How to Put Up a Sun Shade in Your Car
Hey there! Ever stepped into your car on a scorching summer day and felt like you’re sitting in an oven? I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it’s not fun. That’s why I started using a sunshade in my car, and it’s been a game-changer. If you’re wondering how to put up a sunshade in your car, you’re in the right place. I’ve tried all sorts of sun shades over the years, from flimsy ones that flop over to sturdy ones that fit like a glove. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and using a car sun shade. It’s easier than you think, and it’ll keep your car cooler and protect your interior. Let’s dive in!
Why Use a Car Sun Shade?
I live in a place where summer temperatures hit triple digits, and leaving my car parked in the sun is a recipe for discomfort. A sunshade blocks sunlight from streaming through your windshield or windows, keeping the interior cooler. I’ve noticed my steering wheel and seats stay touchable instead of burning hot. Plus, sun shades protect your dashboard and upholstery from fading or cracking due to UV rays.
Without a sunshade, the heat can make your air conditioning work overtime, burning more gas. I also learned that prolonged sun exposure can damage electronics like your car’s infotainment system. A good sunshade saves you money and hassle in the long run.
Types of Car Sun Shades
Not all sun shades are the same. I’ve tried a bunch, and each type has its pros and cons. Here’s what I’ve found:
Accordion Sun Shades
These fold up like an accordion and are usually made of reflective material. I used one in my old sedan, and it was easy to store. They’re affordable, often under $20, and fit most windshields. The downside? They can be bulky and sometimes flop over if they don’t fit perfectly.
Pop-Up Sun Shades
Pop-up shades twist and collapse into a small circle for storage. I love these for their portability—I keep one in my trunk. They’re lightweight and quick to set up, but they take practice to fold back up. I fumbled with mine the first few times!
Custom-Fit Sun Shades
These are made for your car’s specific make and model. I got one for my SUV, and it fits like it was made for it—because it was! They’re pricier, around $50-$100, but they stay in place and cover every inch of the windshield. No gaps, no slipping.
Side Window Sun Shades
These cover your side windows, great for protecting backseat passengers, especially kids. I use adhesive or suction-cup shades for my daughter’s window. They’re easy to install but might not block as much heat as windshield shades.
Rear Window Sun Shades
Rear shades are less common but useful for hatchbacks or SUVs. I tried a roll-up version for my rear windshield, and it helped keep the cargo area cooler. They’re trickier to install but worth it if you park in direct sun.
Choosing the Right Sun Shade for Your Car
Picking the right sunshade depends on your car and needs. Here’s how I choose mine:
- Measure Your Windshield: I learned the hard way that not all shades fit every car. Measure your windshield’s width and height before buying. My sedan needed a 60×30-inch shade, but my SUV takes a larger one.
- Consider Your Parking Habits: If you park in a garage, you might not need a heavy-duty shade. I park outside, so I go for reflective, sturdy ones.
- Think About Storage: If your car’s tight on space, like my old compact, get a pop-up shade that folds small. Bigger cars can handle accordion styles.
- Check Material Quality: Look for reflective materials like aluminum foil or polyester. I avoid cheap, thin shades that tear easily.
- Ease of Use: If you’re like me and hate fiddling with things, choose a shade that’s easy to put up and take down. Custom-fit ones are my favorite for this.
How to Put Up a Sun Shade in Your Car
Now, let’s get to the main event—putting up that sun shade. I’ll walk you through the steps for different types based on my experience.
Accordion Sun Shade
This is the most common type I’ve used. Here’s how to do it:
- Unfold the Shade: Open it fully and hold it up to your windshield to check the fit. I usually do this outside the car first.
- Position It: Slide it across the windshield from the inside. I start at the bottom and work up, making sure it covers the glass completely.
- Secure It: Most accordion shades stay in place with suction cups or by tucking into the windshield’s edges. I press mine against the glass and use the visor to hold it up.
- Adjust the Visors: Flip down your sun visors to keep the shade from slipping. I sometimes wedge the edges behind the rearview mirror for extra hold.
It takes about 30 seconds once you get the hang of it. If it’s too big or small, you’ll need a different size.
Pop-Up Sun Shade
These are trickier but quick once you master them:
- Unfold It: Pop it open by releasing the twist. I do this inside the car to avoid the wind blowing it around.
- Align It: Hold it against the windshield, making sure it covers all corners. I start at the top and let it settle downward.
- Secure with Visors: Like the accordion shade, flip down the visors to hold them. Some pop-ups have suction cups for extra grip—I stick those to the glass.
- Check for Gaps: If sunlight sneaks through, adjust the shade. I sometimes overlap two panels if it’s a dual-piece shade.
The first time I used one, I struggled to fold it back up. Practice makes perfect—just twist and collapse it into a circle.
Custom-Fit Sun Shade
These are the easiest in my book:
- Check the Fit: Since it’s made for your car, it should match the windshield perfectly. I hold mine up to confirm.
- Place It: Set it against the windshield, aligning the edges. It usually fits snugly without much effort.
- Secure It: Use the visors or any included clips. My custom shade has cutouts for the rearview mirror, making it a breeze to install.
- Double-Check: Ensure no light leaks through. These shades rarely slip, but I still lower the visors for peace of mind.
It’s so simple, it feels like cheating compared to other types.
Side and Rear Window Shades
For side windows, I use these steps:
- Clean the Window: Wipe the glass to help suction cups or adhesive stick. I use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner.
- Attach the Shade: For suction-cup shades, press them firmly onto the window. For adhesive ones, peel and stick carefully. I align mine to cover the whole window.
- Test It: Roll the window up and down (if applicable) to ensure it stays put. I had one shade fall off because I didn’t clean the glass first.
Rear window shades are similar but might need clips or a roll-up mechanism. I follow the product’s instructions since they vary.
