How To Tint Windows of the Ford Ranger?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

Updated: November 15, 2023

Ford Ranger window tinting is more than just an aesthetic choice; it's a practical decision with multiple advantages. Firstly, it helps keep the Ranger's cabin cooler on warm days by reducing the amount of heat entering the vehicle, ensuring a more comfortable driving experience.

Additionally, window tinting shields against the sun's glare. Every driver knows the challenge of being blinded by sunlight, which can distract and create hazardous driving conditions. Tinting mitigates this issue by limiting sun rays' penetration, thereby enhancing safety and visibility.

Beyond its functional benefits, high-quality window tinting also elevates the appearance of your Ford Ranger. It also offers privacy, preventing onlookers from peering into your vehicle.

Continue reading our article to discover more about tinting your vehicle.

Key Takeaways:

• Window tinting for the Ford Ranger offers benefits like cooler interior temperatures, reduced sun glare, improved aesthetics, and enhanced privacy.
• The cost of tinting varies based on the vehicle type, with pickup trucks like the Ranger potentially costing up to $400.
• Factors influencing tinting cost include the type of film used, the chosen workshop, and the specific window shapes and types in the Ford Ranger.
• It's important to consider legal regulations, select the right tinting film based on light transmission and manufacturer quality, and prepare properly for the tinting process.

How much does it cost to tint Ford Ranger's windows?

Entrusting your Ford Ranger to professionals for window tinting is often the best choice. Experts in tinting will handle the job efficiently: you drive in your truck, and in a few hours, you can drive away with tinted windows.

This service does come at a cost. To get a professional result, be prepared to spend a fair amount.

The tinting cost varies depending on the number of windows, location, and shape. However, the approximate cost for tinting a pickup truck like the Ford Ranger is as follows:

Trucks

The cost of tinting depends on the truck type: the number of doors and windows influences the price. For a standard 2-door pickup truck like the Ford Ranger, expect to pay around $350-400 for the service.

What Affects Ford Ranger's Windows Tinting Cost?

Remember that the tinting cost is influenced by the model year and trim of the Ford Ranger along with various other factors.

• The type of film used. Composition, manufacturer, light transmission - all these factors affect the final price of tinting.
• Don't skimp on the cost of tinting film as it impacts visibility and your safety on the road;
• The workshop you choose. Prices can vary based on the expertise and skills of the professionals.
• However, a higher price doesn't always guarantee better quality, and a lower price doesn't necessarily mean poor work;
• The shape and type of windows in the Ford Ranger. Non-standard window shapes or segmented windows may cost more due to increased effort and time required for tinting.

If you decide to tint the windows yourself, you can save money, paying only for materials and film. This DIY approach might cost up to $100, but requires patience and skill.

Is it legal to tint windows of the Ford Ranger?

Before starting the tinting process, it's crucial to comply with your state's laws. Laws on tinting vary: some states have maximum permissible tint percentages, others have stricter rules, and some allow tinting with fewer restrictions. However, tinting the windshield is typically prohibited due to its impact on visibility. Always ensure your tinting is within legal bounds.

Allowed Window Tint In Different States

State	Front Sides	Rear Sides	Rear Window	Windshield
AL	32%	32%	32%	6"
AK	70%	40%	30%	5"
AZ	33%	ANY	ANY	AS1
AR	25%	25%	10%	5"
CA	70%	ANY	ANY	4"
CO	27%	27%	27%	4"
CT	35%	35%	ANY	AS1
DE	70%	ANY	ANY	AS1
DC	70%	50%	50%	5"/AS1
FL	28%	15%	15%	AS1
GA	32%	32%	32%	6"
HI	32%	35%	35%	70% light
ID	35%	20%	35%	AS1
IL	35%	35%	35%	6"
IN	30%	30%	30%	AS1
IA	70%	ANY	ANY	AS1
KS	35%	35%	35%	AS1
KY	35%	18%	18%	AS1
LA	40%	25%	12%	AS1
ME	35%	ANY	ANY	4"
MD	35%	35%	35%	5"
MA	35%	35%	35%	6"
MI	4"	ANY	ANY	4"
MN	50%	50%	50%	NONE
MS	28%	28%	28%	AS1
MO	35%	ANY	ANY	AS1
MT	24%	14%	14%	AS1
NE	35%	20%	20%	5"/AS1
NV	35%	ANY	ANY	AS1
NH	NONE	35%	35%	6"
NJ	NONE	ANY	ANY	NONE
NM	20%	20%	20%	5"/AS1
NY	70%	70%	ANY	6"
NC	35%	35%	35%	AS1
ND	50%	ANY	ANY	<70%
OH	50%	ANY	ANY	<70%
OK	25%	25%	25%	5"/AS1
OR	35%	35%	35%	6"
PA	70%	70%	70%	NONE
RI	70%	70%

How do you choose a window tint for the Ford Ranger?

