Dashboard-Windshield Reflection Issues & Solutions

[ChicksHateMe]

I read a few posts that touch on the subject, but none that really focused on it. It's the only real problem I had within days of driving it off the lot. In all the test drives I took, I never saw the problem until after the purchase.

Here's one thread called "coffin" that touches on it and it's the only one that came up when I searched on dashboard reflection.

http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/11728-coffin.html

Please add your experience and solutions too, to help me, and others....

I searched, and asked for solutions and here's what I read or found.

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DASH MAT
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I forget exactly where I first saw or read about this, but I searched and found one for a 2012 Sonic at a good price on Amazon. I searched and saw the MFG number was the same for any year, so I ordered it.

I'm not really keen on the Idea of putting a toupee on my dashboard, but I haven't tried it yet, so I will hold judgement until I do.

I wondered if others have tried them, or if they have a use other than blocking the reflection of the dash onto the windshield.


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POLARIZED SUNGLASSES
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I asked for a solution to this reflection issue in the "Coffin" thread, and here's the reply I got.

Sunglasses with polarized lenses.

I think I heard something like this before too. I can't remember, I am getting old. And to be honest, I didn't believe this would work. After all, I already had 2 pairs of sunglasses and regular glasses I never wear. I tried my sunglasses and they didn't help.

Well, today I picked up a $20.00 pair of "Polarized" ones and WOW! It worked!! It was magical. I'm not really a fan of wearing jewelery, glasses, etc... But at least there's a solution. Sorry I didn't listen to MaddMatts sooner.

I wish I had tried these before I ordered the Dash Mat for $41.00. Ah well, I will still try the dash mat and give a review.


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TINTED WINDSHIELD
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I was looking into this as another option. I may still look into it so I don't have to always wear the sunglasses.

I haven't gotten too far into it, but I want to explore whether it would work or not. If people have done it, and it works, can you give some details?

Is there such a thing as polarized tint?


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DASHBOARD MOD - PAINT
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My dash is a two-tone Black and Grey. The light grey shows in the reflection worse than the black. But I don't think painting the grey part black would help. I still see the grill from the air exhausts to defrost the windshield and the "coffin".

 

[ChicksHateMe]

Here are some pics I took of what I see....

The second one stands out the most to me.

With the right angle for the sun you get the reflection, and with dark areas in front of you, it makes it even worse.

 

[sonic13rs]

Yep, this bugs me also. I wear thick glasses (that turn dark in sun light) but I still see the vents.

 

[SuperFudd]

They must be polarized.

 

[SuperSonicRS]

Wow that's terrible. My all black dash I can still barely see the vent and coffin.

I think getting the windshield tint would probably work best. My tint shop said it would be $100. I'm going to go back and get it in 70% to cut out the glare but still see at night.

But with the tint you will not be able to wear polarized glasses.

 

[ChicksHateMe]

Yep, this bugs me also. I wear thick glasses (that turn dark in sun light) but I still see the vents.

They must be polarized.

As SuperFudd said, they have to be polarized. My regular ole sunglasses did nothing.

I was in a local pharmacy and saw some cheapo $20.00 ones and got a pair. They do work great, but I don't really want to wear them. I want to find another solution.

Right next to the pair I bought though, were some clip-on polarized lenses, but whereas your glasses automatically turn dark, these might not work well with your current glasses. They're cheap enough to try though. Just keep the receipt

 

[ChicksHateMe]

Wow that's terrible.

Did you mean the pictures? If so, I am surprised at how well it does show with a camera shot. I wasn't sure it would even come through that well.

I've actually been researching for "Polarized Windshield" and found some posts on polarized film, but nothing really good yet. Seems like a conflict with tinting and the law on windshields. There were some places mentioning a film, but I haven't found anything the looks like it works for the masses yet.

This same problem is talked about on a lot of vehicles too, so the Sonic is not alone.

I have a dash mat coming this week, but I don't know if I will like it. I am trying to think of something to put on the dash that actually dulls it, to reduce reflections rather than make it shine, like Armor-all.

