Best Bang for Your Buck on Car Shades
The windshield sun shade has a dual purpose: On warm days, keeping the interior of your parked-outside car cool so you don't suffer when you get back in, and also protecting against the damaging effects of ultra-violet (UV) rays. Also, we've all seen badly discolored, cracked and dried-up plastic dash pads. UV dries out auto interior materials, including leather, vinyl and other plastics, fabrics and carpets. That's aesthetic, but it also causes materials to evaporate and release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A phenomenon known as "new car smell" is similar, in that, according to Chemical & Engineering News, it represents the off-gassing of VOCs from adhesives and sealants. The sun shade is a low-tech product that will combat both of these phenomena. Usually costing $20 or less, it's a simple rectangle of fabric, or a combination of fabric and plastics (cardboard seems passé) that unfolds to fit across your windshield and block the sun's rays. Some of the products include a warning: Not to be used while driving!
Do windshield sunshades work? Indeed they do. In this video test, a car that heated up to 120 Fahrenheit on a sunny day saw its interior temperature drop to 92 degrees after a $20 sun shade was installed. Here are five good sun shade choices.
Best Deal: EcoNour Windshield Car Sun Shade
Why We Picked It:
EcoNour's sun shade is a simple two-piece that folds up quickly into the included carrying case, and in use can (the company claims) reduce interior temperatures by as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit. There are five sizes, ranging from 59" by 29" to 69" by 35". Folded, it should fit into a door pocket or under the seats. The product is rectangular with, on either side, circles of high-density 230T (a polyester taffeta used for lining clothes, umbrellas and bags) supported with wire to hold it in place.
Pros:
- More sophisticated than the old accordion cardboard shades
- Folds into a compact, storable shape
Cons:
- Thin in construction, and may not be as durable or provide as much protection as other shades
- Are you good at origami? The folding is a bit tricky
Most Convenient to Use: Ontel Brella Shield Car Windshield Sun Shade
Why We Picked It:
The novelty here is that, instead of simply unfolding, the Ontel Brella opens like is namesake, the umbrella. It's very simple to use: just pop it open and fit it in place. After use, click the latch and the Brella shrinks back down into a size (less than one square foot) that will actually fit into the glovebox. The idea is catching on: Other products of this type are made by Aikesi, JASVIC and Bosi.
Pros:
- Convenient, if you get the hang of it
- Lightweight, only 1.21 pounds
Cons:
- There's only one size, 48.5″ wide by 34.5″ high. The company says it "should fit most vehicles," but that's dubious. One SUV owner said it would fit if "I rip out my navigation and rear-view mirror."
- May interfere with phone mounts or windshield toll transponders such as E-ZPass.
Best for Protection: McButy Car Windshield Sunshade
Why We Picked It:
McButy's sunshade costs a little more but it promises greater protection. It's 0.12 inches thick and made of five layers: a reflective aluminum foil, two layers of honeycomb bubble insulation, a second type of insulating layer, and then another outer layer of foil. It uses stronger-than-usual dovetail-type suction cups to ensure a good fit with the windshield. Like other sunshades, it folds for easy storage when not in use.
Pros:
- Consumers have seen a 20 to 25-degree Fahrenheit temperature reduction
- High percentage of windshield coverage
- Money-back guarantee
Cons:
- One size (57" by 27.5") is designed for larger vehicles and may not fit smaller cars
- Some consumers report problems folding these sunshades. No directions included
Best for Driving: Sailead Polarized Sun Visor Sunshade Extender: Best for Driving
Why We Picked It:
This product is quite different, designed to reduce the sun's glare when you're actually driving. The sun visors on many cars (the Mazda Miata, for instance) are too small to make much of a difference, but Sailead makes a sun shade that straps with Velcro onto the existing visor and increases sun blockage (all UVA and UVB light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers) 10 inches down and (via a sliding extender) 10 inches to the right. What the company claims is "NASA polarizing technology" filters out reflected light and glare the same way sunglasses do.
Pros:
- Weighs just 8.8 ounces
- Great for heading into strong sunrise situations
- Can be used for driver or light-sensitive passenger, or both
Cons:
- Visor doesn't completely retract into its sleeve
- Doesn't fit every car
- Fingerprints build up
Bestselling Sunshades on Amazon
Bestseller No. 3
Sedan SUV Car Windshield Sun Shade,Foldable Automotive Windshield Shade,Sunshades Car Umbrella for Windshield Easy to Store and Use Fits Windshields of Various Sizes
- 【High Quality Materials】: Car sun shade for windshield umbrella is made of high density cloth,with titanium silver coating and 10 bones Skeletons.which is strong, durable, and corrosion-resistant, The cloth are not easily damaged under high temperature, and will not emit odors.you can use it every summer.The car windshield umbrella is light in weight, the material is not rusty, the umbrella bone has good toughness. You can use it every summer.
- 【Universal Size】: Car Windshield Sun Shade Umbrella is 54"&57" X 31",compatible for standard cars, Sedans, Mid-Size SUVs and Truck and Mini vans. The sunshade wraps around the windshield and can provide the maximum sun protection.
- 【Easy to Use and Store】: Foldable Windshield Sunshade umbrella is easy to open and close.The folding size is 12.9 inch long, same a normal umbrella. You can store it into the leather storage bag, and place in the car door, or central storage box.This car sun umbrella is convenient for daily use and is the ideal sun shade accessory for cars in summer.
Bestseller No. 5
Motor Trend Front Windshield Sun Shade - Jumbo Accordion Folding Auto Sunshade for Car Truck SUV - Blocks UV Rays Sun Visor Protector - Keeps Your Vehicle Cool - 66 x 27 Inch
- SIZE & FITMENT- Jumbo Size: 66" Width x 27" Height. Universally made for most personal vehicles and fits the windshield using the rear-view mirror as support. The tapered edges allow for a more snug fit.
