Expats rush to tint car windows

"Tinting the panes of my car is not spurred by any desire to acquire a 'status symbol', but driven purely by the comfort dividends that shaded glass yield," said Anil Mathur, who is among the first batch of motorists who rushed to an automobile upholstery shop to get the job done. It is of particular benefit to motorists who make frequent inter-emirate travel, he said.

"Tinting serves to reduce strain from glare and radiation during summer months, protects the interiors of the car from the severity of the sun, and above all lends an element of comfort and privacy," he said.

According to shopowners undertaking upholstery works, the surge in demand from motorists for tinting the vehicles, has led to a spurt in the service charges, that range from as low as Dh50 to Dh130 per vehicle. The job is done in less than 40 minutes, and the price range varies depending on the quality of the material used, the products finding favour coming from countries that include the US, Germany and China.

"Most of my customers prefer tinting to the extent of 15 per cent, although the law permits a percentage of 30 per cent for expatriates," said Bashir Ali, who has been busy handling on an average 25 clients on a daily basis over the last five days.

Heavier tinting may cause a mood of depression, particularly during the winter season, as it precludes the 'cheer and health' that natural sunrays bring, he said.

"Going by the rush, I am tempted to think that those who have untinted glass may soon be marked for exclusivity," remarked Mustafa Jehangir, a mechanic with a workshop at the industrial suburb of Mussaffah. He also believes that technology will soon make strides to give the motorists the option of switching over between the tinted and non-tinted modes, to suit the moods of the hot and cold seasons, or even the ruling weather of the day.

The shopowners were unable to give an account of the durability of the product, which may be sullied by scratches, vagaries of weather and frequent washdowns during servicing of the vehicles.

"We hope it is business with recurring benefits," is the fond hope he expressed, as he hurried to paste the tint shades on the vehicle of a customer-in-waiting.