Window tint considerations

[Gerrycan]

When we recently bought our Octavia 3 Ambition we (my wife actually) was persuaded to add the 'Titanium' window film.
Ignoring the fact we probably paid a couple of hundred dollars too much compared to aftermarket prices, the actual application is very well done with no bubbles/scratches so no complaints there.

However, even the base Ambition model comes with a mild integrated tint in the side windows and the tint on tint effect is relatively dark.
This is not an issue during the day and come the summer will probably be very welcome (the main selling point), but it is at night that the tinted side windows are a bit of a problem for me.
I am no longer a young person and I know, from many years of winter night running, that my night vision has deteriorated over time so it is bit like wearing sun-glasses at night when I look through the side windows, to the point I have look extra carefully for side-traffic, or lower the windows when looking at house numbers for instance.

The filtering/ sun protection affects of the films are well publicised but what I cannot find out is information on the UV filtering effectiveness of the Skoda factory integrated tint and whether the additional film is actually required.
Does anyone have any information on this aspect?
The front windscreen does not have the film applied of course, and as it is laminated it already provides a level of sun protection.

A few other related points:
1) There is a more expensive clear window film (Cancer Council sponsored) that provides similar UV protection without the vision impairment that should be considered by the less youthful. I don't think the young salesperson we had could quite relate to the affects of age (I know I could not when I was young)
2) I am surprised that Skoda do not offer laminated side windows in the higher grades or even as an option, Laminated glass offers a worthwhile safety and security upgrade (as well as improved sound insulation).
3) The window film uses a very, very thin metallic application to achieve its properties and this seems to affect our garage door transmitter. When I drive past the garage to reverse in I sometimes have to open the side window for it to work. Has anyone else noticed that or is it just my imagination?

[woofy]

There are different types of film, including non metallic if needed. I have that version and we had our remote door opener replaced, never thought about it affecting that, but it could well do. There is privacy glass which goes from the middle pillar back, lots of cars come with it including the Superb, don't think its an option in the Octavia strangely enough.

I was just thinking the other day that not one person here has mentioned getting tint as part of the deal, I didn't either last time and had to sort it myself. I did intentionally last time as well, but the guy I use pulls the trim apart to do the job right and from memory doesn't like doing that on a lot of VAG cars as clips break off on him. (Rob the Tinter in Ringwood).

[vEnOm_oz]

As far as I know the privacy glass on the Octavia is just a darker glass and doesn't offer a lot of of UV/heat protection, I believe this to be true for all cars. So in peak summer it will feel exactly like sitting inside a car with clear glass. I take the OPs point about visibility at night as this was my initial concern as well. Nevertheless, I have decided to get the car tinted by a specialist and not the dealer. Tinting is a very good idea for the Australian summer and helps retain an ambient cabin temperature for longer without the A/C compressor working over time and in turn can save fuel.

[brad]

There was a huge thread (possibly in the Golf area) where some guy was agonising whether to get tint or not. He actually got the UV figures from VW. I'll try & find it but you may have to search.

If you're in SA I believe your rego people are a bit anal about visible light transmittance so you may wish to make some checks that your VLT is legal. ie: legal aftermarket tint plus factory tint may exceed the requirement.

I've got to admit that I've got 20% VLT and wouldn't do it again due to failing night vision in the last 5 years (have had eyes checked several times).

For your points:
1) You don't need Cancer Council approval to get 99.9% UV protection in clear (or any) film. It's a marketing thing via the cancer council & doesn't mean you get a better product (eg: a straw hat from the Reject Shop blocks out the same sunlight as a straw hat from the Cancer Council).

2) I'm not aware of any bread & butter brands that offer different glass as an option.

3) My B&D garage door opener requires window down as well. My film isn't even metalic. It's been much better since I added more wire to the aerial.

edit: Found it first go

According to VW:
The front screen has less than 1% uv penetration - ie blocks 99+% uv

The side windows and rear screen is rated at less than 31% uv penetration - ie blocks 69+% uv

[donweather]

Do you have fog lights on your ambition? If so, get VCDS to see if these are the cornering fog lights and if so get them activated. They will assist with your cornering night vision through the tint.

[kaitan]

I recently bought a Skoda Octy 2 vRS TDI. I am looking for a tint too. Have anyone heard of John Renegade Film before. It's dont by reflect Effect. I was just wondering does anyone have any experience in the film itself. Sorry to hijack.

[spud75]

There are different types of film, including non metallic if needed. I have that version and we had our remote door opener replaced, never thought about it affecting that, but it could well do. There is privacy glass which goes from the middle pillar back, lots of cars come with it including the Superb, don't think its an option in the Octavia strangely enough.

I have a Mk II vRS with factory 'tint' that is, privacy glass from the B-pillar back. It is not super dark, but enough to take the sting out of the sun. The biggest advantage with privacy glass is it is in the glass, so you can never get bubbling or change in colour etc. You cant catch the edge of the tint on a window edge, and you dont get that funny not quite stuck down area around the edge of the windows where the dots are.

I dont know if it offered in the Mk III but I certainly have it on my RS.

[Smart1]

My Mk III Elegance has privacy glass as standard. It isn't, however, offered as an option on the Ambition in OZ.

[Gerrycan]

Do you have fog lights on your ambition? If so, get VCDS to see if these are the cornering fog lights and if so get them activated. They will assist with your cornering night vision through the tint.

I do have fog lights and I too wondered if they could be activated as cornering fog lights with VCDS.
When I turn them on they do not seem to contribute as much side illumination as I hoped so probably not worth the effort.
I think the real fog/cornering lights may have different optical properties or dual elements ?

Fog lights are pretty useless except during day fog which occurs a couple of times a year in Adelaide and it is illegal to use them at any other time

[Gerrycan]

Do you have fog lights on your ambition? If so, get VCDS to see if these are the cornering fog lights and if so get them activated. They will assist with your cornering night vision through the tint.

Dang my response posted twice