Suffering from Oncoming Headlights

[Radioflyer]

I drive several cars on a daily basis and don't have a problem driving at night. However, when I drive my '84 Carrera, the oncoming headlights can be very distracting. I suppose this is because in the Carrera, I'm sitting much closer to the level of the headlights of oncoming traffic and I'm getting a more direct beam into my eyes. Is anyone else experiencing this also?

[GH85Carrera]

How pitted is your windshield?

If you have a lot of miles on a windshield it gets sandblasted and catches a lot of reflections. Take a close look at the glass with a magnifying glass.

The only real cure is to replace the windshield.

[GeorgeK]

I also notice that I am more often blinded by other cars' headlights when in the 911. my other car is an MB E class, no such issue. Position (height) in the car does play a role.

[DocG]

I find that the headlights on modern cars tend to bother me no matter what. It does not matter what I am driving. I also suspect that many people have poorly adjusted headlights.

[NYNick]

I was taught a long time ago not to look at the headlights, but at the right hand side of the road and the shoulder stripe.
These modern headlights are aggravating as hell.

[fiminod]

Our 30+ year old sports cars are now the lowest and smallest vehicles out there when compared to vehicles 5-10 years old. Even a Prius is taller... +1 on NYNick.

[gamin]

+2 on NYNick. I also blink my eyes rapidly. Seems to help.

[Jeff NJ]

I just close my eyes and wait for my passengers to stop screaming to know it is safe to open them again.

[wildthing]

Luckily, most of my travel is on highways with dividers...

[SilberUrS6]

Originally Posted by Jeff NJ

I just close my eyes and wait for my passengers to stop screaming to know it is safe to open them again.

I think you win.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by Jeff NJ

I just close my eyes and wait for my passengers to stop screaming to know it is safe to open them again.

Just close your right eye…they can't see your left eye is still open!

[Dueller]

Along these lines....is anyone else annoyed at the number of drivers that run around w high powered fog lights on at night when it is not foggy?

Drives me up a wall.

[Radioflyer]

Now that it is mentioned, perhaps the windshield is pitted microscopically and this is contributing to the glare. It looks perfectly clear, but perhaps it has been somewhat "etched" over the years. Yeah, looking to the lower, right side of the road is what I find myself doing at night. I doubt I'll be replacing it, though, probably too expensive and the problem is not that horrible. However, anyone tried some kind of coating, perhaps RainX, to reduce glare?

[ZOA NOM]

Try a clay bar on it, then try the rainX, or a paste wax, like carnuba, and work it into the surface to smooth it out.

[rfloz]

Polarized glasses help, as does cataract surgery if you're an old fart.

[emac]

I find it's worse after the surgery. Everything is much brighter
Ernie

[rfloz]

Originally Posted by emac

I find it's worse after the surgery. Everything is much brighter
Ernie

Yes, things are generally brighter*, but the glare (e.g., from oncoming headlights) is less, at least for me.


I was surprised to learn our kitchen walls are white, not a dull, pale yellow!

[porwolf]

Originally Posted by Radioflyer

I drive several cars on a daily basis and don't have a problem driving at night. However, when I drive my '84 Carrera, the oncoming headlights can be very distracting. I suppose this is because in the Carrera, I'm sitting much closer to the level of the headlights of oncoming traffic and I'm getting a more direct beam into my eyes. Is anyone else experiencing this also?

I have the same problem when I drive the Porsche, especially overland. Not so much a problem when I drive my Landcruiser. It's the height of the car and the poor US lighting standards, and non-existing headlight adjustment requirements, together with the much higher light intensity of modern US headlights. Aggravating is also the complete unawareness of some drivers driving continuously with the brights on. Seems like the only defense is getting brighter headlights and flashing back with high beams if necessary. I wish federal standards would require H4 type headlights with the sharp vertical cut-off at about 75 feet on all cars.

[Bill Douglas]

Regarding bad/etched windsheild. Bits of my memory are falling off, so thanks to whoever knows this guy Car Glass: Cleaning & Polishing | AMMO NYC and sent me the link It really does work. My car has driven through numerous sand storms plus other minor grief but the Scottish in me wouldn't let me buy a new windshield, but after this I didn't feel I need one.