What changes from one tint quote to the next?
Almost everything except the word “tint”. Before comparing totals, check whether two quotes cover the same film, the same windows, the same prep and the same warranty, because each of those moves the price on its own.
| What differs | Why it changes the price | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Film type | Ceramic film is sold as the upgrade and rejects more heat than dyed | Which film line and shade code? |
| Windows counted | Rear quarters, extended side glass and the back glass add pieces | Which windows, by name? |
| Glass shape | Steep, curved rear glass takes longer to shrink and fit | Does complex rear glass change the price? |
| Old film | Removal is extra labour before new film goes on | Is removal included? |
| Cutting | A plotter cuts to the exact model, so no blade touches the glass or trim; hand cutting doesn’t | How is the film cut? |
| Warranty | A lifetime term backed by the film maker is worth more than a short one | Whose warranty, for how long, covering what? |
How much of the price difference comes from the film?
A lot, and the spec sheet shows what the extra money buys. LLumar’s performance data sheet measures each film on 6 mm clear glass, and the gap between dyed ATC and nano-ceramic IRX at the same nominal shade is large.
| Shade sold | ATC: measured light / total solar energy rejected | IRX: measured light / total solar energy rejected |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | 5% / 44% | 6% / 62% |
| 15% | 18% / 40% | 20% / 59% |
| 35% | 38% / 35% | 39% / 54% |
| 50% | 60% / 28% | 54% / 50% |
On infrared energy rejection, the sheet’s fuller heat measure, ATC sits at 22% and IRX at 59–61%. That’s the difference you pay for. Brookswood Tint’s starting prices are in ATC; IRX and the near-clear AIR are upgrades priced per package.
The table also shows a quieter source of confusion: the number in a film’s name is a product code. ATC 50 measures 60% light transmission, so a “50%” quote from one brand and a “50%” from another may not be the same darkness.
Why do quotes count windows differently?
Because “rear windows” isn’t a fixed list. A sedan has two rear doors and a back glass, some have small quarter windows, SUVs add extended side glass and a hatch, and a quote that leaves one out looks cheaper.
Brookswood Tint names the windows in each package:
| Package | Windows | From (ATC) |
|---|---|---|
| Coupe, rear glass | Three: the two rear quarter windows and the back glass | $220 |
| Sedan or pickup, rear glass | Five: two rear doors, any rear quarters, and the back glass or slider | $240 |
| Full-size SUV or wagon, rear glass | Seven: rear doors, quarters, the extended side windows and the hatch | $260 |
A quote with no window list can’t be compared to one with a list. Ask for the names.
Does a cheaper quote cover the front windows or windshield?
If it covers the front side windows, or the windshield below its top 75 mm, it’s quoting film that isn’t road-legal in BC. Section 7.05(8) of the Motor Vehicle Act Regulations allows film only on the windshield’s top 75 mm, side windows behind the driver, and the rear window when the car has mirrors on both sides. No film of any shade is allowed on the front side windows, and that includes clear film.
The shop lists front doors from $140 ($160 on a full-size SUV or pickup) and a full windshield from $200 because it installs them on request, and it explains the risk before anyone decides. A tint ticket under the fines regulation is $109, or $84 paid within 30 days, and police can add a Notice & Order requiring removal and an inspection. A quote that includes front film without saying any of this is leaving something out.
What does a lifetime warranty add to a tint price?
It adds a promise someone has to pay for if the film fails. LLumar backs its tint with a manufacturer’s lifetime limited warranty, and its FAQ says that if the colour changes, LLumar would remove the film and install new tint at no extra charge; certain restrictions apply, and the dealer has the details.
At Brookswood Tint the lifetime term covers the film and the workmanship. A cheaper quote may carry a shorter term, a warranty from the installer only, or none. Ask who stands behind it and whether it’s in writing.
How do you compare tint quotes fairly?
Put them on the same footing: same film class, same named windows, same removal, same warranty. Then the totals mean something.
The full checklist for choosing a shop is in how to choose a tint or PPF shop, and the trade-offs between dealer, mobile and shop installs are in dealer tint vs a tint shop and mobile tint vs shop tint. Whether ceramic is worth the step up is answered in is ceramic window tint worth it.
Brookswood Tint’s prices are published on window tint pricing. For a quote on your car, send the year, make, model and the film you’re considering through the tint quote form, or text 604 534 6433.
