What is the Role of Sunroof in a Car?

By Admin Reading time: 8 min read Published on: 29 / 06 / 2022
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In the simplest of ways, a sunroof can do what your car windows cannot- it provides an airy and cool cabin or interior in the car and makes you feel more comfortable as the car is well-ventilated. It makes the car cooler by helping to dissipate the heat present in the car, especially during burning hot summer days. If you are wondering, what is the use of a sunroof, it is to enjoy a picturesque and beautiful view of the landscape outside and get the cool breeze without getting blasted by the sudden force of air that comes in through open windows. So, when you think about what is the use of a sunroof in a car, there are several reasons why a sunroof can make your car look and feel much better and more premium.

What is the use of a sunroof?

TODAY! purchasing a car up to 10 Lakh and not having a sunroof, will be a big disadvantage. For some car owners, a sunroof in a car is a luxury and necessary feature that they feel adds to its ambience. Having a sunroof in a car makes it feel high-toned and travelling under natural warm sunlight feels so relaxing during winter. Travelling in hilly areas with windy weather and having a sunroof in a car is an extraordinary thing. Also, Sunroof comes with a sunblind, to prevent the cabin from heating up too much, especially in the summer.

No doubt, having a sunroof or we can say that black tinted glass above the car which makes it look classy as a sunroof is mostly associated with Luxury cars. But if we see, previously sunroof was only available in luxury automobiles like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi; these were there to name a few and soon other automobiles started adding sunroofs to their vehicles. But now technology has become available everywhere, Premium vehicles also started adding sunroofs it.

History of Sunroof in India

If we talk about international markets, this concept of sunroof was introduced in the 20th century. However, Indian markets saw this feature in the late 90s and early 2000s. This feature in India was only available in Luxury cars only. Opel and Skoda – manufacturers from Germany, were the first to sell a car in India with this feature; these were Luxury cars and at that time most people couldn’t afford them.

Purpose of Sunroof

  • A sunroof gives you a spectacular view of the sky and helps you enjoy the view without any distractions. 

  • It helps keep the car ventilated and promotes air circulation in the car cabin. This makes you feel cool and comfortable while travelling, even on a long journey.

  • A sunroof creates a sense of open space in your car and makes the car feel more spacious and roomy. It is one of the luxurious and premium features that make for a better user experience.

Types of Sunroof

Modern cars are designed to be more functional yet still stylish. When a buyer looks at purchasing a car they notice the sunroof feature. The best cars with sunroof designs have continuously evolved. Let’s go through the different types of sunroofs in cars.

REGULAR SUNROOF

Regular sunroofs consist of retractable glass. It is electrically operated. As you know India’s temperature, leave your car for 30 minutes and your car cabin will feel just like an oven. So, to prevent it from heating up, especially during summers, the sunroof also includes a sunshade of opaque material that doesn’t allow sun rays to fall in.

PANORAMIC SUNROOF

The panoramic roof comes with multiple panels in the roof. Either, it can be fixed or operable. It allows both front and rear passengers to enjoy the sunroof. It is amazing for both day and night views. Panoramic Sunroof Benefits include multi-panel roofing design. Instead of offering a single side opening it opens above both the rear and front sides. It's your choice whether to open a single side or both sides of the panoramic sunroof to let fresh air in.

Car MOONROOF

The moonroof slide and tilt open and let the light and fresh air in. The glass panel is not removable. The majority of cars have a moonroof but now it has gone out of style.

Built-in Sunroof

With built-in sunroof systems, a panel slips between the inside headliner and the metal roof, sacrificing some headroom but creating a complete opening in the roof. All built-ins move inside the roof, and some also have express open/close or back venting features (see pop-up). The main benefit of a sunroof is that it lets in more light from the outside than a standard glass area would. A sunblind and tint are always included with sunroofs to keep the cabin from overheating. They make the cabin appear larger and let in more natural light.

Sliding Sunroof

A glass sliding sunroof with an electric motor lets more light and air into your car. Even when closed, and particularly when open, it makes the interior feel lighter. There is a nice flow of fresh air without draughts when the sliding roof is open. Additional protection from the sun is provided by a retractable roof liner.

