Windshield Tint in Chicago: Affordable Prices, Best Films, Fast Work
Windshield tint is an optimal and affordable solution to protect yourself and your passengers from dangerous UV rays, heat, and glare. There are a lot of things to keep in mind if you want to tint your windshield, the main… it being illegal! In the state of Illinois, you’re only allowed to apply a windshield tint strip of no wider than 6 inches. Read on or call us at 773-455-0467 or 312-212-0493 or 773-714-8100 to learn everything about windshield tinting, get an estimate, or book your appointment.
Our packages Recent reviews
What is the windshield tint?
The dangerous UV rays not only heat up the car, and cause the paint and the upholstery to fade. They interfere with the comfort of driving and can drastically affect the health of a driver and his passengers. The windshield tinting can reduce sunlight damage and make the ride more comfortable and safe. A vinyl film is applied to the upper part of a windshield, adding a protective layer, and reducing the heat and glare.
The main benefits of windshield tinting are:
- Reduced heat
- Reduced exposure to UV rays
- Reduced glare
- Increased comfort
- Increased safety
Besides these obvious benefits, windshield tints do reduce the risk of accidents, as many of them happen due to exposure to the direct sun’s rays.
Check the table below for details. Secure your spot by clicking.
Book appointment- Windshield Strip: $70–$200 (based on film)
- Sunroofs: $70–$500 (per panel/size)
- Tint Removal: $120/hr labor rate
| View all packages | XPEL CS | XPEL XR | XPEL XR+ |
| 2 front side windows | from $109 | from $149 | from $209 |
| coupe, 4-door sedan, sides and rear window | from $249 | from $379 | from $609 |
| SUV/Pickup, sides and rear window | from $279 | from $409 | from $659 |
| windshield for Coupe/Sedan | from $169 | from $219 | from $339 |
| windshield for SUV/Pickup | from $169 | from $219 | from $339 |
| Optional Add-ons: |
|||
| Note: 20+ year old vehicles ($100 surcharge) | |||
| 1000+ reviews |
Who usually gets a full windshield tint?
Full windshield tint is not for every driver. Most people do not start out thinking, “I need my whole windshield tinted.” It usually comes from a daily problem that keeps getting annoying. Maybe the sun is always in your face on the way to work. Maybe your cabin still feels hot even after tinting the side windows. Or maybe your eyes get tired fast in bright light. For some drivers, full windshield tint is about comfort. For others, it is about making the whole car feel more balanced.
Here are the people who usually ask about it:
- Drivers with long sunny commutes. They spend a lot of time driving into harsh morning or evening light.
- People who want better heat control. They want to cut more heat, not just darken the look of the car.
- Drivers with sensitive eyes. Bright light, glare, and eye strain bother them more than most.
- Owners of glass-heavy vehicles. Cars with large windshields let in a lot of sunlight from the front.
- Drivers who want a cleaner, more finished look. They want the tint to feel even across the whole vehicle.
| Feature | Windshield Strip | Full Windshield Tint |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Only the top edge of the windshield | The entire windshield |
| Best for | Sun sitting high in your line of sight | Overall glare and heat from the front |
| Feel while driving | Small change, but helpful in certain angles | Bigger difference throughout the drive |
| Heat reduction | Limited | Better overall protection |
| Look | Sporty, subtle | Cleaner, more uniform appearance |
| Main trade-off | Less coverage | Not legal in every area |
If the problem is just that harsh band of sunlight at the top, a strip may be enough. If the whole front of the car feels too bright or too hot, full windshield tint is the stronger option.
Is it legal to tint your windshield?
There are no federal windshield tint regulations — each state has its own rules. The general rule is: that the windshield can only be tinted on the upmost side (a stripe, or a visor). In the state of Illinois, the windshield is only allowed to be tinted with a 6-inch 5% VLT stripe, while the rear window can have any darkness of tint. The front 2 windows can be tinted to 35% if the windows behind the driver are not darker than 35%, or 50% if the windows behind the driver are darker than 35%.
It is a glass you are looking through every second you are on your way. This is to say that clarity is as much as shade. A film can be of some sort of comfort, but it must never complicate the road.
The Illinois law is constructed on the concept, and the contemporary ceramic films are designed in a way that they are to enhance heat rejection without losing the ability to see. Some drivers also have medical exemptions, though they come with some extra requirements.
Which windshield protection film is the best?
XPEL’s PRIME line, which blocks more than 99 percent of the harmful UV rays, and its ceramic films are designed in such a manner that they do not add infrared heat in such a way that it darkens the glass. It is a lot on a windshield where comfort is important, but vision is even more.
To have a full windshield tint, we would suggest using the XPEL PRIME XR Black or XPEL PRIME XR Plus in a lighter shade. XR Black is an excellent daily wear that has a good performance and a natural appearance. XR Plus is the premium option. It employs the dual-layer nano-ceramic technology and has superior heat rejection. XPEL counts to 96 percent infrared heat rejection of XR Plus, with XR Black reaching 85 percent in the line.
How much does windshield tint cost?
The prices in our shops differ based on the type of vehicle (size and brand), the type of film used, and also on the windows that are tinted. For the windshield, the prices can range between $149 and $339. Luxe, rare vehicles are more difficult to tint compared to others, so there might be an extra fee of $50-100 or more.
Feel free to contact us and tell us more about your vehicle and the protection you are looking for, and we will give you an estimated price.
Windshield tint in Chicago
If you are based in Chicago, you are always welcome to pop into one of our shops and check out your windshield tinting options. Having examined your vehicle and needs, our specialists will advise the best films, demonstrate samples, and can explain the pros and cons of each solution. You can find us at 3621 N Harlem Ave. and 2720 W Grand Ave., in Chicago, IL, or at 1402 N Rand Rd in Palatine, or call us at 773-455-0467 or 312-212-0493.

