Panoramic sunroofs and roofs have become increasingly popular in recent years. Today, a car with a panoramic roof is no longer exotic. After all, the panoramic roof is a kind of logical development of the sunroof, the presence of which not so long ago aroused envy among drivers who did not have this “trick.”
Today I invite you to understand in more detail the pros and cons of sunroofs and panoramic roofs in modern cars.
Luke
The first car sunroof was offered by the German manufacturer Webasto in 1930. Initially, the hatches were opened manually and served as openings for supplying fresh air to the vehicle interior. In 1960, the company modernized and the hatches began to open electronically.
In those years, such a solution was more than relevant, since air conditioners, and even more so climate control systems, could only be dreamed of.
Today, car sunroofs come in different shapes, sizes and styles with their own positive and negative qualities.
Lifting hatch. The most popular type for installation at home. With these hatches, the rear side of the glass is raised using a lever, rotary knob or button. On new cars, lifting hatches are quite rare. However, in the 80s of the last century they were very popular among various manufacturers. Even export versions of VAZs were often equipped with them.
pros
- low cost and the possibility of self-installation.
Minuses
- It does not have a sun curtain, acts as a hood and often leaks.
Integrated sliding sunroof. Slides into the space between the roof and the headliner. Controlled either by a rotary knob or electronically. This type of hatch is still actively used in the automotive industry.
pros
- As a rule, it has a sunshade and opens in two directions.
Minuses
- “eats up” the space above the heads of the rear passengers, worsens aerodynamics (due to the rushing air flow in the open position) and often leaks.
Sliding hatch. This type of sunroof is a glass (usually) cover, the rear edge of which rises, and the glass slides completely back, placing it above the roof of the car. The drive can be mechanical (rotary handle) or electric. Today such hatches are rare. The peak of popularity of this type of hatch was in the mid-2000s, when these hatches were used in the top trim levels of the Audi A3 and BMW 3 Series.
pros
- does not “eat up” the space above your head and has a lesser effect on aerodynamics (compared to the previous type).
Minuses
- Drainage channels often become clogged.
Double sliding sunroof. It consists of two successively arranged glasses, the front part of which is sliding, and the back part is solid (sliding is also not uncommon). Previously, this type of hatch was widely used in Mercedes E-class (W211) and Subaru Outback.
pros
- a good alternative to a panoramic sunroof, which has less impact on body rigidity.
Minuses
- you can often find the absence of a sun shade; requires additional care (in the version with two opening hatches).
Folding hatch frame. Typically, this type of hatch is covered with a waterproof material, which, when opened, slides back and folds like an accordion at the end of the opening. Such hatches have long since died out, but something similar is used today on Bugatti or Lamborghini supercars.
pros
- simplicity and unusualness.
Minuses
- very high probability of leakage; meticulous care is required; not suitable for all-season operation of the machine.
Folding roof. Similar to a folding hatch, but only here the entire space above your head opens up. The folding roof is used on the fashionable Fiat 500 and Citroen DS3. There is only one plus - the feeling of being in a convertible. The cons are similar to the folding sunroof.
Panoramic sunroof. Today, this type has practically supplanted its “regular” counterpart, thanks to its larger viewing area. It can be transparent or tinted and consist of one or two panels. In the second option, one panel automatically slides over the other, and then both fold on the rear of the roof. Most often, panoramic sunroofs are installed on crossovers, premium sedans and minivans.
pros
- a good alternative to a panoramic roof; the ability to stand up and look out the hatch.
Minuses
- worsens body rigidity; high price; reducing the rear passenger compartment area and daily care.
A roof with a panoramic view
These days, cars with panoramic roofs are becoming increasingly popular. For safety reasons, the panoramic roof is made of several transparent layers of glass (usually laminated or tempered), which are highly durable and durable. Today, most well-known automakers offer a “transparent” roof as an option.
One of the pioneers in the class of affordable cars with a panoramic roof was Peugeot, which offered this option for a number of new products in its model range.
By the way, there is now a widespread tendency to add photocells (in other words, solar panels) to the glass design of a panoramic roof, which act as an additional source of energy.
