Uses For Windshield Sun Shades

I have found a couple of uses for windshield/windscreen shades you might like. They might save you a few pennies and could make your sleep time a bit more comfortable.

First, let me get something out of the way. The space blanket used in hospitals to conserve body heat will not work here. I tried one. At $6 for a penny's worth (less than an ounce) of Mylar, it was a total waste. And not much thicker than a human hair, they tear very easily.

I kept an electric blanket as well as a heated mattress pad on my bed. In winter, I kept them both turned on low.  I bought 2 windshield shades from Dollar Tree at $1 each. I placed them lengthwise under the mattress pad, metallic side up. The two, in line together, just about equaled my 6 ft.

By doing this, I was able to turn off the heated mattress pad and turn the electric blanket even lower. I also can see how this would be of good use if you live in an area prone to power outages in winter. Using them would help conserve your own body heat that would normally dissipate away from you.

I'm sure most people keep these shades handy in their car during summer, but what about winter? I imagine most tuck them away in the trunk/boot in the fall.

I will never forget an account I read by a lady, who along with a friend, were trapped in her car for 2-3 days during a terrible snow storm. The snow was so high, the doors could not be opened.

The car was literally hidden. Each time they heard a snow plow go by, they thought they would be saved. Only after nearly 3 days were they found.

They survived the incident. It is sad that both had to have severely frost bitten toes amputated as gangrene was a serious threat. I'm sure they were very thankful they did not freeze to death.

I'm thinking though, if they had kept a couple of those dollar shades in reach within the car, it might have made the difference in whether they lost their toes.

Something to think about if you live where winters can be very severe. You might want to put a couple in your emergency pack along with your water, candles, non perishable snacks, etc. (And keep the pack inside the car, not in the trunk. It won't do you any good if you can't get to it).