I bugs me so much I've even considered carpet freshener to act like a "fake dust". ha ha. I wouldn't though. I don't want that going in all the cracks.

So far, the polarized glasses are the only real solution for me.

 

[SuperSonicRS]

Take out the dash, solves the problem, and loses some weight. Because racecar

Seriously though. If sunglasses work use them. Its probably cheaper than any alternative and you'll look cool while doing it.

 

[PlayCrackTheSky]

Tinting the windshield doesn't eliminate the issue. The film is always going to be somewhat reflective. That being said...I can live with it. The all black dash may be helping me as well, but I posted a pic in a the "coffin" thread you can review. Also, it is illegal and some areas crack down on it.

 

[PlayCrackTheSky]

50% windshield, 20% all around

 

[ChicksHateMe]

I got my Dash mat today!! YAY!!!

I was teasing about it being a toupee for my car and I wasn't expecting much from it, but that glare off the dash was too much for me to handle. I felt it was not only distracting, but dangerous. To the point where I was already considering another car. I needed to do something and decided to try anything. The polarized sunglasses worked well, but I can't see it as a permanent solution.

The Dashmat's lighter and better quality than I expected, but still wasn't sure I wanted it on my dash, so I just flopped it on.

I REALLY like it. There are a few material options. I got the VelourMat one. I think it's REALLY nice. It's not too thick and fits really well. It is put together well too.

I do see where it will be a lint magnet, but I will just consider it my "Time to clean the car" warning.

I am definitely keeping it.

I actually found mine on Amazon for a great price.

Amazon.com: Velourmat Dashboard Cover: Automotive

Marketed for the 2012, but I searched and found that part # 71962-00-25 was the same for any year Sonic.

I will try to add pics sometime.

Hope this helps someone who has the same issues.

 

[ChicksHateMe]

While I was looking for ways to squeeze the most MPG's out of my Sonic I found this review and a video at cleanMPG.com

CleanMPG Reviews the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic - CleanMPG Forums

You can see the dash reflection throughout the video. To me, it's annoying.

If anyone is interested, I got mine through Amazon. It was the best price I found. But it really came from NolanAuto. There site shows a March Special $5 off coupon code "5BucksOffDM" for the DashMat.

Dash Covers | Car Dash Covers | Dash Mats

Sorry, not trying to push a product, just share the best price I found.

I never noticed this before, but maybe because my Jeep had a much more vertical windshield. I am sure I'd have had the same issue with any newer car with the same sloped windshield. The dash mati really did solve the biggest issue I had, and looks better than I thought it would up there...


EDIT: Didn't want to pop the thread up but figured I'd add a few images I took to show the difference. In some places, it's not only distracting, but dangerous...


BEFORE

AFTER

 

[Scooter]

I'm glad I came across this thread. I just purchased a used 2012 Sonic LT hatch and I test drove it on a cloudy day so the reflection from the dash was minimal. The first time I drove it on a sunny day I couldn't believe how much dash reflection there was on the windshield (it has the two-tone orange/black dash).
I was all set to get a dash mat but remembered that my glasses came with clip on sun glasses. Sure enough as soon as I put them on it made a huge difference in the reflection.

 

[ChicksHateMe]

I'm glad I got the Dash mat myself. Because that glare can happen when it's darker too. I remember I was not ready for it the first time I turned toward the sun. First it was shock, then I was ticked off....

You can see some of my pics here, and I think I had some more in my account area.

That dash mat REALLY helped me and it was under $30.00 I think. And I've probably vacuumed it off or used packing tape to clean it maybe 4 times in two years. So it is not really a link magnet.

I hardly ever notice the glare now. Once in a while the vents show, but it's not nearly as bad as that two toned pattern getting all in my face.

 

[ChicksHateMe]

I can't find the Dash Mat I got on Amazon anymore, but here's the company that made mine.

www.covercraft.com/us/en/shop/2013-chevrolet-sonic/

Mine is the VelourMat. I REALLY like it, and It is NOT a dirt magnet. I clean it when I clean the car, which is only about once a year lol.