I live in sunny California, and with summer approaching, I have been wondering if window tinting on the prius would contribute significantly to keeping the interior cooler, especially when parked in the full sun. I know the windshield and fron side windows (?) have some inbuilt UV protection, but can I improve on that with tinting? And if so, which windows? And does tinting the windshield interfere with night vision? And, and... Any insight born from experience appreciated.
I'm pretty sure windshield tinting it technically illegal and would need replacement if you chip and had to replace your windshield. If the goal is to keep the interior cooler; you'll need to leave at lease a quarter in gap in your windows to let the hot air out of your cabin. I've installed window visors so water doesn't get in. You should have it ceramic tinted, that'll reject the most heat from the sun. I'd limo tint the rear doors and go with the lightest tint they have for the front doors. The rear hatch should be around 70% because of the angle. IMHO any darker, it be difficult to see out of your rear hatch at night. Hope this helps....
