How to choose the best car sunshade for you
Peter Sitkowski | 17th Oct 2023 | 4 minutes to read
Car sunshades not only safeguard your car interior from the scorching heat but also aid in maintaining the vehicle's resale value, making them an extremely worthwhile accessory to pick up for your car.
Having said that, there are more considerations than you might think for picking up good car shades, with custom fitment options and shades available for your side windows as well as your back and rear windscreens.
In this guide we’ll take a look at some of the more important things to look for in car sunshades and how to choose the right ones for you:
The Significance of Car Sunshades
While most people would think of car sunshades as simply stopping your car from getting warm on a sunny day, they actually offer a number of other benefits that may be less obvious.
UV & Sun Protection
We’ve all experienced getting into the car on a hot summer day and melting into a leather interior or being unable to hold onto the steering wheel for fear of third-degree burns.
Car sunshades are a simple and effective way to block out the sun and its UV rays from damaging your interior and overheating seats and components.
Not only do they stop your car interior from getting uncomfortably hot for you and your passengers, they also reduce wear and tear on the car, stopping UV rays from bleaching dashboard components and extending the life of your interior.
Privacy
Side and rear window sunshades provide added privacy for passengers and belongings inside the car, which means that you’re not just protecting your interior from heat and UV.
Insect Repellent
Certain sunshades can remain attached even when the window is rolled down and offer a protective barrier against flying insects that stops them entering the car and getting splattered on your windows.
Choosing the Right Car Sunshade
Selecting the right car sunshade for your vehicle is essential to ensure effective protection. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a car sunshade in the Australian market:
Type of Sunshade
Car sunshades come in various types, each catering to specific needs, and you’ll need to see which one suits your situation.
The first thing to decide is whether you simply want a windshield sunshade or a full set of front, rear, and side sunshades to cover every angle from the sun.
On top of that, you’ll want to figure out if you’re content to use a universal fit sunshade, which will fit most car models, but is less precise than custom fit sunshades. Custom sunshades are tailored to your specific make and model of car, and they offer the most comprehensive coverage from the sun, and therefore the best sun protection.
There is a difference in price between the two though, with custom fit sunshades often being around four times the price of their universal counterparts.
Material
Look for sunshades made of high-quality reflective materials that offer superior UV and heat protection. Reflective materials with a metallic or foil-like surface are highly efficient at reflecting sunlight.
Ease of Use
Opt for sunshades that are easy to install and remove. Some sunshades come with suction cups, clips, or Velcro straps to secure them in place, while custom fit brands like Dr Shadez magnetically snap in place.
Durability
Choose a sunshade that is durable and built to withstand the harsh Australian sun. Durable materials ensure a longer lifespan for the sunshade and usually indicate better quality material that will block more of the harmful UV rays.
Storage
Consider how easy it is to store the sunshade when not in use. Some sunshades can be folded or rolled up for convenient storage, which means even cars with minimal cabin space can make use of them.
Selecting the Right Sunshade at Repco
Choosing the right car sunshade is a practical and effective way to protect your vehicle's interior and a great way to protect your belongings by blocking the view into your vehicle.
With the right car sunshade in place, drivers and passengers can enjoy a cooler, more comfortable ride while safeguarding the car's interior and accessories from damaging UV rays. At Repco, we stock a number of different car sunshades, including custom fit options for your windscreen, rear window, and side windows.
You can also use our Rego Search function to see if certain sunshades will fit your car correctly, making purchasing the right item for your vehicle that much easier.