Award Winning Window Tint Installation
Window Tinting in Yucaipa - Highland - Redlands - Calimesa - Beaumont
When it comes to window film, not all products perform the same and XPEL PRIME is in a category of its own. XR BLACK & XR PLUS are engineered with cutting edge nano-ceramic technology which deliver superior heat rejection. All three films provide 99% UV protection, and clear visibility without interfering with electronics. PRIME window films are made to last, backed by a transferable life time warranty on every product in the line.
Why we choose XPEL PRIME window film.
At Honest Tint we carry three films from PRIME films so we can match the right product to your specific needs. Whether you want maximum heat performance, a sleek blacked out look, or a color stable option there’s a PRIME film for you. And because we’re XPEL Authorized, you’re getting the genuine product.
PRIME is backed by a transferable lifetime warranty
At Honest Tint we register your XPEL warranty for you and put a copy in your hands not just a receipt and a promise.
Awarded Best Window Film Installer For California 2026
Honest Tint & PPF placed 2nd in teams at the 2026 Tinter Battles. Second in the world first in CA. Find out why we keep placing against the best.
Why Do You Need Window Tint?
The Inland Empire sun isn’t subtle. It bakes your dashboard, fades your interior, heats your seats to uncomfortable levels, and sends UV rays straight through your windows every single day, even on cloudy ones.
Most people think window tint is about looks. And sure, freshly tinted car looks sharp. But the real reason to tint? Protection.
Your skin. UV rays don’t stop at your car window. Prolonged exposure while driving is a leading cause of UV related skin damage. All three PRIME window tint options carried by Honest Tint block out up to 99% of harmful UV rays.
Your interior. Leather cracks. Dashboards warp. Upholstery fades. Heat and UV exposure break down your interior over time. Tint slows that process significantly.
Your Comfort. A car that’s been sitting in a Yucaipa parking lot in July is brutal to get into. Ceramic tint blocks a significant portion of solar heat before it ever gets inside. Honest Tint carries XR BLACK & XR PLUS top of the line nano ceramic tint.
Your privacy and security. What’s inside your car is your business. Tint keeps it that way, and makes your belongings less visible t anyone walking by.
Window tint isn’t an upgrade. It’s maintenance. And in Southern California, it’s one of the smartest investments you can make for your vehicle.
Honest Tint & PPF are the Tesla Specialist for Tint and Paint Protection Film
in Yucaipa, Redlands, Highland, Beaumont, Cherry Valley, Calimesa Ca
FAQs
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FAQ: Tint Laws in California
1. What is the legal limit for window tinting in California?
Front Windshield: Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top 4 inches of the windshield.
Front Side Windows: Must allow more than 70% of light in.
Back Side Windows: No restrictions; any tint darkness is allowed.
Rear Window: No restrictions; any tint darkness is allowed.
2. Are there any restrictions on reflective tints?
Yes, reflective tints are allowed, but they must be less reflective than a standard window. The front windows should not be more than 50% reflective.
3. Are there any medical exemptions for tinting?
Yes, individuals with certain medical conditions that require protection from sunlight can apply for a medical exemption to use darker tints. A signed form from a licensed physician is necessary.
4. What are the penalties for violating tint laws?
Violating window tint laws can result in a fix-it ticket, fines, and potential orders to remove the illegal tinting.
5. Do tint laws apply to commercial vehicles?
Yes, the same tint laws apply to all vehicles on the road in California, including commercial vehicles.
6. How can I ensure my tint is compliant with California laws
To ensure compliance, always consult with a licensed tinting professional at Honest Tint who is knowledgeable about California tint laws and can recommend appropriate products.
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Q: What is the main difference between dyed tint and ceramic window tint?
A: Dyed tint uses a layer of dye to absorb heat and reduce glare. Ceramic tint uses nonmetallic ceramic particles to block heat, infrared (IR) and UV light more effectively while maintaining optical clarity and signal compatibility.
Q: How do they compare on heat rejection?
A: Ceramic rejects significantly more heat and IR than dyed. Expect noticeably better inside-cabin temperature reduction with ceramic films.
Q: Which offers better UV protection?
A: Both types typically block a high percentage of UV rays, but ceramic films generally provide superior and longer-lasting UV protection.
Q: What about visible light transmission and clarity?
A: Ceramic films maintain clearer, sharper optics with less discoloration and haze over time. Dyed films can appear darker initially but may lose clarity or fade over years.
Q: Will either tint interfere with radios, GPS, or cell signals?
A: Dyed films do not interfere. Some metallic films can cause interference; ceramic films like XPEL XR are nonmetallic, so they won’t interfere with signals.
Q: Which lasts longer?
A: Ceramic films generally have better longevity and color stability. Dyed films are more prone to fading and discoloration over time.
Q: What about price?
A: Dyed tints (XPEL CS) are usually more budget-friendly. Ceramic tints (XPEL XR Black, XR Plus) cost more but offer higher performance and durability.
Q: Which should I choose for my car?
