Tinting roof glass

[kingkong]

Is there any known issue with tinting roof glass? I remember reading somewhere tinting roof glass makes it more likely to break in hot weather because tint makes heat dissipation more difficult for the roof glass.

Rivian support told me tinting roof glass does not void warranty, but they do not know if tinting makes it more likely to break in heat.

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[DRJ564]

I had the same concerns. I asked my installer about it and he said he has never had an issue with the tint causing breakage from heat or anything else for that matter. I tinted mine here in south Texas this past March and made it through the summer just fine.

 

[Nixapatfan]

It may or may not cause issues but one thing is for sure if tinted and the roof glass does crack Rivian will not cover it. Then again they try to deny stock glass too so you'll just need to be ready for a $2k bill or just get glass coverage insurance and tint it.

 

[good2go]

It may or may not cause issues but one thing is for sure if tinted and the roof glass does crack Rivian will not cover it. Then again they try to deny stock glass too so you'll just need to be ready for a $2k bill or just get glass coverage insurance and tint it.

The post said: “Rivian support said it would not void the warranty”. Were you told something different?

 

[SoCal72]

FWIW I asked about this when I picked it up. Was told that tinting can cause heat to get trapped (not a physicist) and that if it cracked for some reason, it would not be covered in "his" experience. So I've chosen not to do any tinting of the roof. From what I've read on here about others having their glass break, I've decided against doing anything to it while warranty is active.

 

[Nixapatfan]

The post said: “Rivian support said it would not void the warranty”. Were you told something different?

Without it in writing it means nothing, just read all the threads with people that had a cracked glass and you'll see why adding anything to the glass will be an excuse to not cover it. Best course of action is to make sure your insurance has glass coverage then add tint as you wish.

 

[usofrob]

I feel like if it keeps the cabin cooler, that it would likely be cooler overall than without, or at least about the same.

 

[JonW716]

If you use a low tech installer who cuts against the glass it can etch the glass and is more likely to break (like the guy who did my boat, the glass where he cut the tint against left somewhat deep etching). My tinter cut the piece on his plotter and stuck it right on there, tinted glass is basically shatterproof for the most part and makes it more like safety glass. I had it done with 50% ceramic, which is barely darker and cuts down on the heat dramatically in the Florida sun. If you parked without the AC, it will still get hot but generally it makes the AC more efficient, also had the entire car tinted as well as the windshield, and I will do it on the trimax if I go ahead and order it which I am contemplating.

 

[iansriv]

FWIW I asked about this when I picked it up. Was told that tinting can cause heat to get trapped (not a physicist) and that if it cracked for some reason, it would not be covered in "his" experience. So I've chosen not to do any tinting of the roof. From what I've read on here about others having their glass break, I've decided against doing anything to it while warranty is active.

My tint guy said the same thing. This is about the 10th car he's installed tint on for my family and I trust him. I got a cover and it has worked well.

 

[nellbarr]

Is there any known issue with tinting roof glass? I remember reading somewhere tinting roof glass makes it more likely to break in hot weather because tint makes heat dissipation more difficult for the roof glass.

Rivian support told me tinting roof glass does not void warranty, but they do not know if tinting makes it more likely to break in heat.

I tinted my roof as soon as it was delivered and live in South Florida-the glass has not had an issue and I’ve had the R1S for 13 months.

 

[DayTripping]

Look at it logically from a warranty perspective. Rivian is bleeding money on every car. Last I read they were losing $40k per car. Last thing they'd want to do is incur UNNECESSARY warranty claims.

This is an easy claim to deny. Tesla does it easily. So let's say they don't warranty it if it cracks. So you turn it into your insurance to cover (assuming they will). Now you have a claim on your record for at least the next 3, possibly 5, years to deal with.

The upside of making the cabin a bit cooler vs the potential downside isn't a great risk vs reward ratio for me. I took the easy out and got a roof shade. I can remove in the winter when the cabin heat would be helpful and add back in the summer. I have very hot summers to deal with here, hotter than anywhere I lived in Florida. So far it has served me well with my Teslas and now Rivian.

 

[Killer95Stang]

I asked about it at the tint shop I use and I think they kind of shy away from doing it, because it requires a huge roll of tint, which they may or may not have in stock. Also, upside down large sections of tint are pretty hard to install correctly. He quoted me almost the same price as it cost to do the rest of the windows. In the end, I bought the shade and I'm happy with it.

 

[OUTAGAS]

My R1T is the fifth vehicle I’ve had a high light transmitting but low IR/UV transmitting film installed on the inside of the moonroof and windshield. I live in South Carolina and this makes a HUGE difference in comfort. No problems at all. When a windshield gets cracked from a stone, the insurance pays for a new one plus the film.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Any modifications to make, is not original factory spec, and carry risk/impact to warranty. There is no scientific testing or data to show what tinting does to likelihood of cracking. Some installers don’t recommend it (maybe it’s physically awkward and time consuming?). Some all too happy to take your money.

 

[Bruins06]

I tinted the roofs of my R1T and R1S last spring. Installer said the tint would actually keep the glass cooler than without the tint, don't know if that's true. I haven't had any issues with the glass breaking, fingers crossed.
The tint helped with heat, but not enough her in So Cal summers. I ended up installing the roof shades on anyway for better heat rejection in the summer.

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