Why do some windshields have a tinted stripe?

If you've driven multiple cars, you've probably noticed that some car windshields have a tinted stripe on the windshield. The bar might be blue that fades as it goes down, or it could be a pixelated bar that fades as it goes down. These tint strips are typically four to six inches high and run the entire length of the windshield.

Appointment of tint strips

The tint strip on the windshield is actually known as shadow band. Its purpose is simple: to provide protection from sun glare in that annoying spot just below the roofline and just above the visor. This place is notorious for being hard to block as you drive into the sun just before sunset.

The reason the guard strip is only four to six inches high is because it doesn't obstruct or obscure your view when you're driving in normal traffic. If the blackout strip extended further down, it could be distracting for some drivers or make it difficult to see traffic lights at an upward angle.

If your windshield doesn't have a blackout strip, it's important to get one. This is not required for all vehicles and is not required if your windshield was originally equipped with it, but it can prevent annoying glare from hard-to-block areas.