Like many people, you are probably content to simply fold down the sun visor of your car when the light dazzles you. But this banal accessory has a very practical little-known function.
Some of the equipment in our cars is so simple and obvious to use that we sometimes forget that they can have other functions. This is particularly the case for the sun visor, often considered a basic element. You just have to fold it down so as not to be dazzled by the sun’s rays or too powerful urban lighting. However, it hides two other functions, including a very useful one that few drivers know about.
When you hit the road, especially in summer, the sun can become a real enemy for visibility. When the star is high in the sky, opposite, lowering the sun visor is enough to block its rays. And when the light comes from the side, it can be detached and rotated to place it against the side window. However, there is a third position that is just as practical but much less known.
In some cars, after detaching the sunshade, you can slide it so that it covers a different area of the windshield. This feature is particularly valuable when the sun is low on the horizon, such as in the morning or late in the day. A common and very uncomfortable situation, where the classic position of the sun visor is not enough to block the low, very dazzling rays. Some vehicle models even offer a metal extension that allows the sun visor to be pulled towards the center of the windshield, thus protecting the driver from the rays reflected by the interior mirror, when the sun is behind the car.
Be careful though, not all sun visors offer these additional functions. Before attempting to slide your sunshade or use an extension, check that your vehicle allows it. Forcing on a sun visor that does not have these options could damage its mechanism. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, gently test each movement before applying excessive force. And obviously, do this test while stationary, and especially not while driving, otherwise you risk causing an accident!
If your car does not offer this type of advanced sunshade, don’t worry. A simple and effective solution is to always have a pair of sunglasses on hand. They can significantly improve your visual comfort and safety when driving under intense sunlight.