Everything You Need to Know About Sunroofs

Shambhavi Singh
Est. Reading Time 6 mins


Your car speaks a lot about you, hence we pick and choose cars according to our personalities. Adding accessories to the car denotes your passion for driving. A Sunroof is the most luxurious accessory your car can have. Adding a sunroof to your car can give you an enhanced driving experience, especially if you live in warmer climate zones. Sunroofs are typically fitted to the roof of the car which is a glass panel that can be opened manually or automatically.
Sunroofs are an important part of any car, they have featured screens, they offer more space in the cabin, they enable ventilation and they give you a clear outside view especially when you drive at night. In this article, we'll look at some common types of sunroofs and their usage with the pros and cons so that you can decide which one is best suited for your automobile.

What Is a Sunroof Car and How Does It Function?

A sunroof car is a vehicle that is equipped with a panel in the roof that can be opened to allow sunlight and fresh air. The sunroof can be a fixed panel or it can slide open and be tilted for ventilation. Sunroofs can be manual or powered and are typically made of glass. The functioning of a sunroof car depends on the type of sunroof installed. Manual sunroof cars require manual operation using a crank or lever, while powered sunroof cars can be opened and closed using a switch or a button. Most of them open completely when you press the button twice, in the first go it opens 80% and on the second click it opens fully.
Check out the collection of  used cars in Dubai

Types of Sunroof

  • Tilt-out Sunroof or Spoiler Sunroof:
    A tilt-out sunroof consists of a single panel that tilts up to provide ventilation. The panel is hinged at the front and slides open towards the back, allowing an increased airflow inside the vehicle. You can tilt out the sunroof to a certain extent, and some models even have a special button that opens the roof completely. It is also known as a spoiler sunroof because of its unique design feature where the panel tilts and slides over the car, giving the appearance of a spoiler on the roof. This design sets it apart from other sunroofs.
  • Pop-up Sunroof:
    A pop-up sunroof is a great option for your car, the sunroof pop opens toward the outside of the car. This type of sunroof is easy to install and doesn't have any moving parts, except for the locks that hold the panel in place. The panel is mounted on a track and can be manually opened and closed by sliding it back and forth. Pop-up sunroofs typically do not provide as much ventilation as other types of sunroofs, but they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
  • In-built Sunroof:
    An In-built sunroof is mounted from the inside. In-built sunroofs give you the benefits of operation and design. It is integrated into the roof of the vehicle acting as an internal accessory. If you live in a hot region, an in-built sunroof can help keep your car cool and comfortable by letting in more air. In-built sunroofs are often power-operated and are considered a premium feature in many vehicles.
  • Moonroof Sunroof:
    The term "moon roof" is used to refer to a specific type of sunroof. A Moonroof is a transparent static glass fixed in between the car roof and the headliner. It is a glass that gives you the feeling of a screen on top. The moon roof can be tilted upwards however it just opens by an inch to allow ventilation. Moonroofs are usually in-built into the roof of the car or can be mounted on top of the roof, giving the appearance of a floating panel.


  • Panoramic Sunroof:
    While all other sunroofs act as windows to your car, a panoramic sunroof is like a large door. A panoramic sunroof covers the entire roof area of a vehicle, it consists of a large glass panel that opens from the front to the end or a combination of a front glass panel for the front rows and a fixed glass panel located for the backseaters, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the sky for all occupants. The aim is to provide a much more immersive and enjoyable driving experience by letting in an increased amount of natural light and a better view of the surroundings.
  • Solar Sunroof:
    The Solar Sunroof is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and harmful emissions. Solar sunroofs consist of a photovoltaic (PV) system, which means that they generate energy from sunlight. The use of a solar sunroof can help to reduce the vehicle's energy consumption, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions.
How Solar Power Cars Work: Exploring Solar Electronics | Maker Pro

Difference between Sunroof vs Moonroof vs Panoramic

Sunroof, Moonroof, and Panoramic sunroof are different types of roof opening features in a car, while all three allow extra light and fresh air into your car, there are some key differences.

Sunroof

Moonroof

Panoramic Sunroof

Sunroof covers the front portion of the car roof

Moonroof is a fixed glass on the car roof

A panoramic sunroof is a type of sunroof that occupies the entire car roof

Can be operated manually or Automatically

Moonroof doesn’t open however it can be slightly tilted manually

Operated automatically

Allows ventilation and passage of air

Allows passage of air when tilted

Provides breathtaking views, light, and breeze. 

