How to Properly Tint Your Chevrolet Malibu Windows

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Adding window tint to your Chevrolet Malibu is often the first modification many car owners consider. It is a useful update that appeals to everyone, not just car enthusiasts.

Window tinting has several benefits: it increases privacy, drastically decreases interior heat in the summer, and can improve the look of your Malibu based on your style choices.

The good news is that learning how to tint your own windows is not particularly difficult and can result in significant cost savings.

Window tinting has long been a standard in the automobile industry. It effectively reduces the amount of heat and sunshine that enters the interior of the Chevrolet Malibu.

Most window tinting jobs involve darkening every window except the windshield. Some automakers even offer options for factory-installed tint on the rear windows.

Window tinting is a straightforward process that usually takes no more than two hours to complete. If you're interested in learning how it's done, you're in the right place. So, let's get started.

What is car window tinting?

Window tinting involves the application of a plastic film onto your vehicle's windows to darken the glass. This process effectively reduces the Visible Light Transference (VLT), representing the amount of visible light (VL) passing through the glass.

Tints are classified by their VLT rating, with a higher VLT percentage or number indicating more visible light allowed to pass through.

It's important to note that almost every car sold in the US comes with factory-installed tinted glass. To ensure compliance with your state's legal regulations, it's vital to consider the factory VLT level before applying aftermarket window tint.

You should also familiarize yourself with your state's specific laws concerning VLT percentages before making your selection.

What are the different types of window tints?

Various window tint types are available, each offering unique features, attributes, and qualities:

• Dyed tint: Primarily chosen for enhancing aesthetics and privacy.
• Metalized tint: Contains embedded metallic particles that reflect heat and UV radiation effectively.
• Hybrid tint: Blends the beneficial traits of both dyed and metalized tints.
• Carbon tint: Utilizes micro-layers of polymer and carbon to reduce UV and IR penetration.
• Ceramic tint: Represents the pinnacle of quality and uses cutting-edge technology for superior performance.

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You have the option to acquire window tint in two formats: pre-cut for your specific vehicle or in a roll that you can customize to fit your windows.

Things to consider when choosing window tint

Before deciding on the tint type and Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage for your windows, consider your reasons, safety, and most importantly, your state's tinting regulations:

• Excessive darkness on windows can hinder your visibility, especially during nighttime driving.
• Blocking harmful UV rays and infrared (IR) light can extend the lifespan of your vehicle's seats, carpets, dash pad, and trim.
• Maintaining cooler interiors can reduce air conditioning usage, enhancing fuel efficiency.
• Tinted windows can enhance your vehicle's aesthetics and overall appeal.
• Tinted windows also provide added privacy, giving you a sense of seclusion while on the road.

How to tint Malibu windows

Complete pre-cut Chevy Malibu window tint kits offer precisely cut window tint for all side windows and the back glass of your vehicle. This includes:

• All driver side windows
• All passenger side windows
• Any front port windows
• Any rear quarter or cargo windows
• Rear window back glass

You have the flexibility to customize your kit based on your preferences

1. Choose your vehicle's model year.
2. Select the desired tint shades for the windows. Options include 5%, 20%, 35%, 50%, and 70% visible light transmission (VLT). Feel free to mix and match shades.
3. Identify the type of back glass/rear window your vehicle has. Trucks can opt for a 1-piece, 3-piece, or 4-piece window. Other vehicle designs might offer a 1-piece, 2-piece, 3-piece, or 4-piece back glass. Refer to the accompanying image for clarity.
4. Decide on your preferred cutting method: standard cut or tru-cut.
   Standard Cut: The window tint film is cut, but the clear plastic liner protecting the adhesive remains intact. This means you'll need to trim the clear plastic liner before installation. An instructional video comes with your purchase.
   Tru-Cut: This method cleanly cuts both the tinting film and the clear plastic liner. The kits are ready for immediate installation.
5. Select the type of film:
   NT Ultra Smoke: A basic 1-ply, pigment-infused polyester film for glare reduction and UV rejection.
   NT Carbon Black: A popular 2-ply, laminated, color-stable, nano-carbon-infused film that blocks over 99% of UV rays and up to 74% of infrared. It also retains up to 66% of solar heat, offering both energy efficiency and style.
   NT Ceramic Black: The premium option, featuring nano-ceramic-infused PET film with even higher infrared rejection capabilities.
6. Add a matching windshield sun strip to your kit, choosing your method and film type.
7. Consider adding a tool kit, which contains all necessary tools for installing your window tint.
8. Include application fluid in your order. This slip solution is crucial for positioning the film during installation. It's available in concentrated 2-ounce bottles.

Final tips for tinting your Chevrolet Malibu windows

Based on our conversations with local police enforcement, we've gained valuable insights. Here's some essential advice:

1. Always have a pre-mixed soapy water solution ready in a spray bottle. It's needed at various stages during tinting.
2. When cutting tint, remember it's easier to trim excess than to start anew if you cut it too short. Always ensure you have sufficient material.
3. If you're in a windy area, try to work indoors. This prevents sand and debris from compromising the tint installation.
4. Before starting, check local regulations on window tinting to avoid fines and save both time and money.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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