How To Store Sunglasses In A Car?

We’ve all been there: a sunny day, a long drive ahead, and the sudden realization that our favorite sunglasses are nowhere to be found. It’s a minor inconvenience, but it can throw off our entire mood. 

Taking your sunglasses with you as you leave your car is the best practice. However, the glove compartment can be the most obvious place to store your sunglasses in a car. 

But is it the safest? Or the most convenient? As simple as it sounds, storing sunglasses in a car requires a bit of thought. Just like you wouldn’t toss a delicate pastry into a bag without protection, your sunglasses deserve a designated spot.

Here we’ll guide you through the dos and don’ts, ensuring your shades remain scratch-free and ready for action.

Importance of Proper Sunglass Storage

Sunglasses are both a style statement and a protective shield. Ensuring their proper storage maintains their pristine condition, safeguarding your investment, and ensuring clarity on sunny days. 

Let’s explore why this matters.

Protecting Your Investment

Sunglasses often come with a price tag that’s not just monetary but also emotional. Assume they’re works of art; you wouldn’t throw a painting around carelessly, would you?

Just like a cherished piece of jewelry, sunglasses deserve respect. Proper storage safeguards their aesthetic charm and ensures they continue to complement your style.

Ensuring Longevity and Functionality

Sunglasses are more than a style statement; they’re your shield against the sun’s glare. By storing them correctly, you’re ensuring they serve this purpose for a long time.

Consider a well-maintained car. It runs smoother, lasts longer, and gives fewer problems. 

Similarly, sunglasses stored with care will continue to function optimally, providing clear vision and protection.

Avoiding Potential Damages from Improper Storage

Wearing sunglasses with scratches is like watching a movie with smudges on the screen. Not the best experience, right?

Dust, dirt, and even the natural oils from our skin can be adversaries to our sunglasses. When left unchecked, these can lead to blurred vision and even damage the special coatings on the lenses.

It’s not just about where you store them, but also how. Overcrowding a storage space with multiple pairs can lead to them jostling against each other, resulting in avoidable scratches.

Remember, the original box of the sunglasses is their sanctuary. If that’s not available, a sturdy alternative that shields them from potential harm is the next best thing.

Lastly, while sunbathing is great for us occasionally, sunglasses prefer the shade. Keeping them away from direct sunlight and heat ensures they remain in pristine condition.

Common Storage Spots and Their Pros and Cons

Storing sunglasses in a car requires a blend of convenience and care. With various spots to choose from, each has its benefits and challenges. 

Let’s explore these common storage areas and their respective pros and cons.

1. Glove Compartment: Easy Access but Potential Heat Exposure

The glove compartment is a built-in storage box located in the dashboard, typically in front of the passenger seat. It’s designed to be easily accessible and is commonly used to store essential items like vehicle manuals, documents, and small tools. 

For many, it’s the go-to spot for sunglasses due to its convenience. However, its position in the car means it can be exposed to varying temperatures, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Pros

• Convenience: Within arm’s reach.
• Concealed: Keeps items out of direct view.

Cons

• Temperature Fluctuations: Can get quite hot or cold, depending on the weather.
• Potential for Damage: Lack of cushioning can lead to scratches if sunglasses aren’t in a protective case.

2. Sun Visor Pouch/Case: Quick Access but Limited Protection

A sun visor pouch or case is an accessory that attaches to the sun visor of a vehicle. It’s designed to hold items like parking tickets, toll receipts, and, of course, sunglasses. 

Being positioned above the driver or passenger, it offers quick access. However, its design might not always provide the best protection against potential damages.

Pros

• Positioned right above the driver or passenger for immediate access.
• The device occupies no central storage space.

Cons

• Possibly won’t protect sunglasses from scratches.
• The position of sunglasses can expose them to direct sunlight.

3. Armrest Compartments: Built-in Convenience

Armrest compartments are built into the center console of many vehicles, between the driver and front passenger seats. They’re designed for storing various items and often have a padded top, serving as an armrest. 

Their central location makes them a convenient storage spot, but they might not always be the safest place for delicate items like sunglasses.

Pros

• The location is convenient for both the driver and the front passenger.
• Sunglasses stored here are hidden from view.

Cons

• Sunglasses can be scratched or damaged by other items in the compartment.
• Not designed specifically for sunglasses, so there is no specialized cushioning.

4. Original Sunglass Case: Ultimate Protection but Less Accessibility

The original sunglass case is designed specifically for a particular pair of sunglasses. It offers a snug fit and is typically lined with a soft material to prevent scratches. 

While it provides the best protection, it might not always be the most convenient storage option in a car due to its size or shape.

Pros

• The sunglasses are protected from potential damage with optimal protection.
• A tailored fit ensures that sunglasses are snug and secure.

Cons

• Possibly too bulky for some car storage spaces.
• Open storage spots are easier to retrieve sunglasses from than cases.

The Dangers of Extreme Temperatures

Sunglasses, while designed to shield our eyes from the sun, are ironically vulnerable to the very temperatures they protect us from. 

Let’s dive into the challenges posed by both scorching heat and freezing cold on these essential accessories.

How Heat Affects Your Sunglasses?

• Lens and Coating Distortions: Just as ice cream melts under the sun, the relentless heat can cause the protective coatings and even the lenses of sunglasses to distort, leading to potential cracks or peeling.

• Frame Vulnerability: Like how a plastic toy left in the sun can warp, sunglasses frames, especially those made of certain plastics, can become brittle or misshapen, risking breakage.

