Car sunroof: what you need to know when choosing and installing

Automobile manufacturers install sunroofs on the roofs of more expensive cars or on any car as an additional option. Most often, these are electric sunroofs that are controlled from the instrument panel. The sunroof can be installed on the car after its purchase.

Improper installation of the hatch increases the risk of water leaks and corrosion at the edges of the hatch opening. This problem may not arise immediately, but after some time (sometimes after 1–2 years). Only a properly installed hatch can serve for a long time without leaks.

You can entrust the installation to a professional, or do everything yourself by studying the instructions in detail.

What is a hatch for?

A car sunroof is popular and an object of desire for many motorists. So why do you need a sunroof in a car, does it have any disadvantages or only advantages? These issues should be addressed before the decision to install it is made.

The positive aspects of such an element of the car are as follows:

additional lighting in the cabin;
improving the quality of ventilation, in some cases even up to 70%, due to the emergence of additional directions for air flows;
a lower noise level in the cabin is observed with the sunroof open than with the windows down;
a low amount of dust and exhaust gases enters through the hatch, and many times more through the windows;
saving on air conditioner installation.

Along with the advantages, there are also disadvantages of the sunroof in the car, which need to be carefully studied:

increased risk of injury in an accident, which is accompanied by a car overturn; in this case, the hatch is pressed into the passenger compartment, which can lead to injury to passengers;
dismantling is a more complex and expensive process than installation; you will have to weld the hole or replace the entire roof;
through large glass hatches (panoramic), the interior gets very hot in the sun, despite the tinting and curtains;
during frosts, there may be a crackling sound that occurs due to the formation of ice from melted snow;
when parts wear out, water may flow into the interior, therefore periodic maintenance and replacement of seals is required;
a breakdown of the electrically controlled hatch will leave it locked in one position; it will not be possible to close/open it manually; the mechanism will have to be repaired or replaced;
dust from the road negatively affects the operation of the electrical system, which is why such mechanisms are considered delicate and capricious.

You need to carefully weigh all the points and only then make an informed decision. A sunroof in a car is not only beautiful and convenient, but also troublesome. You won’t be able to install it and forget it; you will have to do periodic maintenance.

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Integration process

Installing the hatch will require considerable effort. Therefore, before you begin, you need to think through everything carefully or entrust the integration to capable hands so as not to harm the body. But if you are confident in your abilities and knowledge, then the installation of the hatch should be successful. So, we arm ourselves with the necessary tools, gather all our will into a fist and proceed to the next stage.

Beginning of work

The initial stage requires marking the potential area within which the hatch will be integrated into the car. To implement our plan, we cut out a cardboard template of the hatch itself. We dismantle interior equipment and equipment that can interfere with work: lighting, ceiling trim, wiring, etc. Using a drill, we drill a hole that should be within the marked contour of the marking - it is intended to facilitate the process of inserting the knife of an electric jigsaw. To avoid damage to the paintwork of the body and the roof, in particular, it is recommended to cover fragments of the body with a dense material and secure it firmly (attach cardboard with tape, for example). But this is all outside the area marked under the hatch.

The integration itself

Cutting a panoramic slit requires utmost attention and precision. After completing this procedure, it becomes necessary to process the edges with a file. More details:

take a sharp knife and cut a hole in the roof trim material. Here you will need an assistant who will be inside the car and hold the cut fragment, fixing it if possible;

we treat the edges of the resulting panoramic gap with an anti-corrosion agent to prevent the potential formation of rust;
installing the hatch after first applying silicone sealant to its edges;
checking all possible positions;
fixing the installed structure using self-tapping screws, provided that the structure is working correctly. First you need to tighten the long screws, then the shorter ones. The fixation process is completed by corner fastenings;
additionally (in the case of an electric sunroof): selection of location and wiring.

Is the game worth the candle?

Installing a sunroof on the roof of a car, as practice shows, is a very difficult task. Therefore, if you are thinking about purchasing a sunroof for your car, then calculate your strengths and capabilities in advance. Doing the integration yourself will, of course, save money. However, to avoid all sorts of risks, it is better to trust the professionals.

How to choose the right sunroof for a car

If you decide that installing a sunroof on the roof of your car is really necessary, then remember a few rules that should guide you when choosing components:

First, decide how the hatch will open.

