Lincoln Window Tinting in Chicago: a clear plan for your new ride

So you bought a Lincoln. Nice. Silent interior, comfortable ride, comfy living room style seats. Then Chicago takes it as Chicago does, sun shining through the glass, traffic crawling on the Kennedy, and then your so-called placid car is like a toaster oven.

Your no-BS tinting product guide to tinting a Lincoln in Illinois. What does it really mean by factory tint (spoiler: it is not necessarily tint)? How Lincoln window tinting percentages work so you don’t accidentally pay for something that gets you hassled. Which film types matter and which ones are just fancy words. And yeah – what to ask before you hand over money, whether you’re going to a local tint shop or doing window tinting at Lincoln dealership.

Start with what you already have: glass vs film

Before you pick a Lincoln window tinting option, it helps to know what’s on the car right now.

Most Lincolns (particularly SUVs) have darker-tinted rear glass. It is commonly referred to as factory Lincoln tint, although this is usually privacy glass rather than tint film.

Here’s the simple difference:

• Privacy glass (factory): the glass is blacker. It assists in privacy; however, it might not have the ability to absorb heat as fine-quality film does.
• Tint film (aftermarket): The film is a thin layer that is placed inside the glass. This is what the majority of the people refer to as Lincoln colored windows.

If you’re asking “What is Lincoln factory tint?”, think of it as “what the glass came with,” and then decide if you want film added on top for heat and UV control.

The 10 best selling Lincoln models in Illinois

Lincoln’s lineup today is mostly SUVs, which makes sense in Illinois winters and Chicago roads. Recent U.S. sales show the four current models doing most of the volume (Nautilus, Corsair, Aviator, Navigator).

Below are 10 high-volume, commonly owned Lincoln models you’ll see around Chicagoland, including popular recent models and models that still show up often on the road.

1. Nautilus. This one shows up a lot. It’s the “just right” size – big enough to feel calm inside, not so huge that you hate parking it.
2. Corsair – If you live in the city, you get it. Smaller body, easier turns, less stress in tight lots. People pick it because it still feels nice without feeling bulky.
3. Aviator is the “I need space but I still want comfort” Lincoln. Three rows, smooth ride, and it doesn’t feel like you’re driving a bus.
4. Navigator – Big SUV comfort, you see these everywhere in the suburbs, and also downtown when someone wants full-size comfort. Long trips, highway driving, big family stuff – this is the lane it lives in.
5. MKX. Older, yes. Common, also yes. A lot of MKX owners come in wanting a refresh – new film, cleaner look, less glare, less heat.
6. MKC is another common compact Lincoln you still see in Chicago parking garages.
7. MKZ – A lot of these are still on the road, and many need film refresh due to age.
8. Continental has a certain vibe. Quiet, classic. People with Continentals usually want tint that looks clean and calm – not too dark, not flashy.
9. MKS – You’ll still see them in Illinois, and many owners want heat and glare control.
10. Town Car. Chicago still has these. Some are family cars, some are work cars, some are just loved cars. A lot of them need film replacement simply because the tint has been on there forever.

Why tinting Lincoln makes daily driving easier

If you’re on the fence about tinting Lincoln, think about what you deal with in real life: sun glare, summer heat, and interior wear.

Here are the main benefits, in plain terms:

• Less UV exposure for you and your passengers
• Less heat build-up so the cabin feels calmer
• Less glare during sunrise and late afternoon
• More privacy when parked in busy areas
• Interior protection from fading over time

Health groups also note that UV window film can block more than 99% of UVA and UVB when properly applied.

Film types that matter for a Lincoln

There are a lot of tint choices, and not all film is the same. A good way to decide is to pick the performance first (heat/UV/glare), then pick the shade that fits the law and your comfort.

We use XPEL window film. Many drivers choose it because it has clear performance data and consistent color.

Here are the main “families” of tint:

• Dyed film. Helps with glare and appearance. Heat control is usually limited.
• Hybrid / metalized-style film. Better heat control than dyed, but film design matters to avoid signal issues.
• Ceramic film. It’s more expensive. But you get strong heat control without the need for very dark shades.

