California Cool Cars Regs Kill Reception

[swarga]

Although they don't explicitly mention RDs, I bet those will also be affected.

CA "cool car" regs to kill Jeep Wrangler, interfere with phones, garage openers, ankle bracelets? — Autoblog

New "Cool Cars" regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) could put an end to the Jeep Wrangler soft-top sales in the Golden State thanks to standards so stringent that the popular 4x4 won't be able to meet them. According to The Detroit News, CARB's latest controversial initiative requires automakers to build cars and trucks with windows which prevent 45% of the sun's energy from entering a vehicle by 2014, and 60% by 2016. To meet these provisions, vehicle manufacturers will have to utilize advanced window glazing containing microscopic specs of reflective metal oxide.

Coating vehicle glass with a metallic layer wreaks havoc on any vehicle electronic device relying on a clear "view" of the world outside. Garmin, a leading manufacturer of GPS devices, says satellite reception through coated glass will be degraded. In addition, cell phones, wireless laptop devices, garage door openers, and even ankle bracelets for parolees "may be adversely affected by the metallic reflective standard" as they all rely on signals passing cleanly through automotive glass.

For what it's worth, Honda tried utilizing the same technology in Japan two decades ago, yet dropped it due to problems with radio wave devices. We are assured that the Jeep soft-top won't have those problems simply because the technology cannot be applied to flexible plastic windows. Without an exemption for that model, Chrysler will only be allowed to sell hardtop Wrangler vehicles in California.

[The Chariot]

And the folks in California government probably continue to wonder why they keep losing industry and jobs to other states. Nothing but looters and moochers, taking advantage of producers.

[rocky2]

Wouldn't that make convertables disappear also, that's pretty much what a Jeep Wrangler is.

[proudNMAmember]

How is this going to effect running a rd on the window if I might ask?

[v1user]

How is this going to effect running a rd on the window if I might ask?

The metal coating on the windows greatly reduces the radar signal inside the car.

[swarga]

Wouldn't that make convertables disappear also, that's pretty much what a Jeep Wrangler is.

The problem with the Wrangler is that it has plastic windows. So yes, convertibles like the BMW Z3 would disappear, to be replaced by convertibles with glass windows.

[AirMoore]

CA is full of idiots, only they could pass such a worthless law. What is the point of it? So that people don't turn on their cars and use the A/C which increases pollution?


This is one of the most moronic things I have ever heard. They would be better off mandating the roofs of all-houses being white...

[languy99]

and actually it has been proven, if all roofs/houses and roads where painted white/light colored all over the world we would reflect enough of the suns energy to actually stop global warming. check these out

StopGlobalWarming.org: White Roofs Catch On as Energy Cost Cutters

Obama's green guru calls for white roofs - Telegraph

[swarga]

and actually it has been proven, if all roofs/houses and roads where painted white/light colored all over the world we would reflect enough of the suns energy to actually stop global warming.

Except the homeowners' associations won't allow roofs to be painted white.

[lugnuts]

three options to get around this.

1. buy a car outside of Kalifornia
2. replace all the windows with uncoated glass
3. get a polishing kit and remove the coating from the glass.