Sunroofs have been a feature of some cars for decades and while they are standard for some models, for others they are offered as an optional feature and can cost near to a £1,000 to add.
Considering their cost, it’s worth taking the time to think if it’s a worthwhile investment for you.
How sunroofs work
A sunroof is a section of a vehicle’s roof that can open when the vehicle’s occupants want more sunlight or airflow.
Sunroofs can either be operated manually or electrically, depending on the complexity of their design.
If a sunroof is a manual one, it is usually opened with some kind of handle or lever, whereas an electric sunroof can be flipped up or slide back with the touch of a button.
Sunroofs can come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and styles and the term nowadays has ended up becoming interchangeable with the term ‘moonroof’.
Moonroof refers to the type of sunroof which uses a sliding glass panel, as opposed to a body-coloured panel, and this the most common form of sunroof for current new cars.
Is a sunroof suitable for you?
Car buyers have the final say on whether adding a sunroof to their car or not is a worthwhile investment. The best way to make the decision easier one way or another is to consider the benefits and the potential negative impacts that can be experienced with having a sunroof.
On the plus side, having a sunroof is a great and easy way of getting more light or air into the cabin if that’s what the driver or passengers want.
For passengers in particular as well, there’s the potential for some sightseeing of what’s above and maybe some stargazing too.
Other factors to consider though are that depending on the model, a sunroof can mean a reduction in headroom for the driver and other passengers.
They can also add extra weight to the car, usually about 30 to 40 pounds extra (roughly 13kg to 18kg). This doesn’t add that much to the overall weight of the car but this little extra weight, plus the impact on the car’s aerodynamics when the roof is open, will lead to a reduction in the car’s fuel efficiency. But the difference here will be minor so it’s understandable if car buyers find a sunroof interesting enough to overlook this potential drawback.