Life hack: how to tint a Lada Priora car - materials and tools

The white Priora from AvtoVAZ is a sales leader in the domestic market

Lada Priora is one of the most popular Russian-made models, produced between 2007 and 2015. Since the beginning of 2009, this car has completely replaced the Lada 110 from production. The white Priora, a photo of which can be seen in the article, has become the most popular and best-selling model in the recent history of AvtoVAZ. Thanks to this color scheme, it became possible to make the car a sales leader. Oddly enough, it was the white palette that customers liked most of all. There was noticeable competition only with specimens made in black.

Nuances of choice: how to cover the rear and front windows of a car

Having decided on your attitude to GOST and its standards, you can proceed directly to choosing an option for yourself. Please note that the glass itself does not transmit 100% of the light (usually 90-95%). Before installation, it is advisable to take a small piece of material and check the total light penetration rate with the device.

Let's start with the "state employees". If finances are very limited, then you can even look towards Chinese film. Just don’t glue it yourself - you’ll suffer, use the services of pasters (you can then demand that the defects be eliminated from them). If you are consciously prepared for a short service life and gradual loss of color, this may be your option.

What changes in the interior awaited car enthusiasts?

The interior design has undergone major changes. Firstly, qualitatively new materials were used. For example, the manufacturer began to use soft-look plastic, which not only resembles natural leather, but is also extremely resistant to external influences. The linings on the interior trim of the doors and front panel are made from it.

Secondly, the dashboard and dashboard have changed for the better. Now the updated Lada Priora white boasts a 7-inch touch screen in the luxury version, which can be used to control music and navigation. But in budget versions, a screen is used on which the on-board computer readings are displayed. All expensive trim levels are equipped with modern climate control.

Thirdly, the appearance and design of the steering column has changed, it has become more modern and comfortable for the driver’s hands, and the seats in the 2015 Priora are also more comfortable and better.

Life hack: how to tint a Lada Priora car - materials and tools

Some of the benefits of car window tinting include:

• the air inside the car in hot weather does not heat up to too high a temperature;
• The brightness of the picture decreases, the eyes do not get tired of sunlight;
• interior elements do not fade;
• tinting will keep glass fragments together in the event of an accident;
• the oncoming car will not be able to dazzle with its headlights on;
• no need to think about passers-by or other drivers looking at your car;
• forgotten things will be hidden from the eyes of thieves, who will not be able to see anything;
• The air conditioner won’t have to be turned on at maximum power, so you won’t catch a cold.

Offered range of engines

As mentioned above, the white 2015 Priora pleased its owners with new engines of European design and production. Among the modern power units is the long-awaited 1.8 liter 4-cylinder engine, which allows it to produce 123 hp. This installation was equipped with a 16-valve DOHC timing system and a distributed fuel injection system.

Since the end of 2014, the Priora has also been equipped with a modernized 16-valve engine with a power of 106 hp. Its main change from the classic VAZ 98-horsepower engine is increased thrust due to dynamic inflation.

The third option that the white Priora is equipped with in the latest update is an engine with the factory name VAZ-21126, already used on this model since 2007. This is a classic four-stroke engine with 98 hp, recognized by many car enthusiasts as the most reliable, easy to maintain and perfect in the AvtoVAZ line.

Options and prices

The white “Priora” (see photo in the article) with restyling from 2015 had a rich design even in the “Norma” package, which included: an airbag only for the driver, height adjustment of the steering wheel, Isofix-type child seat fastening, electric windows for front windows, heated and electric mirrors, comfortable armrests, standard immobilizer and audio preparation, on-board computer, electric power steering wheel, central locking and simple alarm system. Agree, the equipment is high for a domestic car. In the “Lux” versions, the car’s functions were not inferior even to many European C-classes.

On average in Russia, a white Priora in 2015 is sold at 422 thousand rubles. Luxury configurations were offered for a respectable 550 thousand rubles.

