The sun may be great for helping us get a tan and keeping the planet warm, but it certainly takes a toll on our automobiles both inside and out, especially when parked outside. Thankfully, windshield sunshades exist to help keep the interior cool and protect the more fragile interior parts. Sunshades serve two main purposes: Not only do they alleviate any hot suffering when returning to your parked car’s interior, they also help to protect the upholstery and trim against the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
We’ve all seen badly discolored, cracked and dried-up plastic dash pads. That’s because UV rays and exorbitant heat wreak havoc on interior materials, including leather, vinyl, plastics, fabrics and carpets. In addition to the aesthetic effects, it also causes materials to evaporate and release volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, and that’s not good.
Additionally, as the sun beams down on your vehicle, the cabin’s windows also create a greenhouse effect, trapping heat inside the vehicle. Under direct sunlight, the ambient temperature inside the cabin can climb by as much as 75 degrees Fahrenheit in under an hour, according to a study published by the National Institute of Health.
The sunshade is a low-tech, low-cost product that both combats heat and prevents UV damage. Typically about $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. But this should be obvious, given that they obstruct the forward view.
Do windshield sunshades work? They do! As shown in this video test, a car that heated up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit on a sunny day saw its interior temperature drop to 92 degrees after a $20 sunshade was installed. It’s an easy purchase, here are the best picks.