There are two options for hatch opening mechanisms:

Sliding type hatches open parallel to the roof of the car. This type of hatch is perfect for those who, in addition to the hatch, also want to install a roof rack on the roof. The hatch window lifts slightly and then slides back without touching the trunk frame.
No less popular are hatches with lifting mechanisms that open only on one side, thus preventing the appearance of air turbulence in the cabin. This option can be installed on almost any car, but for each brand of car you need to choose your own option.

The second question that needs to be resolved when choosing a hatch is how the lid will be lifted:

The drive can be “manual”, that is, you just need to open it with your hand by pressing the hatch handle from inside the cabin. This method is less convenient to use, but has a low price.
Electromechanical drive. It is, of course, an order of magnitude more expensive in price, but it is more convenient to open it: you just need to press the button and do not make any effort.

Types of hatches

The next stage of selection will be the question of compatibility of the hatch and the model of your car. Remember that not every sunroof can be installed on a specific car, so it is best to consult a specialist. It is also necessary to remember that the company that produces the hatches plays an important role. Trying to save on the cost of a sunroof, during operation you can spend much more on repairing a low-quality sunroof or replacing faded glass.

Kia Soul

The huge panoramic roof that the Korean model acquired in 2014 only benefited its popularity. The tinted glass top contrasts well with the Soul's body, thanks to which you can see a panoramic roof on it more often than other budget cars. Those who like to ride with the breeze will also be pleased with the fact that the roof moves, both manually and using an electric drive.

The panoramic roof is not just a glass ceiling in the car. It gives the feeling of driving in a convertible and is usually used in luxury cars. At the same time, the panorama reliably protects from adverse weather conditions – something convertibles cannot boast of. Recently, it has become fashionable to install such roofs, but the price of such pleasure is quite high.

Kinds

There are several types of car hatches, each of which has a different opening mechanism.

One of the most common is the lifting type, the design of which involves lifting the panel. Easy to install by yourself. The rear glass wall rotates using a button or rotary knob.

The advantages of this type are low cost, ease of installation, lack of air turbulence in the cabin. However, both factory and manually installed models can leak if the device is not properly cared for. The presence of a lifting mechanism does not make it possible to install a trunk. This type is no longer installed on modern models.

Depending on the device, there are mechanical and automated drive designs. They add comfort when operating (opening and closing) the hatch. The cost of installing an electric drive is much more expensive than a manual one. In our modern age, many people prefer this universal method of lifting the lid; just press a button and the panoramic window opens.

When choosing, it is better to focus on the products of serious manufacturers.

The sliding type of hatches is opened by easily lifting and sliding to the side. This device allows you to place the trunk on top. They also differ in the opening method; there are mechanical and electric ones, which are more expensive.

Hatches also differ in the type of glass installed; at the moment, consumers have a large selection of panoramic windows:

smooth;
embossed;
anti-solar

The folding hatch is a frame covered with waterproof material. When opened, the frame moves and is assembled at the back. It is mainly used for driving in summer conditions, since the type is prone to leaking.

Electric seat adjustment

On the one hand, electrical seat adjustment provides greater ease of use than mechanical seat adjustment, and on the other hand, it is preferable due to the smaller occupied space and in case of poor accessibility of various levels of adjustment. Up to ten electric motors can regulate:

Seat cushion height, front and rear;
Longitudinal seat position
Seat cushion depth;
Seat backrest tilt;
Lumbar support (height and curvature);
Angle of inclination of the shoulder support;
The width of the backrest and seat cushion;
Headrest height.

Direct drive seat

In the common frame of the lower part of the seat there are four electric motors for the height adjustment mechanism and the combined longitudinal and height adjustment mechanism (Fig. “Electromechanical seat adjustment”). For simple seats, it is not possible to adjust the depth of the cushion.

Universal seat drive

The universal drive consists of three identical motors with four sets of height adjustment mechanisms and two sets of longitudinal adjustment. The mechanisms are driven by flexible shafts. This highly adaptable system can be installed on any seat design. On the one hand, drives are becoming smaller and smaller. But on the other hand, flexible shafts increase cost and cause noise, which means the gradual replacement of universal drives with direct drives.

