Many people ask themselves the question when buying a car: “Sunroof – yes or no?”. While this used to be considered a luxury and attracted envious looks, today it is often considered superfluous if the car already has air conditioning installed. But fresh and cool air is not the only thing that a sliding or panoramic roof can offer. Because the large glass surface on the car roof makes the interior of the vehicle much brighter and the passengers get a feeling of freedom that is otherwise only possible in a convertible. But the installation of a glass roof is sometimes associated with very high costs. In this article you will learn more about the different variants, the advantages and disadvantages of a car sunroof and whether you can retrofit it later.
Contents
Is a panorama roof a sunroof ?
The introduction of air conditioning gradually replaced the steel sunroof as a standard trim level, since the main task of this roof was to bring in fresh air and cool down naturally. While modern air conditioning systems do not let fresh air into the vehicle interior, their cooling function is much more effective. However, as the windows became smaller and the interior became darker due to the increasingly important stability of the cars, the desire for a glass roof increased again. This was the birth of the panoramic roof, which can make up the entire car roof or just individual parts of it. This special roof optimizes the incidence of light in the vehicle interior, brings a convertible feeling and allows a whole new perspective when driving, as the passengers can enjoy an unobstructed view of the sky.
A panorama roof is also available in three different versions:
- Fixed roof: This ensures a particularly unusual appearance, since the entire upper area of the car consists of tinted or untinted glass. However, this roof only allows for a visual convertible feeling as it cannot be opened.
- Panoramic sunroof: This is made up of several panels that can be slid or folded over one another to supply fresh air to the interior of the vehicle.
- Panorama windshield: The partitions between the windshield and the car roof are omitted here, which is why there is no longer a visible transition here. This enables the ultimate outdoor feeling.
If you now want to install a panorama or sunroof or order one when buying a new car, you should first decide whether and how far you want to open this glass roof. You should also make sure that it can be closed with a sun visor to prevent sunburn and a rapid rise in temperature on hot summer days.
Pros and cons of a car sunroof
The steel sunroof was supplanted by air conditioning mainly due to its numerous disadvantages. Many models are very susceptible to mechanical damage, such as jamming, increased play or breakage. Due to the location under the headliner, it is often very time-consuming and expensive to repair the mechanics of the roof. In addition, sunroofs can leak fairly quickly because it is extremely difficult to completely seal the roof panel to the surrounding sheet metal roof. This means that water can easily get into the vehicle interior in rainy weather or when washing the car.
The modern car glass sunroof also has it still some disadvantages:
- – Slightly worsened Aerodynamics
- –Increased fuel consumption and higher emission values
- – Louder wind and driving noise in Depending on the speed
- – Regular cleaning and maintenance of the sunroof
- – Pollen coming through the roof in spring and summer
- – A closed glass or panorama roof can quickly lead to the interior becoming overheated, especially in the summer months , which is why children and animals should not be left in the car while you just want to get something done.
However, a car sunroof also has a number of decisive advantages that ultimately convince many interested parties:
- + Good supply of fresh air and oxygen to the vehicle interior, which increases concentration and driving safety.
- + Convertible feeling due to the slight headwind.
- + Brighter interior, which creates a more pleasant atmosphere.
- + Better visibility for the driver, as signs, traffic lights etc. can also be seen that would otherwise have been covered by the roof.
- + Good view for the passengers with an unobstructed view of the sky, the mountains, the city panorama, etc.
- +Darkening through the roof liner is possible if required, for example in the event of strong heat.
- + More resilient to the impact of hail, rocks and branches than a tin roof that easily dents.
- + In contrast to the tin roof, no drum noises in rainy weather.
Because of these obvious benefits, many opt for a sliding or panoramic roof. But can this be retrofitted to a used car, for example? You can find out more about this in the next section.
Can one retrofit a sunroof?
If you have decided to install a sunroof, you should first read the general operating license for your car to find out which sunroofs are approved for this model in order to avoid problems later. The next step is to choose the right roof. You can generally choose between three different types, some of which differ significantly in terms of costs and properties.
- +Lifting roof: This glass roof can be raised using a lever, but cannot be moved. As a result, fresh air only gets into the vehicle interior in the rear area. This type is available from €250 and is therefore the cheapest.
- +Spoiler roof: This glass roof is tilted up to open and then pushed over the tin roof behind it. You have to clean the water drain installed in the front area of this sunroof regularly. It is particularly suitable for cars with a strongly curved roof and is available in the simplest version from €420. However, if you opt for automatic closing when the engine is switched off and a roller sunblind, costs start at €520.
- +Folding roof: These are made of soft plastic, are a lot longer than other sunroofs and thus allow a convertible feeling, since the passengers in the back seats can also throw an unobstructed view of the sky. However, this roof is the most expensive at at least €1000 and also the most complex to install.
On top of that, you'll then have to decide whether you want to install a power or mechanical sunroof and whether you need additional rain sensors if you tend to accidentally leave the roof open when exiting the car. However, please be aware that insurance may not pay if your vehicle is stolen with the sunroof open. In addition to the material costs mentioned above, there are of course labor costs. It is worth getting offers from different workshops, as the hourly rate varies between €50 and €100. If you have the necessary expertise in body construction and electrical engineering as well as the necessary special tools, you can also do the installation yourself to save costs. However, please consider that improper installation can result in very high follow-up costs due to leaks.
Regardless of whether you carry out the retrofit yourself or hire a workshop to do it, it is then necessary to have this approved by an expert and registered by the registration office, since the installation of a sunroof, even if this is explicitly approved for your car, Operating license for road traffic expires and you risk a fine. The unauthorized installation of a panoramic roof in your car is prohibited by law, as extensive calculations must be made for the statics and strength of the body to ensure that the glass roof does not become an additional hazard in the event of an accident.
Conclusion
Despite some disadvantages such as the risk of leaks or the need to regularly maintain and clean a car sunroof, many opt for the direct one or subsequent installation of a glass or panorama roof, as these ensure a more pleasant atmosphere through more light and the supply of oxygen. Retrofitting should be carried out by professionals, since the necessary specialist knowledge and special tools must be available for this. Panorama roofs, on the other hand, must never be installed yourself, as they change the strength and stability of the body and require precise calculations.