I just bought a new 2017 Volt. Its very annoying. Annoying enough that I would not have bought the car if I had realized this issue. I intend to find some solution. I'm hopeful that a different windshield will be less hazy/reflective than the one provided by the mfg.
In short, the windshield vividly reflects the dashboard (light gray), especially during the day. This creates 3 different problems. 1) It is so vivid, your eyes will repeatedly focus on the reflections. 2) There is a constant perception of haze, even if you aren't focused on the reflection. 3) Going through trees with shade creates a strobe-light effect which is another level of annoyance or problem.
My original perception was that the windshield was permanently hazy. This may be true, and it might be the true cause of the problem. (I actually mentioned that on nearly every test drive, so its not just my car.) I assume the windshield contains a coating in (or on) the glass to block UV, etc. OR, the haziness is only a perception caused by the reflection. I'm not sure yet. However, since this seems to be a rarely mentioned issue, and 85% of the 2016/2017 Volts have black interiors, I'm assuming the light colored dashboard is the main issue.
Nevertheless, its a significant enough problem that I would change the design if I was the mfg.
For the mfg...Chevy...I'd do one or both of these: Darken the dashboards even when the customer has chosen a light color interior. (This was the case on my previous light colored interior from Buick. I have a feeling this was a solution discovered decades ago, but somehow overlooked for the Volt.)
And/or, if the glass is playing a part, change the make-up of the glass to reduce haziness or reflectiveness.
Update from Jun 14, 2017: POLARIZED SUNGLASSES DO INDEED SOLVE THE PROBLEM. (I was relatively confident I already had a pair, and had put them on in the car before writing this complaint. But I discovered at the your typical sunglasses kiosk (in a reputable store) that about 1 out of 10 of the glasses marked polarized, are not. Mine at home, ended up not being polarized. Test them while you are at the kiosk. I bought a new pair, and indeed it makes a huge difference)
In sunny weather the reflection of the dash on the windshield greatly reduces the visibility of everything in front of you. The problem is very bad when driving where the car is alternating from sunny areas to deeply shaded areas. This problem has the potential to be deadly.
And so unnecessary, just use a colour for the dash that isn't so reflective. Brown or black would work.
- Bill S.,
Pender Island, BC, Canada
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I just bought a new 2017 Volt. Its very annoying. Annoying enough that I would not have bought the car if I had realized this issue. I intend to find some solution. I'm hopeful that a different windshield will be less hazy/reflective than the one provided by the mfg.
In short, the windshield vividly reflects the dashboard (light gray), especially during the day. This creates 3 different problems. 1) It is so vivid, your eyes will repeatedly focus on the reflections. 2) There is a constant perception of haze, even if you aren't focused on the reflection. 3) Going through trees with shade creates a strobe-light effect which is another level of annoyance or problem.
My original perception was that the windshield was permanently hazy. This may be true, and it might be the true cause of the problem. (I actually mentioned that on nearly every test drive, so its not just my car.) I assume the windshield contains a coating in (or on) the glass to block UV, etc. OR, the haziness is only a perception caused by the reflection. I'm not sure yet. However, since this seems to be a rarely mentioned issue, and 85% of the 2016/2017 Volts have black interiors, I'm assuming the light colored dashboard is the main issue.
Nevertheless, its a significant enough problem that I would change the design if I was the mfg.
For the mfg...Chevy...I'd do one or both of these: Darken the dashboards even when the customer has chosen a light color interior. (This was the case on my previous light colored interior from Buick. I have a feeling this was a solution discovered decades ago, but somehow overlooked for the Volt.) And/or, if the glass is playing a part, change the make-up of the glass to reduce haziness or reflectiveness.
Update from Jun 14, 2017: POLARIZED SUNGLASSES DO INDEED SOLVE THE PROBLEM. (I was relatively confident I already had a pair, and had put them on in the car before writing this complaint. But I discovered at the your typical sunglasses kiosk (in a reputable store) that about 1 out of 10 of the glasses marked polarized, are not. Mine at home, ended up not being polarized. Test them while you are at the kiosk. I bought a new pair, and indeed it makes a huge difference)
- Brian J., Durham, NC, US