I recently test drove a GT Line and noticed something interesting. The rear windows and rear windshield seem much darker compared to the front ones. It was a sunny day, and I found it hard to see out of the rearview mirror because of the darkness. It limited my visibility a lot. So I’m curious, are those rear windows and the rear windshield factory tinted? Has anyone else had similar experiences with rear visibility in the GT Line? I’d appreciate any thoughts on this. Thank you!
Yes, the windows come tinted like that from the factory. Rear visibility isn’t the best, but the backup camera is really useful.
Shay said:
Yes, the windows come tinted like that from the factory. Rear visibility isn’t the best, but the backup camera is really useful.
I have a question, can you use the backup camera when driving? I love using my backup camera in my Tesla for better views of blind spots. Does Kia offer that?
@Bo
I assumed this button would activate the cameras while driving, but I’ve only tried it during a test drive. Does it turn off above 10 mph?
@Bo
Thanks for the info!
@Bo
Thanks for the details, but I still really want one!
@Bo
In the UK, you can activate the rear camera at any speed. I find it helpful in heavy traffic or low visibility.
Don’t you get side camera views when you signal? That’s what I mostly use for better visibility.
Zorion said:
Don’t you get side camera views when you signal? That’s what I mostly use for better visibility.
Yeah, and the sensors plus the HUD display on the GT Line make a big difference.
I faced a similar issue after getting my GT Line. It turns out the dealer or manufacturer hadn’t cleaned the inside of the rear window, which was covered in black dust. After cleaning, it was better, though still not perfect.
In my opinion, it’s not that dark at all. I haven’t had visibility problems with it. For me, it feels just right. Maybe yours needs a cleaning?
I didn’t have any problems during my test drive of the GT Line, and I actually like the tinted back windows. I can’t remember if there was a camera for the rear window or just a regular mirror.
The factory tint isn’t very dark. Maybe the car you tested had a darker tint added? I worry more about the limited visibility through the rear windshield compared to my old car than about the light tint.
@Jean
That could be true. Since this was a used car and not from a Kia dealer, I guess the knowledge about its features is limited.
Yes, it is definitely factory tinted, but since the rearview mirror doesn’t deflect headlights, that tint helps a lot. I haven’t noticed it being an issue for visibility. As others have said, the backup camera is really good, and when driving, I don’t feel the need to see behind me clearly.
Did you try using the rearview mirror in camera mode?
Amir said:
Did you try using the rearview mirror in camera mode?
No, I didn’t do that during my test drive.
That’s how my car is too. It’s just the design of it.
I live in LA, so the bright weather has never been an issue for me. The sensors and blind spot warnings really help. I do a quick check in the rear and side mirrors, then glance at the dashboard for blind spot warnings. After that, I feel safe switching lanes.
I mostly use the rearview mirror to check on what my kids are doing in the back seat.