Pop-up Sunroof

A pop-up sunroof is a sunroof that opens by tilting upward. Some pop-up sunroofs can be fully removed, and they can be controlled manually or automatically. Additionally, they can be added as an aftermarket feature. 

Solar Sunroof

In order to lower cabin temperature when a car is parked in the sun, solar sunroofs are sunroofs with photovoltaic panels embedded in their glass. These panels are used to power interior ventilation fans.

Folding/ Ragtops Sunroof

This type of sunroof comes with a panel made of fabric, which folds as the sunroof slides back. It is a type of old sunroof that was found in older convertible cars. 

Removable Sunroof

This type of sunroof comes with panels that are manually removable and help allow sunlight and air in as and when needed.

Difference between Sunroof and Moonroof

  • Unlike certain sunroofs, moonroofs cannot be removed. However, they can slide or tilt open to give fresh air and light.

  • If you are wondering, what is a moonroof on a car, it typically comes with a panel that is in the same colour as the interior of the car, and blends in with the car's interiors, whereas sunroofs are clearly distinct.

  • A sunroof is installed on the roof of the car, whereas a moonroof is typically installed between the roof and the headliner for occasional breeze and light.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sunroof

* Advantages of sunroof:

  • Enhanced sense of openness

  • Natural Air Conditioners

  • Alternative Emergency Routes

  • Improved Cellular Reception and Sunshine

  • Enhances the look of the car

  • Illuminates the car cabin in the dark and in colder weather conditions.

  • Gives a spectacular view of the clear sky and even the view of rain falling looks breathtaking.

*Disadvantages of sunroof:

  • Sunroofs may eat up headroom. This is because when a sliding sunroof is open, the sliding panels take up extra space.

  • You need to buy a car with a good quality sunroof. The main disadvantages of the sunroof in cars in India are problems of sunroof leakage during monsoons.

  • Regular maintenance of a sunroof is required and it is also prone to breakage as it is made of glass.

In India Sunroof in a car definitely makes sense. The reason is- Pollution! The Sunroof surely makes the cabin Airy. But Firstly, you’ll enjoy it for a month or 2 but then soon it’ll be a normal thing for you. Yes, we can enjoy windy weather or natural sunlight. 

But have you thought about the effect of heavy rain on the sunroof in a car? While a heavy rain sunroof might feel insane. As the noise of heavy precipitation is much louder. Some people love rainy sounds but it is impossible to have a conversation or listen to music while it's raining outside.

Also if you open it after rain, Raindrops might drip in through trees or glass. And not only after rain but before the rain, the weather becomes windy or a plain dust storm is there which can affect your lungs. Also, dust can create a mess in your cabin. 

But, you must know that the quality of the sunroof is what matters the most. There are premium sunroofs and cheaper sunroofs also. So, leakage during the rainy season can depend on the quality of the sunroof in a car. All the above information makes the pros and cons of car sunroofs clear.

Does a Sunroof Affect Performance?

There’s no tangible effect of a sunroof on strength or on the structural rigidity of a car. It’s just a myth. Cars these days are particularly designed to absorb a good amount of energy and spread it into the reinforced areas, that is especially A, B, C and D pillars which are made of high-strength steel and are able to absorb any kind of force on the roof. Hence, having a sunroof feature does not have any kind of effect.

Technological Advancements In Sunroof Design

The car with sunroof improves the convenience and comfort inside the car beyond its aesthetics. With the advancement of technology, many kinds of sunroof designs have evolved. 

  • Automatic Opening & Closing

Nowadays, many cars with roof openings are equipped with automation control. You can control the sunroof only when the switch for ignition mode is on. By pulling back the switch, it can open the sunroof automatically while to close it, you can push the switch forward. To stop the sunroof midway, you can push the switch briefly.      

  • Sunshade Controls

With modern cars, you can use sunshade controls which are mounted on the overhead console. You can operate the sunshade independently of the sunroof by using the one-touch.   

