Ceramic window tint or fix a/c

[69ford99]

I have an 03 expedition with just factory tint and the a/c needs fixed. I'm not sure how much difference ceramic tint makes compared to basically no tint, or if fixing the a/c is the better option?

 

[whtbronco]

Any tint can help reduce how much interior temps rise from sunlight. But it won't actually cool it down, the best it can do is help keep the inside temp the same as the outside temp. A/C will obviously cool the air.

I have 50% ceramic tint on my 2004 front door windows and factory tint on all other windows. If I cover the windshield on the outside and leave the windows open like 1" the interior stays about the same as the ambient temp on hot sunny days. 100 degrees is still 100 degrees though and A/C is really nice when the temps climb up there.

I can't tell any difference between the traditional tint I had for 15+ years and the newer ceramic tint I have now. Maybe there is a difference, I just haven't noticed it.

 

[Tylus]

I can't tell any difference between the traditional tint I had for 15+ years and the newer ceramic tint I have now. Maybe there is a difference, I just haven't noticed it.

If you can’t tell difference, then you likely don’t have ceramic tint. I’m sure you were told it was…but isn’t.

You can literally see and feel the heat energy difference when passing from a normal tint to a ceramic tint. The thermal change is shocking.

I’m running 75% front windshield (basically clear) ceramic tint with 35% sides. Living in Hawaii and FL/GA the ceramic significantly drops temps. I won’t own a car without ceramic tint.

 

[Tylus]

To OP, fix the AC. Ceramic will cut heat input into the cab. It it doesn’t solve the issue of heat itself when the AC is broken.

Pre-ceramic tint my AC was set at 71F. Post install, my AC is set a 74/75F. Any colder and it actually gets cold in the cab.

Ceramic is nice when sitting in a parking lot. Keeps the sun rays manageable so you aren’t sitting there sweating buckets. So I guess that somewhat answers your initial question

 

[GaryH]

AC not only lowers the interior temperature, but it also lowers the humidity. The windshield defroster works much better with the AC functioning.