Can You Tint a Leased Car?

Can You Tint a Leased Car? Leasing a vehicle is a great way to get a new model every few years with the benefit of having routine maintenance covered and a lower down payment.

Car dealers and ownership groups allow customers to drive their vehicles for a time, but usually with stricter leasing regulations than would apply to someone buying a car with cash or a used car from the dealership because it involves greater risk.

Can You Tint a Leased Car?

With these stricter rules, drivers can’t customize their vehicles as much. So, for those who like visual customization, can you tint a rental car?

As a general rule, the dealer will likely want to evaluate the window tinting job to see if it fits the vehicle and meets their standards. Adding tinted windows to your car can be considered an upgrade if done correctly, and would increase the resale price of the vehicle. If that’s the case, the dealer will gladly accept it. If the tinting is done poorly, it can reduce the value, and the dealer will likely charge you back.

Ultimately, the answer is that it depends. Tinted car windows vary significantly across the U.S. and in New Jersey; for example, the state prohibits tinting of any kind on the driver’s and passenger’s side front windows, but allows it on the rear windows and the rear windshield.

Tint Windows on a Leased Car

Whether your rental vehicle has tinted windows depends on its condition, the dealer, and the manufacturer. You should check your lease agreement or call your dealer for specific information about window tinting and other upgrades.

Most of the time, getting your windows professionally tinted is considered an upgrade that increases the value of the vehicle. So, if you return a vehicle with tinted windows in good condition, most dealers will have no problem returning it. But if you return the vehicle with poorly tinted windows that left bubbles or rough edges, you will be charged to fix it.

Is Modifying your Leased Car Illegal?

No, modifying a leased car is not illegal, but it is not recommended. Since the lease agreement is a short-term contract and the car has to be returned to the dealership at some point, it is usually not a good idea to modify it. Some contracts even have fees if you want to trade in the car.

Unfortunately, most people think window tinting is great because it increases the resale value of the car. This can vary by dealer, so ask about the rules in your rental agreement. Do this before you make an appointment at the service center to have your car serviced. Also, if you plan to buy the rental agreement, you can make any changes to your car.

Many states limit window tinting to around 30%, meaning the plastic film can only block 30% of the light from passing through the glass. The remaining 70% of the light must be transmitted through the glass. It is essential to check with the dealer and local DMV to see the rules on tinting in the state.

Some other states that have very little or alloy tinting to any degree on vehicle windows:

• Arizona (backside and rear windows)
• California (backside and rear windows)
• Connecticut (rear window only)
• Delaware (backside and rear windows)
• Iowa (backside and rear windows)
• Maine (backside and rear windows)
• Michigan (all windows allowed)
• Missouri (backside and rear windows)
• Nevada (backside and rear windows)
• New Jersey (backside and rear windows – illegal on front windows)
• New York (rear window only)
• North Dakota (backside and rear windows)
• Ohio (backside and rear windows)
• Texas (rear window only)
• Utah (backside and rear windows)
• Vermont (backside and rear windows)

The window tinting policy for your vehicle is determined solely by the dealer and manufacturer. leased. Most dealers rely on preliminary and final inspections to determine if window tinting is adequate. Check your lease agreement or your dealer for detailed information on window tinting and other upgrades.

Read Also: What Happens If My Leased Car Is Stolen?

How Car’s manufacturer might feel about tints on windows?

A few manufacturers have limited, very loose guidelines regarding window tints. These brands allow window tinting on leased vehicles and do not charge for wear and tear.

• Ford
• GM
• Honda
• MINI
• Mercedes-Benz
• Porsche
• Nissan (only chargeable if it’s peeling off the window or has noticeable chips or tears)

However, many major manufacturers charge for window tint modifications, usually as “excessive wear and tear.” Some may have varying charges, so it will be good to check with the manufacturer when you rent the vehicle from the dealer. These brands are:

• Ally
• Audi
• BMW
• Chrysler
• Hyundai (there’s a self-assessment tool to determine the amount of damage)
• Infinity
• Kia (there’s a self-assessment tool to determine the amount of damage)
• Lexus
• Mazda (some window tints are acceptable, it will depend on the color and percentage)
• Subaru
• Tesla
• Toyota
• Volkswagen
• Volvo

A professional window tint treatment is generally considered to be an upgrade that increases the value of the vehicle. As a result, if you ask if you can tint a rental car, most dealers will likely agree to do so if you return a vehicle with decent-quality window tint. If you return the car with spoiled window tint, such as a DIY job that created bubbles or uneven edges, expect to be charged for removing it.

Can you get your Leased Car Window Tinted by the Dealership?

Window tinting is a service offered by many dealerships in the U.S. Check with the dealer to see if they offer the upgrade service you need. If your dealer installs window tinting, you can rest easy knowing that you will pass the inspection without any loopholes. It may be expensive, but it will save you the fine.

You are free to choose a third party to tint the windows of your rental car. But you should make sure that anyone you hire is qualified to do what is needed professionally. Many professional auto detailers can do an excellent job with window tinting. Take your time, do your research, shop around, read some reviews, and get some estimates before you decide.

If the job is not done properly and the dealer charges you to remove the window tint, even the cheapest alternative could end up costing you more. So, remember, better safe than sorry.

Can a Leased Car be Tinted at a Third-party Dealership?

Nothing stops you from finding a third-party vendor to tint your rental car windows, but you’ll want to make sure the person or company can deliver a professional job with long-lasting effects. Many professional cleaning companies will do an excellent job of window tinting, but you’ll need to get some quotes, read some reviews, and make an informed choice. If the cheapest option isn’t done properly and the dealer charges you to remove the window tint, the more affordable option may cost you more.

Can a rental car be tinted without any penalties?

This depends entirely on the results of the final examination. If the assessment decides that the window tint doesn’t match, is of substandard quality, or the glass is damaged, you’ll either be required to remove it or the dealer will charge you. In some situations, both penalties will apply.

Typically, a pre-return examination is conducted 90 days before the rental return date. This inspection is designed to notify you of any vehicle issues so you can avoid paying exorbitant fees after your lease. Ask the return inspector if the window tint is appropriate or if you need to have it removed during your pre-return inspection.

Can I get an invoice for tinted windows at the end of the lease?

Yes. Sharp blades are used during tint placement and removal. They can scratch and scrape the glass if the blade is constructed of an improper material or if too much pressure is used. You will be charged for window tint removal or repair if the final inspection determines that you have damaged the glass or that the quality of the window tint is poor. If in doubt, check with your dealer before making any modifications to avoid damage charges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)