Types of film

A modern car can be decorated using the following types of tint films:

• Colored. Can almost completely match the body color. It is glued in layers: the more there are, the less light transmission.
• Metallized. It is similar to a gradient, and the metal layer can be on the outside or inside. Such a surface easily reflects the sun's rays, but can reduce the quality of mobile communications because it interferes with the free transmission of radio signals.
• Infiniti. The outer part is coated with a layer of metal and also gets the best reviews. Does not reflect light well. The “picture” from the interior turns out to be quite pleasant and clear.
• Combined. This is a colored film coated with a layer of metal. The gradient with the transition from one color to another is more pronounced, and the film itself is quite practical. The dark part does not allow light to pass through, and the light part creates an overview.
• Spatternaya. This type is subject to little wear and tear, which is why marketers often describe it as “durable.” The cost of the material is high, but it looks very decent.
• Spatter-metallized. Another “hybrid” that gives a premium touch.
• Athermal blocks up to 90% of ultraviolet and infrared rays. This is achieved due to the peculiarity of the material - its outer layer is covered with nanoceramics.
• The “Chameleon” glass tinting for a Priora car has a purple tint, which will be combined with other colors when the temperature changes.
• Anti-vandal. They will hold the glass in place if it breaks.
• Carbon. Provides both strength and tinting of glass.

Types of Lada series cars

A common type of car in the Russian Federation is Lada Priora. The series is represented by 4 types:

• Lada Priora sedan (VAZ 2170);

Lada Priora station wagon (VAZ 2171);

Read also:  Priora fog lights (PTF): Connection diagram and do-it-yourself installation
• Lada Priora hatchback (VAZ 2172);
• Lada Priora coupe (VAZ 2173).

Standard equipment may include: power steering (power steering or electric power steering), one of two types of engine (16- or 8-valve engine), reinforced body (to increase the level of strength), airbags, fog lights, parking radar, electric windows (for doors), rain and light sensor, multimedia system, etc.

How to properly tune a car?

After purchasing a car, the thought always arises that it can be improved. For example, from such an inconspicuous car of the Priora series, tuning will make a very noticeable and pleasing to the eye model, which will be even more comfortable to use.

If you get down to business, you should start from the inside. Tuning the Priora engine can increase power (replacing the engine with a more powerful one), reduce overall fuel consumption, increase efficiency, eliminate driving discomfort (over time, extraneous sounds begin to appear under the hood) and much more.

Tuning the trunk is also not difficult. To update the appearance of the car, you can install a new rear bumper, change the rear brake lights, install external suspension, fender liners, etc. As for the front bumper, if the Priora hatchback car is white, the best option would be to install a white Tokyo bumper " It will look great, giving the appearance of the car some aggressiveness, which will attract attention.

When tuning the Lada Priora, you should focus on the lighting. This simple and inexpensive upgrade will make night driving an unforgettable experience. Depending on the color of the body, it is worth selecting suitable lighting, which is recommended to be installed under the external suspension of the car. Details such as an air intake and various types of stickers will also emphasize the excellent taste of the car owner.

Tuning the Lada Priora will become much more noticeable if you change the factory wheels, since simple wheels will not fit into the updated version of the car. In this case, in order to do everything to the highest standard and with the appropriate quality, you will have to fork out money. Tuning a Priora with your own hands would be inappropriate, since good wheels are one of the keys to safety on the road.

Despite the fact that the factory quality of the body is very good, tuning the Priora hatchback will still add additional strength. When making a large-scale update, you should not take strengthening lightly. There will be a choice here: let the craftsmen do everything (this is much faster, but it will hit your pocket hard), or you can strengthen it yourself (this is cheaper, but will take much longer).

ARG-XM › Blog › Do-it-yourself car tinting: step-by-step instructions

1) Items that will be needed for car window tinting.
- Rubber spatula (for smoothing the surface of the film on the glass) - industrial hair dryer (for heating the tint and eliminating bubbles and folds under it) - tape (for separating the film) - a clean dry rag - a container with a water spray (for wetting the tint).

