Air HVAC Buttons Glare / Reflection

The glare of the sun’s reflection off the metallic HVAC buttons of the Air ranges from annoying to painful and possibly dangerous. At one point on a long drive the glare was causing so much pain (similar to snow blindness) that I had to pull over and ask my wife to continue driving. So, I decided to make a cover for these buttons to eliminate the glare. It’s not pretty but does the job. I made a template using graph paper and then cut the cover out of three inch wide gaffer’s tape. The top surface of gaffer’s tape is mat black to absorb light. The adhesive is not supposed to leave a gooey mess when removed. Not sure if true over long term. I attached a two inch strip of black paper to the underside of the gaffer’s tape leaving only one inch strip of adhesive on the the bottom that attaches to the wood trim. THE FOLLOWING IS VERY IMPORTANT. What appear to be to be metal buttons are actually pieces of clear plastic that are covered with a thin layer of metal (aluminum paint?). If you attach adhesive tape to the HVAC buttons, it will remove some of the metal when you remove the tape. Ask me how I know. The one inch wide adhesive left is quite adequate to hold the cover in place. Notice I cut a rectangle for access to the volume control wheel and wrote “Temp” and “Fan” on the black cover using a white pencil. I’ve attached a photo. If you have a better solution I’d like to hear about it.

Can't say I've experienced this for myself. but it sounds like your wife isn't affected so what's her solution? Maybe her seating position is different, try moving your seatback forward or backward so this glare isn't directed at your eyes?

I've never had this problem.

Just design a high quality sticker and stick it there

Make sure to print it die-cut and you are set to go

Lucifer said:

If you have a better solution I’d like to hear about it.

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A recent thread discusses this:

Fascinating and nice solution. I've also never been bothered by the glare off the chrome but reading this and the other thread, it seems like a problem for some people. I wonder if the privacy film used to cover phones or tablet screens could be cut to fit and provide an elegant and semipermanent solution?

scal_air said:

Fascinating and nice solution. I've also never been bothered by the glare off the chrome but reading this and the other thread, it seems like a problem for some people. I wonder if the privacy film used to cover phones or tablet screens could be cut to fit and provide an elegant and semipermanent solution?

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So you’re suggesting some sort of polarizing film? Wasn’t aware of such a thing and I’m really curious as to how it works on a curved surface when someone is wearing polarized glasses.

I have not experienced this issue... Does it only occur with glass roof?

My car has a glass roof and it has the sunshades if that helps to imagine the situation