelihood that thieves will break into a vehicle if they spot a valuable item inside. Tinted windows make it harder for people to see inside your car.
Disadvantages of Tinting Your Leased Car
When you lease a vehicle, it is generally with the understanding that you will return it in the same condition it was received. When you tint the windows of your leased car, you are making a change that could affect the value of your vehicle when you turn it in at the end of the lease period.
You could also potentially violate your lease agreement. Suppose the deal states that you cannot make any changes to the vehicle. In that case, tinting may void any warranties or guarantees provided by either party.
Here are other disadvantages to tinting your leased car:
- Dark tint impairs your vision. While tinted windows shield your eyes from the sun, they can limit your vision on a cloudy day, making it difficult to see outside.
- Window tint can draw attention to your car. Though certain tint levels offer a measure of privacy and protection, very dark tints can draw more attention to your vehicle.
- Dark tint can obstruct police and rescue personnel. Let’s say you have dark tints on your leased car. It can hinder police and rescue personnel from seeing inside your vehicle during an emergency. As a result, their response time may be delayed, resulting in severe consequences.
Alternatives to Car Window Tinting
Depending on your lease agreement, it might not be possible to tint your vehicle’s windows. Here are some alternative options to tinting your leased car:
- Use detachable sun shades. Detachable sun shades are an affordable and effective way to protect your car from the sun. Mesh shades do an excellent job of blocking the sun’s heat and UV rays. Most sun shades are easy to install, and you can easily attach and detach them using a suction cup.
- Install retractable drop shades. Consider retractable drop shades if you’re looking for a more sophisticated way to protect your car from the sun. They attach to your window, and you can roll them up or down like blinds. However, since these shades are constantly rolling up and down, they tend to wear out much faster.
Conclusion
If you have a leased car and wish to customize the look with window tints, it’s best to check with your dealership before proceeding. Your lease agreement may include stipulations on changes to your vehicle, so it’s important to make sure that the terms of your contract permit any modifications.
If you don’t have permission for certain modifications, you could end up being charged by the dealership or violating the terms of your contract. Thankfully, there are some alternatives to tinting your car’s windows if your lease agreement prohibits it.