Cold Weather Concerns: Condensation and Scratches

• The Misty Veil: Cold weather can lead to a foggy layer of condensation on the lenses. This not only obstructs vision but can also pave the way for water damage.

• Frame Fragility: Just as a tree branch might snap in the cold, the frames of sunglasses can become more brittle in freezing temperatures, increasing the risk of them breaking.

• The Scratch Threat: Cold environments can make sunglasses more susceptible to scratches, especially when they brush against harder surfaces, like when you’re scraping ice off a windshield and accidentally graze your sunglasses.

The Science Behind Temperature-Induced Damage of Sunglasses

• Material Behavior: Different materials react differently to temperature changes. For instance, certain lens coatings might contract or expand at different rates than the lens itself, leading to potential damage.

• Thermal Stress: Just as a hot glass might crack when filled with cold water, rapid temperature changes can introduce stress to the sunglasses, causing them to warp or break.

• Moisture Woes: Cold environments, especially when transitioning to warmer ones, can lead to condensation. This moisture, when trapped, can degrade the quality of the lens coatings over time.

Tips for Safeguarding Your Sunglasses in a Car

Your sunglasses are not just a fashion accessory; they’re a protection from the sun’s glare. Just as you’d protect a valuable item, your sunglasses deserve special care, especially when stored in a car. 

Avoiding Direct Sunlight and Prolonged Heat Exposure

• Sun’s Wrath: The sun’s rays can be relentless, potentially harming the delicate coatings and even the structure of your sunglasses.

• Shady Retreat: Opt for spots in your car that are shielded from direct sunlight. Put your sunglasses in a cool spot so they can relax.

• Short Stays: If possible, refrain from leaving your sunglasses in the car for extended periods, especially during those scorching summer days.

Using Microfiber Bags for Added Protection

• Soft Embrace: Microfiber bags act like a gentle hug for your sunglasses, protecting them from potential scratches and scuffs.

• Compact and Convenient: These bags are not just protective; they’re also compact, easily fitting into various storage spots in your car, from the glove compartment to door pockets.

Custom Solutions and Aftermarket Cases

• Tailored for Protection: The market offers a plethora of custom solutions designed specifically for sunglasses. From clips to visor organizers, there’s likely a perfect fit for your car and sunglasses.

• Sturdy Cases: Consider investing in a robust sunglass case. It’s like a fortress for your sunglasses, ensuring they’re shielded from potential harm.

Real-life Experiences and Lessons

Life often teaches us lessons in unexpected ways. When it comes to storing sunglasses in cars, many have learned the hard way, while others have innovated to protect their prized eyewear. 

Here are some of these experiences and their lessons.

Stories of Sunglasses Damaged by Heat

• Warping Woes: There are tales of sunglasses left in cars on scorching days only to find their lenses distorted or even showing signs of melting.
• Coating Cracks: Some have recounted how the intense heat caused the special coatings on their lenses to develop cracks, rendering the sunglasses almost unusable.
• Frame Fiascos: In extreme cases, the heat has made frames lose their rigidity, leading to a poor fit or even causing lenses to pop out.

How do Car Owners Adapt and Innovate?

• Shady Solutions: Creative car owners have turned to sunshades on windshields to reduce the internal temperature, offering some respite to their sunglasses.
• Reflective Barriers: A few have even wrapped their sunglass holders in aluminum foil, creating a barrier to reflect away some of the heat.
• Custom Care: Many have opted for aftermarket solutions like sunglass clips or visor organizers, ensuring their sunglasses have a designated, somewhat protected spot in the car.

The Role of Car Manufacturers in Sunglass Storage

• Built-in Benefits: Recognizing the need, some car manufacturers have incorporated dedicated sunglass compartments, aiming to provide drivers with convenient storage options.
• Protection Pitfalls: However, while these compartments offer organization, they might not always shield sunglasses from the brunt of temperature extremes. It underscores the importance of being proactive in protecting sunglasses, even in cars with built-in storage solutions.

FAQs

Can I hang my sunglasses on the rearview mirror?

While it’s a common practice, hanging sunglasses on the rearview mirror can obstruct the driver’s view and may not provide adequate protection against direct sunlight.

Is it safe to store sunglasses in the car door pockets?

Door pockets are convenient, but they might not offer the best protection against potential knocks when the door is opened or closed. It’s also closer to the ground, making it more susceptible to temperature fluctuations.

Are there any car accessories specifically designed for sunglasses storage?

Yes, there are aftermarket products like visor clips and dedicated sunglass holders designed for cars. They offer easy access and can provide added protection.

Why should I avoid prolonged storage of sunglasses in the car during summer?

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can damage both the frame and the lens coatings of your sunglasses, reducing their lifespan and effectiveness.

Can the car’s air conditioning or heating system affect my stored sunglasses?

Direct airflow from heating or cooling vents might cause rapid temperature changes for your sunglasses. It’s best to store them away from direct airflow to prevent potential damage.

Where Are You Going To Store Sunglasses In Your Car?

Storing sunglasses in a car might seem like a simple task, but it’s an art that balances convenience with care. While cars offer various storage spots, each comes with its set of advantages and challenges. 

Extreme temperatures, especially, can be the silent enemy, potentially harming your sunglasses if not stored properly. But with the right precautions, like using microfiber bags and custom cases, you can ensure your shades remain in top condition. 

While it is preferable to take your sunglasses with you when you leave your car, the glove compartment can be used wisely to keep them safe. Protect, store wisely, and let your sunglasses continue to be your perfect travel companion.

source https://eyecatchingconfidence.com/how-to-store-sunglasses-in-a-car/