Top-of-dash reflection in windshield

[mwr]

Driving into the sun, I find the reflection in the windshield of the sunlight on the top of the dash to be annoying at best, dangerous at worst. When approaching a shaded area, it can actually be blinding, meaning that I can't see anything in that soon-to-be-entered shaded area. I don't recall this in any other of my cars, probably because the windshield wasn't so "sloped" but was more vertical.

 

Never fear, a fix is here :-) I had been driving without sunglasses since before I got my FFH (end of October) because I broke them and hadn't replaced them. Today I got a new pair of clip-on polarized sunglasses and lo-and-behold, the polarization eliminated all or almost all of that reflection.

Edited January 12, 2016 by mwr

[jeffo65]

I have seen no reflection.

[Easy Rider]

This is why the dashboards in almost all vehicles (with slanted windshields) these days are BLACK.

The reflection in the window is much less.

I HATE black dashboards.

[mwr]

This is why the dashboards in almost all vehicles (with slanted windshields) these days are BLACK.

The reflection in the window is much less.

I HATE black dashboards.

I assumed that's why it's black. I was surprised to see the reflection because of the black but there it's there anyway, It would be worse if it were a lighter color.

[ceilidhdog]

Haven't noticed any reflection in my 2013 FFH SE.

[hermans]

Depends on the angle of the sun. I've had this with every car I have ever owned.

[GrySql]

Since I had the windshield tinted with Air Blue 80 this issue is greatly reduced.

[hybridbear]

I usually drive with polarized sunglasses when it's sunny outside and haven't noticed much reflection, but I have seen it somewhat and I know what you mean. It was much worse in a previous car we had with a tan dash.

[acdii]

Don't use any of those "protectants" that can leave a sheen. Unknown if yours was detailed, but the MKT was detailed by the previous dealer and they used that slick crap protectant on everything and it left a sheen on the dash that reflected in the glass. I took Armor All cleaner(This stuff is now very hard to find in a spray bottle) and a microfiber cloth and wiped everything down, and no longer have a reflection. That and the dash is leather, so you never use that crap on leather. I rubbed it clean with Lexol, which leave no residue or shine. My HyTi was never "detailed" so never had that problem. I just wipe it all down with the cleaner, and use Meguiers detailer as a follow up, it leaves no residue or shine on the dash. I believe there are some protectants that are flat, which might help if its still a problem.

[Cobra348]

Drivig into the sun, I find the reflection in the windshield of the sunlight on the top of the dash to be annoying at best, dangerous at worst. When approaching a shaded area, it can actuallu be blinding, meaning that I can't see anything in that soon-to-be-entered shaded area. I don't recall this in any other of my cars, probably because the windshield wan't so "sloped" but was more vetical.

 

Never fear, a fix is here :-) I had been driving without sunglasses since before I got my FFH (end of October) because I broke them and hadn't replaced them. Today I got a new pair of clip-on polarized sunglasses and lo-and-behold, the polarization eliminated all or almost all of that rellection.

Some Fiesta owners have gone so far as to get a large piece of cloth and fasten velcro to it and the dash in critical spots. Then fasten the material down and the glare is gone. Easily detached and tossed into the washer for cleaning. May not look the best, but it works.

 

Me? If it gets bad, clip on the shades and continue.

[GrySql]

My car was 'sealed' inside and out before delivery and whatever they used left a flat, dry coating. I never saw much glare.

I also think it is one reason I have never had much problem with the inside of the windows getting dirty or collecting moisture.

Since September, all 10 windows, windshield included, are tinted with Air Blue 80 tint so glare is not an issue.

[shaggy314]

Since tinting, I get a bad dash reflection of the chrome vent outlines in BOTH side mirrors... going to black them out with matte black tape.

[acdii]

Mirrors are so underated, just yank em off. :)

[JonL]

Glad the polarized glasses help for you.

I bought my 2013 used from a dealer. They had detailed it and put a treatment on the dash that made it very shiny and reflective.

I had them remove it but still had some sheen.

I got a good leather protectant and put it on myself. Nice matte finish now. Still a little reflection but tolerable.

It is kind of spooky to drive into a shadow on a country road and not be able to see anything.

One thing I am going to try if it is still problematic in the spring is to get a piece of cloth or felt and sew on a couple of hooks to hitch to the dash.

 

People have commented that their dash was black. Mine is dark grey, not black.

Edited January 19, 2016 by JonL

[sschnath]

My car was 'sealed' inside and out before delivery and whatever they used left a flat, dry coating. I never saw much glare.

I also think it is one reason I have never had much problem with the inside of the windows getting dirty or collecting moisture.

Since September, all 10 windows, windshield included, are tinted with Air Blue 80 tint so glare is not an issue.

 

GrySql, Did you ever find out what the dealer used for "sealing" the dash? I've noticed my dash getting shinier and with the sun at certain angles now I can be blinded by the glare to the point where it's extremely dangerous.

 

I saw some of the other posts regarding leather protectant and may end up going that route but you since mentioned you get a lot less film on the inside of your windows and my windows get grimy pretty quickly I thought it might be worth trying out if you happened to know what it is.

[Cobra348]

n/m ...

Edited November 6, 2017 by Cobra348

[Cooling Tower Guy]

I had the same issue with my 2013 since new. I ended up buying a custom fit dash cover, light gray in color. It's just as bad if not worse than the black dash but I got over it. At least the dash is protected from the sun.