Pros and cons of having a Sunroof

Pros:

  • It gives your car a luxurious and premium look even at a minimal price which adds an extra beautification feature to your vehicle.
  • It allows more natural light inside the vehicle.
  • The mounting of the sunroof panel makes the vehicle more spacious for the passengers.
  • A Sunroof contributes to the interior design of the vehicle.
  • Sunroofs offer a better view of the sky and surrounding area, with better air circulation which makes the driving experience more enjoyable.
  • Sunroofs are a fascinating element for kids, your family can enjoy long drives better.
  • Sunroofs also provide ventilation and can help to cool your car on hot days.

Cons:

  • The addition of a sunroof can increase road noise and wind noise in the cabin, which makes the inside a bit noisier.
  • Sunroofs can be prone to leaks, and their mechanisms can require maintenance over time.
  • Sunroof can decrease wind resistance which can cause the vehicle to be more susceptible to crosswinds and decrease fuel efficiency.
  • Sunroofs are generally perceived as a luxurious feature and add up to the overall cost of a vehicle.
  • It raises an alarm in terms of safety especially when you have kids in your car.

Sunroofs are a great way to add style and function to your vehicle. Sunroofs are now commonly used not only by high-end models but by almost all car brands. Precautionary measures and maintenance are a few must-do for sunroofs. CARS24 provides in-detailed research on cars with sunroofs and helps you identify the right sunroof car as per your necessity. You can also enquire about any information concerning sunroofs on the platform. So, if you're looking for a sunroof, consider adding one today!

FAQs

Is it a good idea to have a sunroof?
Sunroofs are a symbol of luxury, it offers you the experience of driving amidst great views. Due to the ventilation features, sunroofs also make your drives pleasant. So, if you are a frequent long-drive person, consider implementing a sunroof. Or if you have a family, you can simply add smiles to their face with the sunroof experience.

Do sunroofs cause problems?
Sunroofs can be vexing if not maintained. Sunroofs require constant checks on dust, rust, and moisture. Remember, it’s a window to your car, leaks can cause serious damage to the interiors of the car. Sunroofs are all safe; it may require constant checks though.

Do sunroofs crack easily?
The sunroof glass is hard, and not subject to cracks. In case of accidents and hits, sunroofs may have cracks and breakouts. Larger sunroofs like panoramic sunroofs are prone to cracks due to their magnificent size, smaller sunroofs are sustainable.







Your car speaks a lot about you, hence we pick and choose cars according to our personalities. Adding accessories to the car denotes your passion for driving. A Sunroof is the most luxurious accessory your car can have. Adding a sunroof to your car can give you an enhanced driving experience, especially if you live in warmer climate zones. Sunroofs are typically fitted to the roof of the car which is a glass panel that can be opened manually or automatically.
Sunroofs are an important part of any car, they have featured screens, they offer more space in the cabin, they enable ventilation and they give you a clear outside view especially when you drive at night. In this article, we'll look at some common types of sunroofs and their usage with the pros and cons so that you can decide which one is best suited for your automobile.

What Is a Sunroof Car and How Does It Function?

A sunroof car is a vehicle that is equipped with a panel in the roof that can be opened to allow sunlight and fresh air. The sunroof can be a fixed panel or it can slide open and be tilted for ventilation. Sunroofs can be manual or powered and are typically made of glass. The functioning of a sunroof car depends on the type of sunroof installed. Manual sunroof cars require manual operation using a crank or lever, while powered sunroof cars can be opened and closed using a switch or a button. Most of them open completely when you press the button twice, in the first go it opens 80% and on the second click it opens fully.
Check out the collection of  used cars in Dubai

Types of Sunroof

  • Tilt-out Sunroof or Spoiler Sunroof:
    A tilt-out sunroof consists of a single panel that tilts up to provide ventilation. The panel is hinged at the front and slides open towards the back, allowing an increased airflow inside the vehicle. You can tilt out the sunroof to a certain extent, and some models even have a special button that opens the roof completely. It is also known as a spoiler sunroof because of its unique design feature where the panel tilts and slides over the car, giving the appearance of a spoiler on the roof. This design sets it apart from other sunroofs.
  • Pop-up Sunroof:
    A pop-up sunroof is a great option for your car, the sunroof pop opens toward the outside of the car. This type of sunroof is easy to install and doesn't have any moving parts, except for the locks that hold the panel in place. The panel is mounted on a track and can be manually opened and closed by sliding it back and forth. Pop-up sunroofs typically do not provide as much ventilation as other types of sunroofs, but they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
  • In-built Sunroof:
    An In-built sunroof is mounted from the inside. In-built sunroofs give you the benefits of operation and design. It is integrated into the roof of the vehicle acting as an internal accessory. If you live in a hot region, an in-built sunroof can help keep your car cool and comfortable by letting in more air. In-built sunroofs are often power-operated and are considered a premium feature in many vehicles.
  • Moonroof Sunroof:
    The term "moon roof" is used to refer to a specific type of sunroof. A Moonroof is a transparent static glass fixed in between the car roof and the headliner. It is a glass that gives you the feeling of a screen on top. The moon roof can be tilted upwards however it just opens by an inch to allow ventilation. Moonroofs are usually in-built into the roof of the car or can be mounted on top of the roof, giving the appearance of a floating panel.


