My Forester Is Roasting Me

[Anonymous]

We bought a 2020 Forester about 15 months ago and didn't drive much last summer, but when we did it seemed unusually hot. The warm days last week reminded me that we need to figure out how to solve the problem -- basically the sun's rays are bouncing off the hood and hitting me right in the chest. I felt like I was getting a sunburn through my clothes. I am not really a car person but I've never encountered an issue like this before and the dealer looked at me like I was crazy. So, a few questions -

- Does anyone know whether a UV-blocking film would make a difference? I don't really want a dark tint (and apparently a tint may mess with EyeSight) but the internet seems to think a UV film would help. But according to subaru, the front windshield already has UV protection and is supposed to let 0% of UV rays through.
- Is it possible that the windshield glass does not actually have the UV protection it claims to?
- Or, would UV tint not do anything and the only way to really reduce the heat is an actual tint?

I've had about 10 cars in my lifetime and never encountered anything like this -- and on my first ever new car, it's pretty frustrating. Thanks for any thoughts.

[Anonymous]

Hmm, I don't know, but I have a 2015 Forester and find it hard to believe it lets zero UV through. I don't find the car particularly hot but I do get a sunburn on my arms sometimes (as happens on other cars too). When I used to commute daily, over the summer I'd wear those runner's sleeves for UV protection.

[Anonymous]

Do you have covered parking and do you use a sun reflector in the windshield when the car is parked?

I've never experienced this but if your car spends a lot of time in direct sunlight when not in use, it's going to get very hot, both the air inside and all exposed surfaces. That could be contributing to the feeling of being roasted when the sun bounces off the hood -- if the windshield is very hot, and the car interior is very hot, that reflected sunlight could feel especially uncomfortable.

Also, is your car white or silver? I wonder if there is a treatment to the paint itself that could make it less reflective, at least on the hood. I don't like white cars specifically because my eyes are sensitive and I don't like sun glare of a white hood. But maybe there is a way to address?

[Anonymous]

I just have to commiserate. I literally just said yesterday that I will never buy another forester because of this. It is so hot, even with the AC cranked, it is awful

[Anonymous]

If you've never experienced this before with other cars, do you think it has to do with the angle of the hood and windshield? Or the color of this particular car? Or you park outside and previously parked in a garage?

[Anonymous]

This is 11:46 again-- when i bought the car, i remember the sales person proudly telling me that it has the biggest windows and windshield of any car and they call it "the fishbowl" and it's great for visibility. It is also great for frying you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
If you've never experienced this before with other cars, do you think it has to do with the angle of the hood and windshield? Or the color of this particular car? Or you park outside and previously parked in a garage?

Yes, I think it has something to do with the angle of the hood in particular. It's unbelievable how hot it gets, and it seems to be the direct glare. It could be the size of the windshield as well, but my very old CRV also has a giant windshield and this was never an issue. I've always kept both cars outside with sunshades in year-round.

[Anonymous]

We have a 2019 Outback and don't experience this.

Can you adjust your seat position so you're not as high up? When I test drove the Forester, it felt like the seat was in a much higher position than the Outback.

I'd also recommend a sun reflector for when the car is parked. Your seats and interior absorb a lot of heat. It takes a while for that heat to dissipate.

Are you hot after driving for an hour or two?

[Anonymous]

Put a flat-black anti glare wrap treatment on the hood.

[Anonymous]

I have a 2019 forester and don’t have that issue. I do suggest using your My Subaru app to remote start it and run the AC for a few minutes before you get in to drive. Love the app!

[Anonymous]

I'm also complaining about the sunburn I have when I drive my Forester Sport. I get sunburn everytime I drive for long periods of time. I mean I love the fishbowl effect but not frying while I drive would be better. It doesn't matter where you park the car or what color the car is or even if you blast the cold a/c. It's HOT on my skin......sunburn HOT!!

[Anonymous]

I’d post on the suburu forester forums and see what other owners suggest

[Anonymous]

Ceramic windshield film

[Anonymous]

I have the same issue with my crosstrek. Also my AC sucks so it is miserable and I am seriously considering getting g rid of it

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Put a flat-black anti glare wrap treatment on the hood.

Like this one: