Winter can be a tricky time of year for driving, and not just because of the challenges that come with snow and ice. With less leaves on the trees to filter out some of the direct sunlight, you are also likely dealing with more glaring rays than usual!
Luckily, there are several things you can do to minimize glare until the arrival of spring foliage!
1. Wear Polarized Sunglasses
Most of us own at least one pair of convenience store sunglasses that cost less than a cup of coffee. Unfortunately, these are not the glasses that are going to give you the best glare protection. Sunglasses that have been polarized are often used by those who enjoy water sports or fishing, due to their ability to filter harsh rays reflected off the water. They are actually quite effective during many outdoor (daytime) activities and may keep you from squinting so hard that you can’t see the road in front of you.
2. Clean Your Windshield
The squeegees and cleaner at gas stations make cleaning your windshield pretty easy if you use them every time you fill up, which you should. While the dust and dirt that gradually accumulates on your glass may not seem like a big deal, it tends to become much more obvious and detrimental once the sun is shining on it! Do yourself a favor and strive to keep your windshield clear, not opaque.
3. Fix Any Chips or Cracks in Your Windshield
In addition to being clean, your windshield should also be smooth and free of imperfections. Not only do chips and cracks make your glass structurally less safe, but the sunlight bouncing off of all of the broken edges has the potential to create some serious glare. Don’t take the risk! If your windshield is suffering, give us a call today!
4. Avoid Shiny Objects On the Dash
There are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t drive with objects cluttering your dashboard, i.e. those are the things that will fly into your face in the event of a crash. Another big reason to keep it clear is that shiny objects will create (you guessed it) even more glare for your eyeballs to navigate through on your morning and evening commutes. If your dashboard is naturally shiny, you may want to invest in a dash cover of some sort, which will also help cut glare.
5. Sun Visor
While using the sun visor that came with your vehicle is definitely recommended in bright sunlight, sometimes their solidity can prove counterproductive. If you’re sick of being forced to choose between shards of light piercing your eyes and pulling your visor all the way down and not being able to see at all, it may be time to invest in an additional, different sun visor. Many online and brick and mortar stores carry visors made of translucent plastic, which help to filter out harsh rays without obscuring your vision altogether.
Too many accidents occur because of drivers’ inability to see past sun glare. Keep yourself and your loved ones safe by making sure that your vision is as clear as possible, every time you drive!
From all of us at Quick-Set Auto Glass, drive safely out there!