2) Preparation for work

Fill the spray bottle with clean water and add 5-10 drops of detergent (liquid soap or shampoo). Shake the container until the detergent is completely dissolved. This solution will be needed to clean dirty stains from glass. It is also needed for the film to stick to the glass. Prepare a clean workplace, including the salon. After all, dust located nearby causes the formation of small bubbles, which may later appear under the film. Select a flat, wide place where the tint will be cut to fit the glass. Cut the film along the contour of the glass

3) Method of separating the tint film from the protective layer

At this stage we will need some tape. To avoid creasing the edges of the tint, the tape must be attached to its two opposite sides and at the same time spread apart, as shown in the figure.

4) Tinting of side windows

Spray the cleaner onto the glass, wait 2 minutes, remove the cleaner using a rubber spatula using the movements shown in the figure. Lower the glass 2-3 cm and clean the edge of the glass.

Spray filtered water generously onto the glass. If there is not enough water, the tint will be difficult to move across the glass surface.

Gradually peel off the protective film layer and apply water using a spray bottle.

Begin attaching the tint with the inner layer as the protective layer peels off. Be extremely careful.

After you have completely fixed the film on the glass, moisten it with water again and begin to smooth the surface with a rubber spatula to remove excess water, as shown in the figure. The wet surface ensures uniform and smooth sliding of the spatula over the film, without scratches.

Once 2/3 of the film is completely attached to the glass, lift it and make sure that the edges of the film fit into the grooves of the glass frame without peeling.

Separate the remaining 1/3 of the tint from the protective layer in the same way, and moistening it with plenty of water, fix the film on the glass, evenly smoothing the surface with a rubber spatula.

If you have minor bubbles or folds on a flat surface, as you move the spatula, direct a stream of hot air from a construction (industrial) hair dryer onto the glass. Afterwards, smooth the area with a rubber spatula. Hold the hair dryer in one position for no more than 5-10 seconds, otherwise the film will “shrink” and you will have to repeat it all over again. Move the spatula from the “center” to the “edge” of the glass, as shown in the figure. This way you will be able to remove all air bubbles.

Tinting the rear window

1 Inspect the rear window for bulges and irregularities. Such defects could form over time in places where electric heating filaments are laid. The tint film will only be securely attached to a flat surface;

3 start attaching the film from the top of the glass. Wet the glass generously. Separating the protective film from the main one by about 1/3, moisten the working surface of the film. Separate the protective film by another 1/3, generously moisten the glass and the working surface with the film. Attach the film to the glass; 4 repeat for the remaining 1/3 of the film and also secure. 5 While the surfaces are wet, the film is movable, you can adjust its position relative to the glass. If adjustments are necessary, moisten the outer surface of the film generously; finally fix the film using smoothing movements with a spatula according to the drawing;

Useful tips

If the bend of the rear window does not allow you to evenly fasten the film in one piece, you can fasten it in 2-3 overlapping strips; The strips need to be glued from top to bottom, followed by cutting through the film at the overlap. Remove the top and bottom strips of the cut film, moisten the surface of the film generously and smooth it with a spatula;

Interior improvements

After changing the surface appearance of the car, you should also tackle its interior design. Tuning the interior of a Lada, like all cars, can take a lot of time, but the result is worth it.

Inside, you can choose the color scheme to suit your taste. It is advisable to do the tinting in the same color as the interior. Standard seats can be replaced with sports ones. They will give the car the atmosphere of a sports car. But you can do it cheaper without wasting too much money. To change the internal atmosphere in the car, the best option would be to do the interior trim of the Priora yourself. This approach will save money, but this work will be very painstaking.

It is worth paying attention to the multimedia system, since the standard one does not always satisfy the owner’s requirements.