Integrated concept

Modern seat designs allow not only the lap portion of the seat belt to be attached to the seat frame, but the shoulder portion along with its height adjustment device, inertia reel, and tensioner can also be attached to the seat back. This seat design provides a more optimal seat belt position for a wide range of occupant sizes and for all adjustable seat positions. It makes an important contribution to passenger safety. With this type of construction, the seat frame must be reinforced, while both the linkage parts and their attachment to the frame must be strengthened.

Pneumatic and mechanical adjustment options are available as an additional comfort option. They are also available in a performance version and can be combined with a massage function.

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Main purpose: pros and cons

The main purpose of the hatch is to renew the air through ventilation . In the hot summer, this creates an additional advantage for the car. The car does not warm up as much due to the constant flow of air. Also, through this design, less dust enters the cabin than when opening the windows.

In addition to ventilation, the benefits include improved visibility and the ability to be inspired by the beauty of the environment. Passengers can travel in comfort and enjoy aesthetically.

The advantages are offset by the disadvantages of the design. Installing a sunroof risks becoming a hazard in an accident. The equipment cover may bend into the passenger compartment, break into fragments, thereby injuring people in the car. If a soft folding hatch is used, then such a roof practically disappears in the event of an accident. Which generally affects safety.

If a folding sunroof is used, the rigidity of the roof is compromised. But most models are not subject to this drawback. In rigid installations, there is a strong frame that supports the structure.

Malfunctions of transport hatches were also identified:

Leaks.
Mechanism jamming.
Extraneous noise due to structural instability.

All of the above disadvantages are associated with various violations in the hatch mechanism. If the seal is lost, a concentrate is formed that enters the cabin and creates trouble for passengers. All kinds of jamming are inherent in all mechanisms; they are especially dangerous in electric hatches that cannot be closed manually.

Unpleasant sensations can come from rain and the mesh sunroof. There is also a risk of liquid leaking into the cabin.

Review of the best cars with a panoramic roof

Today, most automakers have cars with panoramic roofs in their arsenal. But only a small number of models have this option in mid-priced trim levels. Let's look at the best of them.

Smart Fortwo

This original-looking baby seems funny to some, while others look at him admiringly. But both of them, who have tested it in action at least once, will have no doubt that this is a very nimble and practical car. And since there is really not enough space inside, the upper glazing is designed to combat claustrophobia complexes. And it must be admitted that it copes with its task with a solid ten points. The effect of openness is manifested here to an even greater extent than on full-size cars, which is facilitated by the simply huge area of \u200b\u200bthe glass compared to the metal surfaces of the body.

However, this does not affect safety in any way: Smart Fortwo has passed all the required tests. In Russia, this stylish baby with a 71-horsepower engine and robotic transmission costs from 800 thousand rubles.

Kia Soul

Soul means “soul”, and this association is not at all accidental: the Koreans clearly designed this car, putting their whole soul into their work. This is manifested in a lot of pleasant little things, from the heated steering wheel to the light-and-music neon rings framing the door speaker housings, from the cooling of the glove box to the starry sky above your head in the dark.

Note that the last option is available only in the older configuration, but it seriously and for the better changes the perception of the car - the tinted surface of the “panorama” matches perfectly with the main color of the body. A car with a panoramic roof, equipped with a 132-cylinder 1.6-liter engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, can be purchased for 1,200,000 rubles.

Skoda Octavia Combi

The fashion for station wagons has long since migrated from a utilitarian plane to a status one. This did not prevent such machines from remaining practical. The Octavia Combi is no exception - it is a truly spacious and comfortable family car, which has everything to ensure maximum comfort for those inside. Excellent driving performance, excellent handling, attractive appearance are complemented by chic panoramic glass, which brings many wonderful moments to both children and adults.

For long trips, the presence of a transparent roof is a huge plus: if you are tired of looking around, you can simply tilt your head back and new uncharted horizons will open up before you. The cost of such an Octavia, equipped with a 110-horsepower 1.6-liter power unit and a five-speed manual transmission, is 1,300,000 rubles.

Hyundai i40 Wagon

It’s no coincidence that another Korean station wagon is in fourth place on our list. Apparently, the inhabitants of the land of morning freshness really understand such things as unity with nature. As for the specific model, due to the increased length of the body compared to sedans, the presence of upper glazing looks especially advantageous. By the way, the glass roof on the i40 Wagon looks like a solid one from a distance, but in fact it consists of two panels, one of which is sliding.

