If you have watched enough movies, you must know how movie directors fantasize about the ‘driving into the sunset scene. Then you might have also noticed that the protagonist is always wearing sunglasses. The sunglasses are not just for show, but they are there for a purpose. Not only does the actor look good wearing them he/she can protect his eyes from the sun’s relentless rays. You should do the same and not just copy your favorite actor but protect your eyes from the glaring sun.
When it comes to buying sunglasses, the choices are endless. There are so many brands available in the market to choose from that finding the best one for yourself can become the most difficult task. Sunglasses come in various colors, sizes, and specifications. Here we will discuss some factors that would help you choose the best sunglasses for your daily drive in your BMW.
Frame Style
The first thing someone notices in sunglasses is their frame, and that’s why you need to have the right one. The right one will not only look good on you but will also be a perfect match for your driving needs. A proper frame is that which covers your eyes completely from one end to the other. Your eyes must be completely shielded from the sun’s rays but the frame shouldn’t be very big to restrict vision. Larger frames restrict peripheral vision, which can prove to be dangerous while you are driving your car. Keeping all these things in consideration, it is best to go for aviator glasses that are thin and lightweight and also protect your eyes.
Color of The Lens
Since sunglasses are a fashion statement, you will find their lenses in various colors, from green to brown to red. The color of the lens determines the amount of light that comes into your eyes. Darker shades like brown and black allow less light to pass through, so they are best for very sunny days. On partly cloudy and sunny days, you can go for lighter lens colors like blue or green. However, that is not it, you have to consider the fact that some lens colors can give your problems while you are viewing road signs. Generally, blue and green lens colors should be avoided at all costs during driving since they can make all traffic lights look the same. Therefore, you are better off wearing grey, brown, or yellow-colored glasses. They enhance colors and contrast on the road and improve visibility.
Tint Density
Sunglasses can have very dense tints or are very light. When you are buying one, you should consider the tint since it directly affects your vision. A dark tint will hinder your vision, and you might have difficulty seeing even during the day. Whereas a light tint will allow too much light to come in, which defeats the purpose of wearing sunglasses. Generally, tint density is measured on a class system where Class 0 is a light tint and Class 4 is very dark. Usually, a Class 2 or Class 3 tint density is perfect for daytime driving. If you own a convertible like a BMW Z4 and live in a place where it is usually sunny, then the higher tint works best. On the other hand, if you own a BMW 5 series sedan, then you are better off with a Class 2 or Class 3 tint. That’s because the sedan’s roof covers half of the sun’s bright rays.
Consider Prescription Lens in Sunglasses
Many of you reading this article might have prescription glasses for nearsightedness or farsightedness. You might have problems when it comes to wearing sunglasses. Some people wear both glasses together so they can see the road while driving and protect their eyes from the sun. This practice is not advisable since it can prove to be dangerous for you and others around you. Therefore, it is best to get sunglasses that are set on your prescribed diopter. This way, you won’t have to wear two glasses at the same time. Instead, you would be able to switch from your regular glasses to your sunglasses with ease. Not only that, you would be able to wear your sunglasses everywhere else as a fashion statement.
Polarized Lens
Polarization improves the overall contrast and colors of what you see through your lens. The sun’s yellow rays can be so bright sometimes that they can blind you, but if you are wearing a sunglass with polarized lenses, you would be able to mitigate the effects of the brightness and see in full contrast. Polarized lenses are highly advisable for places that have more sunny days. Since if you use polarized lens sunglasses in cloudy weather, you would see very dark.
Graduated Lens
Most people avoid wearing sunglasses since the dark atmosphere they create when you wear them can be annoying. If you are one of those people, consider opting for a graduated lens for your sunglasses. Graduating lenses have a tint that gradually goes from dark to light. The shade starts from the top and moves to the bottom. This way, you get a dark tint on the upper part of your lens and a lighter tint on the lower one. Graduated lenses are perfect for cloudy and partly cloudy weather. Wearing them does allow you to see the road clearly without the glare while protecting your eyes from UV rays at the same time. However, wearing these lenses when the sun is pretty low on the horizon can prove to be troublesome, so think before you buy.
Conclusion
We have gone through the basics of ‘how to pick the best sunglasses for driving. But it is all up to your decision. Everyone has their taste and liking so we can’t say that a certain specification is the best. Whatever looks and feels the best should matter.