However, when buying a car with a panoramic roof, you must take into account all its characteristics and features. Even despite manufacturers' claims that roofs undergo all possible tests and tests, they have both positive and negative qualities.
pros
- feeling of being in a convertible, increased visibility;
- does not reduce space in the cabin;
- allows you to see the signal from the upper traffic lights if you drive too close.
Minuses
- quite expensive option;
- requires additional care;
- in extreme heat, the interior heats up more;
- sudden changes in temperature provoke freezing of moisture on the roof curtains;
- the risk of additional damage in an accident (due to fragments entering the cabin);
- In winter, the car needs to be warmed up longer;
- In summer, the air conditioner operates at increased power;
- bad roads, falling into potholes and constant shaking on uneven surfaces negatively affect durability.
Another type of “hole” in the roof of a car is a panoramic windshield. Very often, panoramic windshields can be seen on the Opel Meriva, Opel Astra J, Citroen C3 and Citroen C4 Picasso, as well as the Tesla Model X electric car. Among the advantages are greater visibility (compared to conventional glass) and a feeling of more space in the car interior. The disadvantages are more significant: the rather high cost of replacement (in the event of an accident or the formation of cracks due to pebbles) and a shortage.
In the end, the choice is yours. When purchasing a car with a “hole” in the roof, it is worth remembering a few basic rules:
- do not use the sunroof in off-road conditions (extraneous noise may appear or the sunroof mechanism may even fail);
- carefully monitor the cleanliness of the mechanism to avoid jamming or leaks;
- All seals and the mechanism itself must be lubricated 3-4 times a month.
- , May 19, 2017
Modern car enthusiasts have recently begun to choose sophisticated car models with a panoramic roof. This roof layout is much better than a convertible, since the top is closed from the effects of adverse weather conditions: rain, snow, strong wind. But the feeling that you are driving in a convertible remains. And that's great. Some models are equipped with a panoramic windshield. It extends to the backrests of the front seats and thus increases visibility and light penetration into the cabin. This glass perfectly replaces a hatch.
Concerns that the glass roof is not durable are completely misplaced. The manufacturer has well thought out the technology of how to create super-strong glass using the “sandwich” principle. It is either hardened or laminated. Therefore, you should not worry about your safety. A panoramic windshield or roof must be covered with ultraviolet protection, thus reducing the “stove” effect in hot weather.
What is the difference between a panoramic roof and a sunroof?
Today, car sunroofs come in different shapes, sizes, shades and styles. The presence of a sunroof in the roof of the car allows additional ventilation of the interior. In addition, more light enters the car through the hatch.
Interesting to know! The first automobile sunroof was installed in 1930 by the German company Webasto. It opened manually. Only 30 years later, the same company invented a mechanism for opening the hatch using electronics.
The panoramic sunroof is gradually replacing its regular counterpart, as it has a large viewing area and can be tinted or transparent. A panoramic sunroof can consist of 1 - 2 panels. If the hatch is a two-panel one, then one panel automatically slides over the other, and then both are folded at the rear of the roof.
When open, it allows a person to stand up to his full height. The panoramic roof is an improved huge sunroof that allows light to easily enter the cabin. Passengers will be able to see clouds in the sky or the stars and moon. Panoramic roofs do not open(only a fabric curtain saves you from the heat).
Did you know? The panoramic sunroof, when open, allows a person to stand up to his full height. For example, it is convenient for operators to film video on the go.
Advantages and disadvantages of a panoramic roof on a car
Pros:
Creates the feeling of a convertible.
Increases visibility.
Doesn't take up space in the cabin.
Has little effect on aerodynamics.
Allows you to see signals from overhead traffic lights.
Minuses:
The pleasure is expensive.
Constant careful maintenance (bird droppings, snow, dirt, fallen leaves).
The blinding sun hits the driver directly.
In extreme heat, the interior still gets warm.
Tinted glass is more likely to be damaged in a variety of ways than regular glass.
Sometimes water leakage occurs.
A thaw and then a freeze causes water to freeze on the roof curtains. The resulting ice coating cracks when moving.
If the curtains on the roof are kept closed while driving in winter, then warm air from the passenger compartment will fall on the curtains, but the glass outside will remain cold. As a result, an ice crust forms inside the roof.