If you decide to tint the Ford Ranger, you can choose which film to use. When selecting a product, consider several factors:

- Light transmission capacity. Tinting film is designed to block the sun's rays from entering the Ranger's interior, and each film handles this differently. Films vary in light transmission levels, where 100% is the maximum transmission (almost invisible film), and 0% is the darkest film.

Choose a film that maintains visibility and consider driving conditions like night, rain, fog, and other challenging weather. A film that hampers visibility in daylight is not advisable as it can affect your reaction time. Opt for a tint level that shields you from the sun without compromising safety.

- Manufacturer and price. Avoid the cheapest films as they may compromise visibility and have other disadvantages like fading, peeling, and tearing. Choose a product that offers the best price-quality ratio. Seek advice from experienced individuals and read reviews.

Shop From Amazon

How do you tint the Ford Ranger?

Tinting windows is a detailed process. Here's what you need to know to achieve a great result.

What do you need to tint the Ford Ranger's windows?

• Window cleaner;
• Microfiber cloth;
• Window cleaning blade;
• Sprayer (pulverizer);
• Soap solution;
• Sharp blade;
• Tinting film;
• Plastic spatula;
• Heat gun (optional).

Clean your Ranger's windows

Start by cleaning the Ranger's windows. Use a window cleaner and a microfiber cloth to remove dirt and contaminants. Rinse and wipe the windows until they're clear.

Remove the old tint film

If your Ranger is already tinted, remove the old film before applying a new one. Don't overlay new film on old, as this affects adhesion and overall quality.

To remove the old film, heat it with a heat gun and peel from the edges, or use a blade to lift and scrape it off. Be careful not to damage the glass.

After removal, clean off any residual glue. Use a metal scraper cautiously or apply a chemical like anti-silicone or carburetor cleaner, then wipe the window clean.

Caution! Use chemicals in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety guidelines due to their strong odors and toxicity.

Prepare the tinting film

Identify the protective layer of the film. It should face you during application. Separate the film into its dark tint and transparent parts, with the transparent layer facing outward.

Prepare a soap solution

Mix water and liquid soap in a container and pour the solution into a sprayer for easy application during the tinting process.

Cut out the necessary shape from the tinting film

Before beginning, remember that the tinting film is applied to the interior side of the glass, but measured and cut using the exterior. When cutting the film, it will be applied in a mirror-like fashion.

So, let's start tinting the Ford Ranger.

Apply a soapy solution to the outside of the window where the tint will be applied

Proper surface preparation is crucial. Apply a soapy solution to the outer surface of the window where the tint will be applied. This step ensures proper adhesion and helps prevent air bubbles, resulting in a smooth finish.

Place the tinting film on the glass and spread it with a plastic spatula or card

Important: Ensure the transparent layer of the tinting film faces you. If not, you'll need to redo the process.

Use a knife to cut the tint to the shape of the glass

Trim the excess tinting film with a blade. Cut the film to match the shape of the glass, leaving about 1 inch on each side (top, bottom, and sides).

Adapt the shape of the film to your glass

Adjust the film to the left edge by 1 inch, then trim the right edge. Leave about 1/2 inch of extra film on each side.

Lower the window slightly to trim the top edge using the window as a guide. Ensure about 1/2 inch of excess film on each side.

Cut off excess film in the corners, rounding them to avoid contact with the window when closing.

Prepare the inside of the window glass

Thoroughly clean the interior side of the glass and apply a generous amount of soapy solution.

Remove the protective (transparent) layer from the tinting film

Carefully separate the protective layer from the tint, being mindful of the adhesive underneath. Once removed, immediately wet the adhesive side with soapy solution to prevent dust and dirt from sticking.

Place the tinting film on the inner surface of the glass

Attach the film, adhesive side down, to the interior glass. Flatten it evenly, ensuring no gaps. Adjust carefully as the soapy solution allows for repositioning.

Tip: Leave a small margin at the top to prevent damage from the rubber seal.

Smooth out the film and remove excess water

Once the film is evenly attached, use a spatula or card to squeeze out water from beneath the film. Ensure no water or air bubbles remain for a flawless appearance.

Repeat these steps for all windows

For a consistent and professional result, repeat these steps with the same attention to detail on all windows of your Ford Ranger.