  • Panoramic Sunroof:
    While all other sunroofs act as windows to your car, a panoramic sunroof is like a large door. A panoramic sunroof covers the entire roof area of a vehicle, it consists of a large glass panel that opens from the front to the end or a combination of a front glass panel for the front rows and a fixed glass panel located for the backseaters, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the sky for all occupants. The aim is to provide a much more immersive and enjoyable driving experience by letting in an increased amount of natural light and a better view of the surroundings.
  • Solar Sunroof:
    The Solar Sunroof is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and harmful emissions. Solar sunroofs consist of a photovoltaic (PV) system, which means that they generate energy from sunlight. The use of a solar sunroof can help to reduce the vehicle's energy consumption, increase fuel efficiency, and reduce carbon emissions.
How Solar Power Cars Work: Exploring Solar Electronics | Maker Pro

Difference between Sunroof vs Moonroof vs Panoramic

Sunroof, Moonroof, and Panoramic sunroof are different types of roof opening features in a car, while all three allow extra light and fresh air into your car, there are some key differences.

Sunroof

Moonroof

Panoramic Sunroof

Sunroof covers the front portion of the car roof

Moonroof is a fixed glass on the car roof

A panoramic sunroof is a type of sunroof that occupies the entire car roof

Can be operated manually or Automatically

Moonroof doesn’t open however it can be slightly tilted manually

Operated automatically

Allows ventilation and passage of air

Allows passage of air when tilted

Provides breathtaking views, light, and breeze. 

Pros and cons of having a Sunroof

Pros:

  • It gives your car a luxurious and premium look even at a minimal price which adds an extra beautification feature to your vehicle.
  • It allows more natural light inside the vehicle.
  • The mounting of the sunroof panel makes the vehicle more spacious for the passengers.
  • A Sunroof contributes to the interior design of the vehicle.
  • Sunroofs offer a better view of the sky and surrounding area, with better air circulation which makes the driving experience more enjoyable.
  • Sunroofs are a fascinating element for kids, your family can enjoy long drives better.
  • Sunroofs also provide ventilation and can help to cool your car on hot days.

Cons:

  • The addition of a sunroof can increase road noise and wind noise in the cabin, which makes the inside a bit noisier.
  • Sunroofs can be prone to leaks, and their mechanisms can require maintenance over time.
  • Sunroof can decrease wind resistance which can cause the vehicle to be more susceptible to crosswinds and decrease fuel efficiency.
  • Sunroofs are generally perceived as a luxurious feature and add up to the overall cost of a vehicle.
  • It raises an alarm in terms of safety especially when you have kids in your car.

Sunroofs are a great way to add style and function to your vehicle. Sunroofs are now commonly used not only by high-end models but by almost all car brands. Precautionary measures and maintenance are a few must-do for sunroofs. CARS24 provides in-detailed research on cars with sunroofs and helps you identify the right sunroof car as per your necessity. You can also enquire about any information concerning sunroofs on the platform. So, if you're looking for a sunroof, consider adding one today!

FAQs

Is it a good idea to have a sunroof?
Sunroofs are a symbol of luxury, it offers you the experience of driving amidst great views. Due to the ventilation features, sunroofs also make your drives pleasant. So, if you are a frequent long-drive person, consider implementing a sunroof. Or if you have a family, you can simply add smiles to their face with the sunroof experience.

Do sunroofs cause problems?
Sunroofs can be vexing if not maintained. Sunroofs require constant checks on dust, rust, and moisture. Remember, it’s a window to your car, leaks can cause serious damage to the interiors of the car. Sunroofs are all safe; it may require constant checks though.

Do sunroofs crack easily?
The sunroof glass is hard, and not subject to cracks. In case of accidents and hits, sunroofs may have cracks and breakouts. Larger sunroofs like panoramic sunroofs are prone to cracks due to their magnificent size, smaller sunroofs are sustainable.






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