Having selected and installed the appropriate option, you should pay attention to the fact that updating the security system will be very useful (complex anti-hacking mechanisms).

By leaving your “iron horse” unattended on the street for some time, having previously installed a loud alarm, you don’t have to worry about theft, since this precaution works flawlessly in 90% of cases.

Simple details will very clearly highlight the interior design of the Lada. For example, a simple braid for the steering wheel will not only be an excellent accessory, but will also save the car owner from such a disadvantage as a slippery steering wheel. The ribbed surface of the braid will allow you to feel the “steering wheel” much better, and the corresponding color scheme will be in perfect harmony with the internal design.

Excellent tuning of the Priora’s interior will contribute to the excellent mood of the car owner, especially if all this is done with one’s own hands and at no extra cost. Changing the design inside a car differs from interior modifications in that it can be improved manually without spending exorbitant amounts of money.

Permissible percentages

In addition to its beautiful appearance, tinting also has a practical component. In the event of an accident or a stone hitting the glass, it will not shatter into small pieces with the risk of injuring passengers. The film (but not every one) will protect from ultraviolet radiation and direct sunlight. Some films will help reduce the temperature in the cabin by several degrees, and keep you warm in cold weather.

The degree of shading of the tint is measured as a percentage. The lower the number, the darker the film. With a light transmission of 50-100%, it is almost impossible to determine the presence of tint by eye. According to current legislation, you have the right to use 75% of the film or lighter for the windshield, and 70% or more for the front side windows (no one can see it). Therefore, “by law” it makes sense to glue only a transparent athermal film to the front windows, which will at least protect from the sun and heat. It is allowed to place a dark stripe at the top of the windshield, but such tinting is allowed to be placed at a height of no wider than 14 cm.

Tinting films with a low percentage of light transmission not only protect the car from prying eyes, but also significantly impair visibility at night

Rear windows can be tinted at your discretion, only mirror films are not allowed. 5, 10 and 15 percent darkness will not allow you to see anything in the car. At 20-35%, silhouettes can already be distinguished. Please note that it will also be worse to see from the inside (especially at night and with cheap films).

These standards are regulated by GOST 5727-88 and certain conditions are required to verify compliance:

• air temperature from -10 to +35 degrees;
• humidity not higher than 80%;
• taumeter (measuring device) with documents and seal.

Consider not only the beauty of appearance, but also compliance with the current norms of the Code of Administrative Offenses

The penalty is 500 rubles until a new law is adopted. Rooms will not be removed for such a violation. Tricks with removable tinting do not exempt you from responsibility. Therefore, if you are caught with dark windows, it doesn’t matter whether the “shooting” is glued all around or only a couple of front windows are glued, you will still have to pay.

Smart electronics

When tuning a Priora sedan or hatchback, a very useful addition will be the installation of an on-board computer that displays data from the engine. It will allow you to control the behavior of the car and, in case of problems, will signal the owner of the car about problems that have arisen. This is done by installing special small sensors throughout the machine.

A GPS navigator will be very useful. With its help, you can easily create a more convenient route.

At the same time, the chances of getting lost in an unfamiliar area are significantly reduced, since the maps loaded into the device are constantly updated.

The DVR will help you avoid unpleasant incidents. By recording all events on camera, the driver additionally provides himself with protection (if he does not violate traffic rules). In the event of incidents (accidents) where the car owner is not at fault, the registrar will become a witness confirming the innocence of the car owner.

There are two significant disadvantages:

1. Problems with traffic police inspectors who will measure light transmittance, even if the tinting is normal and the driver has nothing to fear - constant attention on their part is tiring.
2. It is quite difficult to navigate in the dark, especially when reversing.

But for many owners, tinted windows have become a permanent attribute of their favorite car, which is updated time after time after its service life has expired, because without tinted windows it becomes completely uncomfortable. However, you should approach the issue carefully so as not to experience frequent problems with traffic police inspectors.