  • Rain Sensors

With a new type of Sunroof feature in cars, rain sensors are also equipped which can sense the rain and close the sunroof. 

Luxury Cars with Automatic Transmissions and Sunroofs

The following table highlights the gearbox system and types of sunroofs attached to luxury cars. 

Luxury Cars

Automatic Transmission

Sunroof

BMW X5 X-DRIVE 30D SPORT X PLUS

8-speed Automatic Gearbox

Panoramic Sunroof

Mercedes-Benz E-220D EXCLUSIVE

9-speed Torque Converter Auto

Panoramic Sunroof

Land Rover Discovery HSE

Automatic (TC) - 8 Gears, Paddle Shift, Sport Mode

Panoramic Sunroof

Land Rover Discovery 5 SE

8-speed Automatic Transmission

Panoramic Sunroof

Mercedes-Benz GLS 350D (4-MATIC)

Automatic - 9 Gears, Paddle Shift, Sport Mode

Remote Sunroof

Volvo XC90 D5 inscription

8-speed Automatic Transmission

Sunroof With Power Operation

Mercedes-Benz C 220D PROGRESSIVE

9-Speed Automatic Transmission

Moon Roof

Jaguar F-PACE Prestige

Automatic - 8 Gears, Paddle Shift, Sport Mode

Panoramic Sunroof

Range Rover Sport HSE

Automatic (TC) - 8 Gears, Manual Override & Paddle Shift, Sport Mode

Panoramic Sunroof

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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Car with a Sunroof

Are you looking for a 7-seater sunroof car? You may select the ideal sunroof car for your needs without going over budget if you carefully take the following factors into account.

  • Size of Sunroof

Generally speaking, the cost of the sunroof car increases with its size. The most economical sizes of sunroof typically range from 15" x 30" to 20" x 38".

  • Glass of Sunroof

Low-cost sunroofs with a dot matrix "screened" glass is economical. Since they are less expensive to produce, they will reflect roughly half of the solar heat away from the glass. A solar-cool reflecting glass that resembles a one-way mirror is used in higher-grade sunroofs. 

  • Gasket & Seals 

Gasket and seals are possibly the most significant components of the entire sunroof. The material for the gasket can be neoprene between the glass and frame.  

Bottom Line 

After reading this blog entirely, surely you would have much understanding of the sunroofs and their types and more. If you are looking for a used luxury car with sunroof, check out the AutoBest Emperio web platform for a fair deal for you. Here, you can explore a wide variety of pre owned luxury cars at a reasonable price.  

FAQ’s

  1. What is the use of a sunroof in cars?

The purpose of the sunroof is to provide ventilation, create more open space and provide a better view to the passengers.

  1. Can we add sunroof to a car?

Yes, you can get a sunroof installed in certain models of cars.

  1. What is a moonroof on a car?

The moonroof is an instalment between the roof and headliner that can be slid open for air and light.

  1. Is the sunroof good or bad?

A sunroof can be an excellent addition to your car interior if you want an airy and well-ventilated car.

  1. What are the disadvantages of sunroof in cars in India?

Sunroofs require repair and bad-quality sunroofs may show leakage.

  1. What is the advantage of a sunroof in car?

Sunroofs provide an amazing view, keep the car ventilated, and provide sunlight and warmth during the colder season.

  1. Can we use a sunroof while driving?

Yes, you can use the sunroof while driving.

  1. Do sunroofs reduce safety?

No, sunroofs do not reduce safety, however, they may reduce the mileage of a car.

  1. Do sunroofs have problems?

Yes, they may require regular maintenance and repair.

  1. Does the sunroof leak water?’

The good quality sunroof will never leak water.

  1.  Do sunroofs make cars hotter?

No,  instead they help dissipate the heat and make the car cooler.

12. Is it safe to install a sunroof in car?

You can install a sunroof in the car but it is always advised to check the aftermarket item that may lead to break or leak. 

13. What color of sunroof is better?

The amount of heat retained by a sunroof might vary according to its color. Darker colors are better in colder weather because they retain more heat. A silver tint that reflects sunlight might be preferable in hotter climes.

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