A: Choose dyed (XPEL CS) if you want a low-cost option for basic glare reduction and privacy. Choose ceramic (XPEL XR Black or XR Plus) if you want top-tier heat rejection, UV protection, long-term clarity, and no signal interference. For best results, have the film professionally installed by Honest Tint.
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Q: What are XR Black and XR Plus from XPEL Prime Window Tint?
A: Both XR Black and XR Plus are premium nano-ceramic window tint films in XPEL’s Prime lineup. They’re engineered for high heat rejection, optical clarity, and durability, but they target slightly different performance and aesthetic preferences. XR Black emphasizes a deeper, darker appearance; XR Plus emphasizes maximum heat rejection and infrared (IR) blocking while maintaining good visible light transmission options.
Q: How do XR Black and XR Plus differ in heat rejection?
A: XR Plus delivers the highest total heat and infrared rejection among the two, it’s engineered to block more IR energy, which is the main contributor to heat you feel inside the vehicle. XR Black still offers excellent heat rejection thanks to its nano-ceramic construction, but XR Plus is the better performer if cooling is the primary goal.
Q: What about visible light transmission (VLT) and tint darkness? A: XR Black is offered in darker VLT options and is formulated to produce a richer, more uniform black appearance on glass. XR Plus offers a range of VLTs too, but its focus is on maximizing IR rejection even at higher VLTs, so you can get strong heat management with lighter-looking film.
Q: Which is better for protecting against UV rays?
A: Both XR Black and XR Plus provide excellent UV protection, blocking over 99% of harmful UVA/UVB rays. There’s no meaningful difference between them for UV protection.
Q: How do they compare on glare reduction and optical clarity?
A: Both films use advanced nano-ceramic technology, so you’ll get superior optical clarity and reduced glare compared with dyed or metallic films. XR Plus may have a slight edge in maintaining clarity at lighter VLTs while still blocking IR, but in normal use both perform exceptionally well.
Q: Any difference in signal interference (radio/GPS/cell)?
A: No. Both XR Black and XR Plus are ceramic-based and non-metalized, so they do not interfere with radio, GPS, cellular, or other wireless signals.
Q: What about durability and warranty?
A: Both films are manufactured to XPEL’s high standards and typically come with a manufacturer-backed limited warranty covering issues like bubbling, peeling, adhesive failure, and significant fading. Warranty terms can vary, make sure the tint install is performed by an XPEL Authorized Dealer like Honest Tint in Yucaipa CA.
Q: Which film is better for hot climates like Southern California Inland Empire?
A: XR Plus is generally the top choice for very hot climates because of its superior IR rejection and overall heat management. If you want maximum interior comfort and lower A/C load, XR Plus is recommended. If you prefer a darker aesthetic with still-very-good heat rejection, XR Black is a strong option.
Q: Are there differences in cost?
A: XR Plus is often positioned as the higher-performance option and can be priced slightly higher than XR Black, but pricing depends on installer, VLT level, and vehicle. Honest Tint will provide an exact quote based on the vehicle and desired VLT.
Q: Can you mix films (e.g., XR Plus front, XR Black rear)?
A: Yes. Many customers choose XR Plus on the windshield and front side windows for maximum heat rejection and XR Black on rear windows for a uniform darker appearance and privacy. Mixing films is common and practical.
Q: Can Honest Tint show me samples to compare?
A: Yes. Honest Tint in Yucaipa and surrounding areas can show film samples, explain VLT options, and offer side-by-side comparisons. We can also recommend the best choice for your vehicle, climate, and style preferences.
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What is factory tint?
Factory tint refers to pigmented glass that comes installed from the vehicle manufacturer. The glass has a uniform tinting pigment added during production to reduce visible light transmission (make the glass appear darker) for privacy and glare reduction.
How is factory tint different from aftermarket window film?
Factory tint is integral to the glass (pigment mixed into or laminated with the glass during manufacturing). Aftermarket window film is a thin adhesive layer applied to the inside surface of existing glass.
Factory tint primarily reduces visible light; aftermarket films can provide additional benefits such as solar/UV/infrared rejection, heat reduction, safety, and security, depending on the film chosen.
Does factory tint block heat?
No. Pigmented factory glass reduces visible light but does not provide meaningful heat (infrared) rejection. The pigment darkens the glass to limit glare and increase privacy, but it does not reflect the infrared wavelengths responsible for most solar heat. If you want measurable heat rejection (cooler cabin temperatures and reduced AC load), you need aftermarket solar/IR-rejecting films like XR BLACK or XR PLUS.
Does factory tint block UV rays? Factory tint may offer some UV reduction because all automotive glass blocks certain UV wavelengths to varying degrees, but pigmented glass alone is not optimized for UV protection.
Will factory tint prevent fading of interior surfaces?
Only partially. Because factory tint does not effectively reject heat and may only modestly reduce UV, it offers limited protection against fading. For stronger fade protection, choose an aftermarket film with high UV and infrared rejection.
Can I add aftermarket tint over factory tinted glass?
Yes. You can apply aftermarket window film to factory-pigmented glass. Honest Tint can help keep the look of factory tint by choosing lighter shades of nano ceramic tint that will still providing excellent heat rejection.