What Is A Sunroof And How Does It Work?

A sunroof is like a power-operated window but installed in the roof of a car. It can slide over or pop open to allow more air and light into the cabin. Sunroofs on most mass market cars come with an interior sliding panel that can be opened or closed to let light inside the cabin. These panels are typically finished in the same colour and material as the headliner in the car. There are 2 sizes of sunroofs available in cars sold in India today and the larger one is called panoramic sunroof.

A typical car sunroof is a multi-layered panel that is attached to the roof of the car. You can slide it open or close on its 2 side tracks. The switches and the sunroof itself behave a lot like a normal power window.

What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Sunroof?

The pros, or advantages, of a sunroof in a car are:

• A sunroof adds an element of style to the car
• Makes the cabin feel airier by letting in more light
• Lets fresh air in while limiting the smoke from nearby trucks and buses
• Helps the hot air escape from the top more easily when we use the heater during winters

Sunroofs have the following shortcomings or problems:

• A sunroof adds some aerodynamic penalty and slightly affects the fuel efficiency at highway speeds
• A sunroof is an expensive feature with a high perceived value and it makes the particular variant with this feature quite expensive
• An aftermarket sunroof has the potential to ruin the structural integrity of the car
• Several car owners use the sunroof irresponsibly and poke their hands and heads out increasing the risk of injury
• A gasket failure because of cracks or cuts could make the sunroof leaky and wet the cabin during car wash and in the rain
• There’s a risk of bird poop and dirt entering the cabin more easily if the sunroof pane is open
• There’s also a risk of damage in a hail fall; while the glass pane itself is laminated and won’t let most hail stones enter the cabin, a broken sunroof mandates an immediate repair whereas you can drive the car around with a dent and a scratch from a hail stone

What Are The Different Types Of Sunroof Available In India?

Cars in India offer several types of sunroofs based on their price and positioning in the market. Here are the most common types of sunroofs found in cars sold in India:

• Pop-Up Sunroof:
  • Functions: Tilts up at the rear for ventilation.
  • How it works: A simple mechanism allows the glass panel to tilt upwards, creating an opening for airflow. It does not slide back.
• Sliding Sunroof (Inbuilt Sunroof):
  • Functions: Slides back into the roof, creating a large opening.
  • How it works: An electric motor drives a mechanism that slides the glass panel horizontally into a recess in the roof.
• Panoramic Sunroof:
  • Functions: Extends across most of the roof, providing a large glass area and often includes a sliding front section.
  • How it works: Multiple glass panels, often with a large fixed rear panel and a sliding front panel, create a wide-open feel. Some panoramic roofs have a retractable shade.
• T-Top Sunroof:
  • Functions: Two removable roof panels.
  • How it works: Two seperate panels can be removed from the roof. This is less common in modern vehicles.
• Convertible Sunroof (Fabric Sunroof/Ragtop):
  • Functions: A large fabric section of the roof retracts.
  • How it works: A fabric panel, often electrically operated, folds or slides back, creating a large opening. This is less common in modern vehicles.
• Solar Sunroof:
  • Functions: Generates electricity to power vehicle systems.
  • How it works: Solar panels integrated into the glass generate electricity, which can be used to power ventilation systems, climate control, or other electrical components.

How Does A Sunroof Differ From A Moonroof?

The terms “sunroof” and “moonroof” are often used interchangeably, but there are some technical distinctions:

• Sunroof:
  • Traditionally, a sunroof was an opaque panel, often made of metal, that matched the car’s body color.
  • It could typically be tilted open or, in some older models, completely removed.
  • The primary function was to allow sunlight and fresh air into the vehicle.
• Moonroof:
  • A moonroof is typically a tinted glass panel that slides or tilts open.
  • It allows light into the vehicle even when closed.
  • Modern “sunroofs” are most often moonroofs.
  • They are designed to allow light in while keeping the elements out.

In modern automotive terminology, the distinction has become blurred. Most vehicles now feature glass panels that slide or tilt, so “moonroof” is arguably the more accurate term. However, “sunroof” remains widely used.

How Expensive Is It To Repair Or Replace A Sunroof?

The cost of repairing or replacing a sunroof depends on the make and model of the car. Replacing a sunroof pane and some gaskets around it costs between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 90,000 for most mass market cars. So, if the sunroof in your car breaks down, we recommend repairing them if possible as replacements are quite expensive. If your car didn’t come with a sunroof, then you are out of luck since there are not many sunroof options from the aftermarket.

We suggest you leave it to the car manufacturers and authorised service centres, which have standard operating procedures, the necessary tools and trained staff to take on such a complex job.

What Is The Cost Of An Aftermarket Sunroof?

With almost all carmakers offering a sunroof in their mass market and premium models, the demand for aftermarket sunroofs have dropped significantly. So much so that it is virtually impossible to find an aftermarket sunroof option from a car accessories dealer. Tata Nano GenX is a rare car that had the option of a manual-winding sunroof, which was an official dealer-installed accessory. Since an aftermarket sunroof could affect the structural integrity of your car, we do not recommend getting an aftermarket sunroof fixed to your car even if you find an aftermarket option.

How Easy Or Complex Is It To Install A Sunroof?

Earlier, installing an aftermarket sunroof were quite haphazard jobs. Since beams inside a car’s roof are a part of the crash structure,  one small cut or a dent could potentially risk the safety of the occupants.

What Cars Get A Sunroof From The Factory?

In India, most cars from the B-segment (Hyundai i20, Kia Sonet, Tata Nexon) and above get a standard sunroof at least in their higher variants. The 2024 Mahindra XUV 3XO is currently the most affordable car in India to offer a panoramic sunroof. However, this feature is limited to the top 2 variants of the XUV 3XO.

Verdict – Should I Get An Aftermarket Sunroof?

The simple answer is, no. If you require a sunroof in your car, then we suggest spending a little extra and buying the variant that offers this feature.

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