- COMFORTABLE COOL INTERIOR - On a typical sunny day, avoid the extra heat and keep your interior cool with our top quality Windshield Sunshade Protector. Reduces interior car temperatures by 30-50 degrees. Blocks damaging UV rays; Keeps car cooler on sunny days
- GREAT FOR CAR VAN TRUCK SUV - Increases the lifespan of your vehicle's dash surface, radio, LCD Screen, GPS Devices and other electronics. Unique design with a lightweight, reinforced frame simplifies application and re-positioning
Bestseller No. 6
Autoamerics 1-Piece Windshield Sun Shade Foldable Car Front Window Sunshade for Most Sedans SUV Truck - Best Auto Heat Shield Reflector Cover - Blocks Max UV Rays and Keeps Your Vehicle Cool - Medium
- ★ Effectively blocks hot sun & heat: On hot days where your car is sitting baking under the scorching sun, it quickly transforms from your favorite urban transport to a giant portable oven, and this brings problems for you and your car. Autoamerics 1-Piece Windshield Sun Shade effectively solves these problems by blocking the scorching hot UV rays and heat.
- ★ Innovative & improved 1-piece design: Our premium sunshades are available in 4 different sizes and protect your dashboard, steering wheel, and seats from overheat. Due to its special cut at the top, our exclusive design sunshade fully adapts to any size or type rearview mirror. Medium / Universal Fit: L = 61" (155cm), W = 32" (81.3cm), Ring Diameter = 28.5" (72.4cm) - fits perfectly to most standard cars, Sedans, Mid-Size SUVs and Trucks with regular-sized windshields.
- ★ High-quality appearance: Autoamerics Shades are premium quality with improved high-density UV reflective material, reinforced with high-strength ductile wire and the latest heat reduction technology. Our sunshades are among the most innovative and effective sunshade solutions available on the market today!
Bestseller No. 7
Bestseller No. 8
car sunshades for Windshield, Retractable car Sun Shade, Sunshade to Keep Your Vehicle Cool and Damage Free, UV Sun and Heat Reflector, Easy to Use, 2021 New
- Protect your dashboard, seats, and interior, and the sun will exhaust your car. KINGMAZI windshield sun visor can effectively prevent harmful ultraviolet rays from harming car interior parts
- Automatic telescopic, easy to use KINGMAZI windshield sun visor adopts automatic telescopic design. It can be easily installed and used in a few seconds, no disassembly, space saving, not easy to fall off, small in size, easy to store, giving you an excellent experience.
- Heat insulation and efficient heat dissipation. The front of the KINGMAZI windshield sunshade is made of new aluminum foil, and the back is made of high-quality non-woven fabric, which effectively protects the sun and blocks 99% of ultraviolet rays, reduces the temperature in the car, and protects your travel.
Sale Bestseller No. 10
Windshield Sunshade Car Foldable UV Ray Reflector Auto Front Window Sun Shade Visor Shield Shade,Keeps Vehicle Cool - Blue (55" x 27.5")
- KEEP VEHICLE COOL - Reflective material deflects sunlight and heat- reduce automobile internal humidity, insulation performance is good, effectively reduce the temperature inside the car, the fuel consumption saving air conditioning, helps keep car interior cool during hot & sunny weather
- PREMIUM MATERIAL - Reflective aluminum foil combine with double layer bubble material make the cooling effect is more significant , Frost and snow prevention Dust-proof
- UV PROTECTOR - Perfect for interior protection while blocking the harmful UV rays from damaging your upholstery. Protect the car instrument desk, steering wheel and chairs, etc. Not aging metamorphism by sunlight
Methodology
Forbes Wheels based its evaluation of automotive sun visors on the ratings of critics, existing tests, and the manufacturers' fact sheets, as well as the many online reviews from hands-on users of the products.
FAQs (frequently asked questions)
What if I just want a novelty sunshade with eye-popping graphics?
Have no fear, the marketplace will accommodate you, the imagery extending from cute dogs and cats to The Golden Girls, Star Trek, The Office, and even Vincent Van Gogh. The neat pictures will not further protect your car, however. Some buyers have said novelty sunshades aren't long-life sunshades.
There's more than one type of sun shade?
Yes, reflective and non-reflective versions. The reflective type reflects the sun's light back out, and the non-reflective absorbs sunlight. According to CompleteCarComfort.com, "Both sunshades will greatly reduce the interior temperature of your vehicle, but most will agree that reflective models work better."
What about skin cancer?
This is another great reason to reduce your exposure to UV light, and why a beefed-up sun visor makes some sense. According to the Centers for Disease Control, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., and one in five Americans will be diagnosed with a form of it. Prolonged contact with UV rays is a big risk factor. Shorter-wavelength UVB light causes most sunburns, but it won't come through a window. Longer-wavelength UVA rays will come through, and it's the major risk factor while driving.
And these sun visors really do work, right?
Indeed, it's a simple solution with big benefits. Tests show the interior temperature can be reduced by 30 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Americans who live in the Southeast and the western states enjoy vehicles that don't rust, but they also see heavy depredation caused by the sun, in the form of discoloration, dried-up rubber seals, dash pads (which can reach 200 degrees Fahrenheit on hot summer days) cracked into relief maps and splitting leather seats. These sun shades won't help window seals, but they're very effective against dash cracks and seat disintegration.
Won't the sun wear out the sunshade, too?
No sunshade lasts forever, you big spender. But then, no sunshade (in this evaluation) costs more than $30.
Best Bang for Your Buck on Car Shades
Source: https://www.forbes.com/wheels/accessories/best-car-sunshades/