Tips for Using a Sun Shade Effectively
Over the years, I’ve picked up some tricks to make sun shades work better:
- Install Before Parking: Put the shade up before you leave the car. I forgot once and came back to a 140-degree interior!
- Clean the Windshield: Dust or grime can make suction cups slip. I wipe my windshield monthly to keep it clean.
- Store Properly: Fold or twist your shade neatly to avoid creases. I keep mine in a bag in the trunk.
- Use Multiple Shades: For extra protection, I sometimes use side window shades along with a windshield one.
- Check Fit Regularly: Shades can stretch or warp over time. I replace mine every couple of years if they start slipping.
These habits have made my car much more comfortable, especially in summer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of blunders with sunglasses. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Buying the Wrong Size: I once got a shade that was too small, and it left gaps. Measure your windshield first.
- Not Securing It: If you don’t use visors or suction cups, the shade can fall. I’ve had to climb back into a hot car to fix this.
- Leaving It Up While Driving: This is a big no-no. I almost drove off with a shade up—bad for visibility and illegal in most places.
- Ignoring Side Windows: Focusing only on the windshield leaves other windows exposed. I learned this when my back seat got scorching.
- Cheap Materials: I bought a $5 shade once, and it tore in a month. Spend a bit more for durability.
Avoid these, and you’ll save yourself a lot of frustration.
Benefits of Using a Sun Shade
Using a sunshade has been a lifesaver for me. Here’s why I swear by them:
- Cooler Interior: My car stays up to 20 degrees cooler, based on a thermometer I used to test it.
- Protects the Interior: My dashboard and leather seats haven’t faded since I started using shades.
- Saves Fuel: Less strain on the AC means better gas mileage. I noticed a small difference in my fuel costs.
- Comfort for Passengers: My daughter doesn’t complain about hot seats anymore, thanks to side window shades.
- Affordable: Most shades cost $10-$50, a small price for the benefits.
It’s one of the easiest ways to improve your driving experience.
Comparing Popular Sun Shade Types
Here’s a table I made to compare the main types of sun shades based on my experience:
| Type | Pros | Cons | Best For | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accordion | Affordable, easy to install | Bulky, may not fit perfectly | Budget-conscious drivers | $10-$30 |
| Pop-Up | Portable, lightweight | Hard to fold, can tear | Small cars, frequent travelers | $15-$40 |
| Custom-Fit | Perfect fit, durable | Expensive, specific to one car | Long-term use, specific models | $50-$100 |
| Side Window | Protects passengers, easy to use | Limited coverage, may block view | Families, cars with kids | $10-$25 |
| Rear Window | Covers rear glass, reduces heat | Tricky to install, less common | SUVs, hatchbacks | $15-$50 |
This table helped me pick the right shade for each of my cars.
When to Replace Your Sun Shade
Sun shades don’t last forever. I’ve had to replace mine when they start showing wear. Look for these signs:
- Tears or Holes: If sunlight peeks through, it’s not doing its job. My first shade ripped after a year of rough handling.
- Warped Shape: Pop-up shades can lose their springiness. I had one that wouldn’t stay flat anymore.
- Faded Material: If the reflective coating wears off, it’s less effective. I noticed my old shade wasn’t keeping the car as cool.
- Loose Suction Cups: If they don’t stick, the shade falls. I replace suction cups or the whole shade if needed.
I usually get 1-2 years out of a good shade before swapping it out.
Where to Buy a Sun Shade
You can find sun shades almost anywhere. I’ve bought them at:
- Auto Parts Stores: Places like AutoZone or O’Reilly have a wide selection. I like browsing in person to check sizes.
- Online Retailers: Amazon and Walmart have tons of options. I read reviews to avoid duds.
- Car Dealerships: Some sell custom-fit shades for your model. I got one from my SUV’s dealer, and it’s perfect.
- Big Box Stores: Target and Costco often carry affordable shades, especially in summer.
Check return policies in case the fit isn’t right. I had to return an online order once because it was too small.
My Personal Experience
I started using sun shades after a summer day when my steering wheel was too hot to touch. My first one was a cheap accordion shade that kept falling. After some trial and error, I switched to a custom-fit shade for my SUV, and it’s been a dream. I also use side window shades for my daughter, and they’ve kept her comfortable on long trips. It’s a small investment that makes a big difference, especially in hot climates.
Conclusion
Putting up a sunshade in your car is a simple way to beat the heat and protect your vehicle. Whether you go for an accordion, pop-up, or custom-fit shade, the key is choosing the right size and securing it properly. I’ve learned that a good shade not only keeps my car cooler but also saves my interior and cuts down on AC use. With a few minutes of effort, you can make every drive more comfortable, no matter how hot it gets outside. Try out the tips I’ve shared, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start using a sunshade sooner. Got more questions? Check out the FAQs below for quick answers!
FAQs
How do I know what size sunshade to buy?
Measure your windshield’s width and height. I use a tape measure and add an inch for wiggle room. Check the product’s dimensions before buying.
Can I leave my sunshade up while driving?
No, it’s not safe. I almost did this once, but it blocks your view and could get you a ticket. Take it down before driving.
Do sun shades really keep the car cooler?
Yes! I tested mine with a thermometer, and it dropped the interior temperature by about 20 degrees. It’s a lifesaver in summer.
How do I store a pop-up sun shade?
Twist it into a circle and store it in a bag. I keep mine in the trunk. It took me a few tries to get the folding right!
Are custom-fit sun shades worth the price?
For me, yes. They fit perfectly and last longer. I spent $60 on one for my SUV, and it’s still going strong after two years.
Can I use a sunshade on side windows?
Absolutely. I use suction-cup shades for my daughter’s window. They’re great for keeping passengers cool and blocking UV rays.