Attention!In winter, it is better not to open panoramic roofs and sunroofs, since the electronically controlled curtains may fail due to freezing.
If the car rolls over as a result of an accident, the risk of glass breaking increases (a hard roof is much more reliable).
Warming up your car in winter takes longer.
In winter, the glass above your head collects condensation.
The air conditioning works harder in hot weather than in hardtop vehicles.
Attention! The “open-close” mode may not work in the off-season due to fallen leaves, dirt, sand and dust.
The poor condition of our roads, constant shaking on potholes, falling into numerous potholes negatively affects the durability of the panoramic roof or the electronic mechanisms of panoramic sunroofs. Remember!Keeping the hatch open off-road is a bad idea: damage to the control mechanisms cannot be avoided.
The panoramic roof, unlike the sunroof, does not open.
Remember! Seals require lubrication regularly.
Self-installation of a panoramic roof (prohibited!)
Self-installation of a panoramic roof is strictly prohibited! This is due to the fact that each structure is designed for a specific load. You will not be able to calculate all the nuances on your own, and this is a risk for your own life.
Almost everyone now knows what a panoramic roof is - this option is provided for almost all modern cars. But, like everything new, transparent hatches and roofs not only attract tasteful customers, but also give rise to many fears and myths, sometimes unfounded. So what is it worth, a place in the sun?
Advantages of a panoramic roof
As soon as modern engineers of the global automotive industry do not get rid of themselves, luring as many clients as possible into their networks. A fashionable novelty for auto designers is a panoramic roof, which is a standard-configuration car roof, only made of heavy-duty composite glass. Due to its mechanical properties, this type of roof is not inferior in strength to its predecessor, a metal roof.
- The panoramic roof creates a feeling of enormous space in the cabin and is especially impressive for those people who get into the cabin of such a car for the first time.
- This option provides additional visibility and improves the visibility of traffic lights at intersections.
- Of course, due to the dark shade of the roof, the car acquires individuality.
- Even in heavy rain, the cabin is completely free of the drumming sound of rain, such as occurs on standard steel roofs of cars.
This is where the advantages of this design end.
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Disadvantages of a panoramic roof
According to users, this design also has its disadvantages.
- The very first drawback that was noted by car owners who have cars with panoramic roofs is the lack of power resource of the car’s heating and cooling systems. It was noted that due to the fact that glass is a good heat conductor, in the summer, due to the strong heating of the glass, this heat is largely transferred to the car interior. Also in winter: the interior absorbs cold, which is accumulated and transmitted by the roof glass. But these influences can be reduced with the help of an electric curtain, which can be closed at the touch of a button. This step will not only provide shelter from direct sunlight, but also create a certain insulating effect.
- Due to its design features, this roof is not entirely comfortable for people of above average height.
- It is also worth noting that in winter, with the roof curtain constantly closed, an ice layer may form on its glass due to the fact that the inner surface area is not warmed up enough.
- Due to the design of the curtain mechanism, it is very delicate and requires careful handling.
- Quite an expensive option.
- Requires additional care.
- Bad roads, falling into potholes and constant shaking on uneven surfaces negatively affect durability.
- Do not use the sunroof in off-road conditions (extraneous noise may appear or the sunroof mechanism may completely fail);
- Carefully monitor the cleanliness of the mechanism to avoid jamming or leaks;
- All seals and the mechanism itself must be lubricated 3-4 times a month.
Each car owner has his own reasons for choosing a panoramic roof or a conservative metal one. For some, fashion is important, and for others, reliability is important.
Myth one: it's not safe
According to him, in the event of an accident, the body of a car with a panoramic roof is not as strong as a traditional metal structure. In addition, there is little pleasure in the shards of glass that fall on your head.
Reality: this is only true for sunroofs and panoramic roofs installed in a makeshift manner. The roots of this misconception go back to the first attempts of garage craftsmen to install hatches on ordinary Zhiguli cars, cutting a hole for them with a simple grinder saw. Don't try this again! It’s better to buy a car with a panoramic roof at a car dealership: the manufacturer, even at the design stage, calculates the consequences of installing such a structure, which allows you to keep the power frame of the body unchanged. The installation of the roof itself takes place directly on the conveyor, in compliance with all technological requirements, and its design uses special glass, which, if destroyed, does not injure passengers.
