Is OEM (non-tinted or light tint) automotive glass an effective sunscreen of UVA/UVB? is there an equiavalent SPF for it?
automotive glass an effective sunblock ?
- Thread starter tonycarguy
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It doesn't block UV. Some newer Toyotas do however (I believe the Corolla and Camry?). If it blocks UV it will say right in the corner of the glass.
The quick answer is yes it does block most UVA/UVB light to the point you shouldn't get sunburned while in a car. polycarbonate also blocks most UVA/UVB.
JHZR2
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My wife's cousin and daughter wear transitions glasses. When riding in the car, their glasses do not transition, apparently due to the UV blocking of the windows. They do not have special tint.
For sure most Japanese made models - most Lexus, Land Cruiser, Prius, and some Camry/Corolla models have low-UV glass. Look for UV or UVS near where it says TOYOTA and the manufacturing mark. North American made vehicles may have it, I know I've seen 30E stamped on AP Tech/AGC Automotive glass sourced in America with DOT-376. Our Sienna has a [censored] Safelite windshield and I do noticed fading of the lock buttons, while the PPG OEM glass has a distinct green tint to it.
Ford/Carlite says green-tinted glass is equivalent to SPF140+.
Ford/Carlite says green-tinted glass is equivalent to SPF140+.
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Originally Posted By: tonycarguy
Is OEM (non-tinted or light tint) automotive glass an effective sunscreen of UVA/UVB? is there an equiavalent SPF for it?
Almost any true glass takes a good percentage of UV out of sunlight, and automotive glass is better than typical plate glass. The tint doesn't matter much, its the glass itself that blocks UV. I wouldn't know how it equates to a sunblock number, but it would be a very large number. I'm blond-haired and fair-skinned, and I've never gotten so much as a tan riding in the sun inside a car for hours on end... but I can get out of that car and get a burn in direct sunlight in about half an hour.
Is OEM (non-tinted or light tint) automotive glass an effective sunscreen of UVA/UVB? is there an equiavalent SPF for it?
Almost any true glass takes a good percentage of UV out of sunlight, and automotive glass is better than typical plate glass. The tint doesn't matter much, its the glass itself that blocks UV. I wouldn't know how it equates to a sunblock number, but it would be a very large number. I'm blond-haired and fair-skinned, and I've never gotten so much as a tan riding in the sun inside a car for hours on end... but I can get out of that car and get a burn in direct sunlight in about half an hour.
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I also wear photochromatic lenses. (transition lenses). They are useless as sunglasses when driving unless you are in a convertable. I believe you will find that the reason has nothing to do with the windows: the reason that the lenses are not tinting is because sunlight is not actually hitting the lenses when you are shielded by the roof of a car - it does not matter what you are actually looking at, the lenses require bright light to actually shine on the lenses in order for them to "transition". to test, simply lay the lenses somewhere in the car where light will actually reach them and they will, in fact, darken.
The PVB laminate in windshields also block UV.
Auto glass DOES cut UV, it's done to protect the cars interior. Although they don't cut all UV, they do cut enough to keep your transitions from working. There is in fact a transition lens that is designed to work in your car, it reacts to UV and visible light. They call them Drivewear.
http://www.drivewearlens.com/home.php?flashchange=8
http://www.drivewearlens.com/home.php?flashchange=8
I never got even a slight tan while in the car, and I had a 10 hour one way road trip last year with 40C heat and no clouds, people would roast themselves if there was no UV protection.
Does anyone here have one of those UV dose meters?
I always take the windshield out of my 4Runner and lay under it when I go to the beach. Then I don't have to mess with all that greasy sunscreen.
Some newer cars have IR-cut glass as well, to reduce the transmission of radiant heat.
All glass blocks most UV, that's why UV lamps are always made of quartz, which does not block it.
Originally Posted By: johnd
All glass blocks most UV, that's why UV lamps are always made of quartz, which does not block it.
Tanning lamps are still made like fluorescent tubes, but there are high-pressure lamps that use a quartz capsule.
All glass blocks most UV, that's why UV lamps are always made of quartz, which does not block it.
Tanning lamps are still made like fluorescent tubes, but there are high-pressure lamps that use a quartz capsule.
I drive a truck, and my left arm always has a really good tan. The glass does keep me from getting burned.
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