When choosing a Lincoln tint brand, you should not focus on the price. It is better to look at the reviews of other car owners or ask directly at the store, we recommend only proven brands. For example, the XPEL PRIME spec sheet lists 99% UV rejection across many film options.

Lincoln tint price: what changes the cost

Of course, there is no single price, but the cost of tinting starts at around $250. Here’s what it depends on:

• What model of Lincoln do you drive + number of windows. A big Navigator can be expected to strike harder than a Corsair. More glass = more money.
• The film. Dyed is cheaper. Ceramic costs more.
• Your choice of shade, including any fancy strip work on windshields.
• Old tint removal for Lincoln tint service. When it is bubbling and nasty, it takes a long time to peel off.

Lincoln tinted windows replacement: when it’s time to redo the film

If you bought your Lincoln used, here’s something that happens a lot: the tint looks fine in the photos, and even in the driveway. Then you drive it for a week and start noticing little things.

You might catch it at a stoplight. The edge of the film looks like it’s lifting, almost like a clear sticker that didn’t stick.

Or you’re cleaning the inside of the window and the towel “grabs” in one spot because the surface is rough.

Sometimes it’s not obvious until night. Headlights behind you start to look smeared. Not scary, just… annoying. Like you can’t get the glass fully clean.

Here are the real-life clues that usually mean it’s time for replacement:

1. You see a few bubbles today… and more next month. Once air and heat get under the film, it tends to spread.
2. The tint color looks “off.” If it’s turning purple or brown, that’s often the film aging out, not dirt on the glass.
3. The window looks cloudy even after you wipe it. That haze can make night driving harder, especially in rain.
4. It scratches way too easily. If normal cleaning leaves marks, the top layer of the film is likely worn out.
5. The edges are doing that slow peel. You might not notice it until you roll the window down and see the edge catching.

If any of this sounds familiar, you can try a small patch. But most of the time, you’ll end up chasing problems from one window to the next.

A clean removal and fresh install is usually the simpler, better-looking fix – especially if you want your Lincoln to feel “new” again when you get in and drive.

Lincoln dealership tinting vs a tint shop in Chicago

A common question is: does Lincoln do window tinting?

Yes, some dealers offer tinting, however, they don’t always do it themselves. Sometimes they will refer your car to a tinter, like us.

Before you say yes at the dealer, ask these basic questions:

• What film line is being used (brand and type)?
• What shade (VLT %) are they installing on each window?
• Is the warranty through the dealer, the film maker, or the installer?
• Who is doing the work, and can you contact them if there’s an issue?

If the answers are vague, it’s reasonable to compare with a shop that focuses on Lincoln window tinting near me and can show you film options and past installs.

Tint percentage in Illinois: what the numbers mean

In Chicago, it is allowed to use 35% tinted film. This is about how much light your windows will let in. The lower the figure, the less light you will see in the interior of your car.

You may also come across the concept of Lincoln factory tint percentage. However, it is a bit misleading. The manufacturer can put private glass, but this is not tinting.

Looking to window tint your new Lincoln?

If you want clean-looking Lincoln tinted windows that cut glare and still play nice with Illinois rules, we can help. We do Lincoln window tinting in Chicago with clear XPEL film options and a straight-up install process.

What tint does Lincoln use?

Many Lincolns have darker rear glass (privacy glass) on certain trims. That is not the same as aftermarket tint film. So, if you want heat and UV performance, film choice matters, not glass replacement.

What is Lincoln factory tint?

In most cases, it means darker glass from the factory (privacy glass) on rear windows. It helps with privacy, but it’s not the same as a quality film installed on the inside of the glass.

Does tinting windows void warranty Lincoln?

No, if your Lincoln still has a manufacturer’s warranty, you will not lose it after tinting. However, that does not mean you can do it yourself. Scratches on the glass or something broken are not a warranty case.

Does Lincoln dealership tint windows?

Sometimes yes, but it’s not very common among car owners. And even if they offer it, the real question is: who’s installing it, and what film are they using? Treat it like any other add-on. Ask for the film brand, the shade, and the warranty details. If they get vague… that’s your answer.

What is the cost of window tinting Lincoln?

People love comparing “Lincoln vs whatever else.” It’s kind of useless. Price it by your exact model, the film type you want, and whether old tint has to come off first. That’s what actually moves the number.