Myth two: in bad weather, water can enter the cabin through the hatch.
Reality: again, this is only possible with a makeshift installation of a hatch of dubious origin, which almost no one does now. Panoramic roofs installed at the factory are completely sealed, which is guaranteed by mandatory tests in rain chambers at the design stage. In fact, in terms of their tightness, hatches and panoramic roofs installed directly on the conveyor are in no way inferior to conventional metal roofs and retain these properties over time.
Myth three: thieves can break such a roof and enter the interior through it.
Reality: everything is just the opposite! Due to safety reasons, the glass used in panoramic roofs is quite strong - it is not easy to break. On the contrary, a regular metal roof can be damaged with a large and sharp knife, similar to how we open canned food. But this method is too complicated for attackers - they prefer to get into the car through the door.
Myth four: if an icicle or something else falls on the car, the cost of repairing the damaged panoramic roof will be very high
Reality: This is partly true, but only partly. Firstly, the panoramic roof is quite durable: a small piece of snow crust will not cause damage to it, while a metal panel may be dented in such a situation. Secondly, when a large block of ice falls, not only the roof, but also the power frame of the body suffers, and in this case, repairs will be very expensive, regardless of whether your car has a transparent ceiling or not. And thirdly, it is really possible to imagine a situation in which replacing panoramic glass would require greater expenses than a similar repair of a regular roof. But these are only special cases, an unfortunate coincidence of circumstances that does not always happen. All panoramic roofs manufactured by Webasto are subjected to numerous climate chamber tests, acoustic and vibration tests, and are also tested for durability. Extensive tests have confirmed full compliance with the automaker's requirements, absolute safety, reliability and durability of the panoramic roof.
Myth five: in a car with a panoramic roof, the driver feels “like in an aquarium” and experiences psychological discomfort
Reality: This statement is completely untrue. Indeed, in Russia, window tinting and other ways to remain invisible to others inside your car are very popular. But the panoramic roof (as opposed to the removable top of convertibles) will not hinder you in any way here. According to current legislation, its tinting is not limited, which in many cases is already done at the factory. And if you yourself are tired of the view of the stormy sky, then you can cover the ceiling with a special curtain - in this form, the interior of the car will practically not differ from the interior of a car with a metal top.
As soon as modern engineers of the global automotive industry do not get rid of themselves, luring as many clients as possible into their networks. A fashionable novelty for auto designers is a panoramic roof, which is a standard-configuration car roof, only made of heavy-duty composite glass. Due to its mechanical properties, this type of roof is not inferior in strength to its predecessor, a metal roof.1. The panoramic roof creates a feeling of enormous space in the cabin and is especially impressive for those people who get into the cabin of such a car for the first time.
2. This option provides additional visibility and improves the visibility of traffic lights at intersections.
3. Of course, due to the dark shade of the roof, the car acquires individuality.
4. Even in heavy rain, there is absolutely no drumming sound of rain in the cabin, such as happens on standard steel roofs of cars.
This is where the advantages of this design end.
Disadvantages of a panoramic roof
According to users, this design also has its own.1. The very first drawback that was noted by car owners who have cars with panoramic roofs is the lack of power resource of the car’s heating and cooling systems. It was noted that due to the fact that glass is a good heat conductor, in the summer, due to the strong heating of the glass, this heat is largely transferred to the car interior. Also in winter: the interior absorbs energy, which is accumulated and transmitted by the roof glass. But these influences can be reduced with the help of an electric curtain, which can be closed at the touch of a button. This step will not only provide shelter from direct sunlight, but also create a certain insulating effect.
2. Due to its design features, this roof is not entirely comfortable for people of above average height.
3. It is also worth noting that in winter, with the roof curtain constantly closed, an ice layer may form on its glass due to the fact that the inner surface area is not warmed up enough.
4. Due to the design of the curtain mechanism, it is very delicate and requires careful handling.
Each car owner has his own reasons for choosing a panoramic roof or a conservative metal one. For some, fashion is important, and for others, reliability is important.
