Is It Necessary to Place a Sunshade Mat on the Car Dashboard?
2 Answers
Whether to place a sunshade mat on the car dashboard varies from person to person, as it has both advantages and disadvantages. Here are the details: Advantages: Sunshade mats, also known as anti-glare mats, are particularly useful for many low-end car models whose dashboards are made of hard plastic. During daytime driving, sunlight reflecting off the dashboard can create glare on the windshield, impairing the driver's visibility. Placing a sunshade mat on the dashboard effectively reduces this glare. Additionally, it helps protect the plastic components of the dashboard and the electronic parts and wiring inside. Disadvantages: The car dashboard is designed with the overall interior aesthetics in mind, and placing a sunshade mat can significantly detract from the visual appeal. Low-quality sunshade mats may emit unpleasant odors or contain formaldehyde. Over time, if not cleaned regularly, they can accumulate dust and bacteria, polluting the air inside the car. Sunshade mats can also obstruct the deployment of airbags, posing a serious safety risk. Many sunshade mats come with double-sided tape, which can be difficult to remove from the dashboard, further compromising the interior's appearance. Additionally, some drivers tend to place items on the mat, which can easily slide off during sudden maneuvers, creating potential hazards.
I've been driving my old car for several years, and using a sunshade mat is really helpful. The dashboard is exposed to sunlight all day, which can easily cause aging, fading, and even cracking. Putting down a mat can block most of the UV rays, extending its lifespan and even lowering the interior temperature in summer, so you don’t burn yourself when getting in. However, it’s important to choose the right material—don’t go for cheap, low-quality ones, as they may slide around and affect driving. Worse yet, make sure it doesn’t block the airbag vents—that’s too dangerous. Personally, I recommend buying one with an anti-slip design and checking the car’s manual during installation to ensure it doesn’t interfere with operation. For just a few dozen bucks, it can save you the hassle of replacing the dashboard later—great value for money. Of course, if your car is mostly parked in a garage and rarely exposed to sunlight, it might not be necessary. Just decide based on your own situation.
