Jimincalif and others thanks for the dash mat info. That's what I'll do. Jimincalif, where did you purchase the dash mat? Is there a certain brand that you would recommend for good quality?

 

I did the same thing. I never noticed before. I have a black dash and always wear sunglasses, but looked for the reflection after reading this thread, and sure enough it was there. thanks guys Luckily, it doesn't distract me.

 

That UV film seems like a good idea. I've added to west facing window in our home and helps a bunch. I suppose a tint shop could do that?

 

Car Covers Covercraft Custom, Coverking Truck Seat Covers, LeBra Car Bras, Dashmat Dash Covers, CarCoverUSA Here is where I ordered mine.

 

First of all, those people who said they didn't notice the windshield glare before reading these posts are either blind as a bat or perhaps have a dashboard color that is not as refelctive. Not only could I see the reflection/glare on my windshield from the first moment I bought my car, but it occurs absolutely every time the sun is out and from any angle. The notion that it is not blindingly (no pun intended) obvious is absolutely preposterous.

That said, Albert and others have mentioned the perfect solution. I thought about buying a dash mat based on several replies in this thread. However, before doing so I thought I'd try out some polarized sunglasses. I borrowed some from a friend today and they were brilliant! Eliminates about 90-95% of the glare. As the English say, they worked a treat. The glaree no longer bothers me at all and I was instantly able to see out of the windshield without any distraction. I can't tell you how happy I am about this fix. It has changed the driving experience for me completely and I hope it works the same for those of you with similar issues.

I'd strongly urge any of you contemplating other solutions to try this method first. In the US these glasses are available at your local CVS or similar pharmacy for between $20-$30. My 2008 XJ is black on black and there is no worse combination for glare. These glasses solved it immediately. It was the only thing I didn't like in my XJ and now the car is absolutely brilliant in all respect. A big thank you to Albert and the others who suggested this!

Any polarized sunglasses should work, but these Ironman ones are what I used today: http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item...obalID=EBAY-US

What I can't guarantee is that you will look as cool as me when wearing them

Good luck

 

Thanks for the info Jim. I'm going with the polarized sunglasses solution as per my last post, but I appreciate your reply. Cheers

 

Not only is there a chance will not look as cool, but some of us already wear glasses and would not see to well without prescription glasses. Guess I will just have to settle for the dash mat. Then my car is not black on black. :-)

 

My car also has the caramel leather dash, and the reflection in the windscreen is indeed a problem in the summer; my solution was easy and effective: I purchased (on eBay) a black mat(velour finish) cut specifically for the XK dash. It fits well and blocks any reflection 100%. The added benefit is that it serves to protect the leather from damaging UV - but this does not obviate the need for occasional conditioning of the leather. The cover goes on and off in seconds and it stays put without any tape (although that is provided).

 

Truth be told, I don't actually look cool in the sunglasses, but it beats seeing the windshield glare all the time!

 

Would this help, I have the same problem and may go for it.
http://www.covercraft.com/us/en/dash-covers

 

Maybe growing up in Florida where dash reflective glare has been a part of my life since I was a toddler I find this entire subject remedial? This is like saying I just discovered door handles, just an obvious part of the car!

I don't even notice the glare to be honest and I would certainly never put a mat on my dash. Or use seat covers. Or get plastic mats to put on my factory floor mats. These cars have a beautiful leather dash, an expensive option in most cars that people pine over, and the thought is to obscure it so it can't be seen for preservation and/or elimination of glare.

 

I fully understand your view but it's not leather, if it were suede then the problem wouldn't be there !

 

Yes this is the company I purchased my cover from. I also had XKR embroidered on it. I live in the central valley of California where the temperature exceeds 100 degrees many days of the summer and the sun is harsh. Using a dash mat is very common on leather to stop it from burning and turning brown. It also works great for cutting down on reflection. The other individual who thought protecting the dash and floor mats must not drive much. Have you ever seen how black your shoes soles get after walking on a dirty greasy parking lot. I found another good reason for a dash mat in my XKR. It is easy to attach my dove grey beach towel (with Velcro) to the dash mat. That way I cover all the wood, protecting it when the top is down and the car is parked in the hot sun. There are some of us that prefer to try and keep it in original condition, not repair it back to original. Just my opinion.

 

I don't think the other comment was from a guy who understood the point! And yes there is a pride in looking after a nice object, whatever it is. But it's the glare that is my moan.

 

I get what you are saying, using a sun shield when parked and having tinted windows helps. I have mats on the floor from the factory for protecting the carpet. I reference folks who buy a mat to protect the factory mat. I see no need to get another mat to protect the mat that protects the floor.

You can buy seat covers to preserve the seat, but for that you might as well just change to cloth seats. If I cover all the nice stuff then I might as well not have nice stuff. I keep my car in top shape and take great care of it but in the end it is a consumable item for me.

You are pushing to keep the dash in original condition yet you can't see it, so why is my point? For future resale? If it is just for you then you could maybe have an issue with heat affecting your dash leather, if it does then the cover and you never see it.

 

i've got charcoal interior....and i have horrible dash glare.

 

That's the issue hear, it's not about putting mat's on mat's...Which is daft to do. The point is just the glare and the dash would be much better covered in "Black Suede"