Car Sunshades & Windshield Visors | Do They Actually Work?

Anyone in moderate summer knows how hot it can get in their car. But, would a sunshade or visor actually help cool things down, or is it just one more piece of clutter in your car? Let's find out if these tools can really work and how to make the best choice for your own vehicle.

How to Choose the Best Car Sunshade?

Choosing the right car sunshade is not just grabbing the first one you see. There are a few things that you need to consider:

Fit: One of the first things that matter in a sunshade is its fitting on either your windshield or windows. Poorly fitting ones will permit rays of sunlight to enter, thus, defeating the purpose.

Material: There are various materials with different levels of offering protection from UV. Sunshades made from reflective material are the best, since the rays of the sun meant to gain entry into your car are bounced back.

Ease of Use: You don't want a wrestling match every time you need to park your car. You may want to go in for easy unfold and store designs, like accordion- or pop-up-style shades.

Durability: Most sunshades are rather flimsy and will barely last you the season. You may pay less in the long run by purchasing a more durable product that actually keeps your car cooler.

UV Protection Alternatives

While car shades are the most common alternative other than green parking, they are far from the only one. Here are a few alternative methods for shielding your vehicle from UV rays:

Tinted windows can mean blocking a lot of the UV radiation and keeping your car thereby way cooler than extra accessories like:

Car Covers: Put on a full car cover; not only will it protect the interior but also the exterior parts from fading and damage.

Parking in the Shade: This may sound rather obvious, but parking under a tree or in a garage is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your car cool.

Which Color Is Best for a Sunshade?

Fact is, color does matter, especially in sunshades. Reflective silver or white shades are normally the best, as they reflect immediate sunlight from your car, hence reducing heat. Darker colors, though better at blocking light, tend to absorb more heat and may be less useful in cooling the car.

What Type of Car Sunshade is Best?

Now, the best type can be subjective and varies from car to car, which is why we have focused on the following variables;


Accordion or Foldable shadesSun: These are quite simple to store and have good coverage for your windshields.


Pop-up Shades: Really good when you have to set them up and put them away fast, but they may not fit some cars very well.


Custom-Fit Sunshades: Designed specifically for the make and model of your car, you know that the fit will be good and it will provide maximum protection.

Windshield sunshades and visors aren't just for the looks and style of your ride, but they are oh-so-practical when properly chosen. Indeed, it helps in minimizing how hot the inside of your car gets and contributes to the reduced wear and tear on the components of your vehicle. So next time you're out for a sunshade, remember to consider the fit, material, and ease of use to ensure you get the best protection for your car.

FAQs

How do I choose a sunshade?

Seek a window car shade that will perfectly fit your vehicle's window or any other acceptable length, reflecting material, and is easily used and stored.

Is black is better than white sun shade?

White or reflective are the best since they reflect sunlight and do a good job of keeping off your car and minimizing interior heating

Does a thicker shade make it better?

Thicker shades may deliver better insulation the most critical feature, which is the material and the reflectiveness.

Is a green or black sun shade best?

Neither green nor black is the best; the lighter colors that are reflective like silver or white are the best able to reflect the sunshine.