By opening it, you will receive the maximum portion of air and light. For this opportunity, in the presence of a 149-horsepower engine, complemented by a six-speed automatic transmission, you will have to pay 1,500,000 rubles.

Suzuki Vitara

It would be strange if the Japanese passed up the opportunity to equip their cars with panoramic roofs. In this regard, Suzuki Vitara does not care about the rear: this model has two upper panels, the drive is electric, and the area is large. When fully opened, rear passengers will certainly experience the effect of riding in a convertible.

An ideal car for country walks with good cross-country ability! For a package with panoramic windows, a 117-horsepower 1.5-liter power unit and a CVT, you don’t mind paying 1,500,000 rubles.

Nissan X-Trail

Our short list of cars with a panoramic roof is completed by another Japanese. Once you get into this crossover, you'll immediately realize how limited visibility is in conventional cars. The transparent roof allows you to discover a new dimension to observe all objects located above the second floor.

Durable tempered glass allows you not to worry about its integrity, and the presence of a hatch that can be moved or lifted by electric drive improves the functionality of this option. When purchasing a configuration with a 171-horsepower 2.5-liter engine paired with a CVT, you will have to part with an amount equivalent to 1,750,000 rubles.

Factors affecting cost

The cost of hatches varies. On average, prices directly for structures vary from 5 thousand rubles to 50 thousand . More expensive options are also possible, it all depends on the automatic technologies used to create the equipment. Electric sliding hatches are recognized as the most expensive.

The price of installing hatches also varies. It depends on the method of work: independent or contract methods. When installing it yourself, the costs are minimal: all costs are associated with spending on materials and using a welding machine. If you entrust the work to professionals, you will need to pay for labor costs. Contractor prices start from 3 thousand rubles and increase depending on the complexity of the work.

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An injector instead of a carburetor is a plus for comfort

Old carburetors constantly break down and kill the car owner. Their fuel sensitivity is appalling, and repair costs are often very high. And the quality of the carburetor engine is far from ideal. Therefore, many owners of old VAZs decide to install an injector on their cars. This is not difficult to do, since almost any VAZ injector will suit even the oldest Kopeika. This is a simple system that will provide the following benefits:

the presence of an on-board computer will no longer force you to constantly monitor suction and speed, the BC will control these functions itself, which will make the trip more comfortable;
there are fewer problems with starting the engine; if the injector is installed correctly, this will make it possible to start the unit in any frost without problems, so comfort will definitely increase;
using the ECU you will have access to installing an on-board computer, which will show fuel consumption, travel time and other useful data indicated at the beginning of this article;
the injector consumes less fuel; on many cars, consumption will drop by 1 liter per 100 km, and this is a good saving, considering gasoline prices, so the injector can quickly pay for itself;
you can carry out chip tuning and tuning of the unit using various modifications of the ECU firmware, and this is a rather interesting topic for increasing the capabilities of your car.

Even old cars can still please you with their technical capabilities. In particular, I am pleased with the reduction in fuel consumption after installing the injector, as well as the increase in comfort, since there is no longer a need to control the suction. By the way, carburetor cars in Russia were produced right up to 2006-2008, so there are a lot of them on the roads. And every owner of such a car can make his life more convenient.

Car hatch, options

The first option for car sunroofs is glass sunroofs - they are quite rigid with a glass panel.

The second type is soft hatches, they are made of waterproof fabric, which is used to cover the hatch frame. In addition, car hatches can be divided into electromechanical and manual.

There are car owners who want to protect themselves from excessive ultraviolet rays, so glass sunroofs, at the request of the customer, can be equipped with special anti-solar protection. However, such protection also implies two design options - non-lifting and lifting. All this, of course, is done to fully satisfy the different tastes of customers and various fashion trends.

Just recently, most motorists dreamed of a sunroof with a manual lifting mechanism. This option captivated us with its simplicity and reliability. However, today, the human “engine of progress” takes car accessories to another, more convenient level. That is why the electromechanical version occupies a leading position.

If the car does not have a sunroof

Car enthusiasts disagree on whether it is possible to install a sunroof on a car, either with their own hands or in a car repair shop, if it is not provided by the manufacturer. Of course, you are lucky if your car already has a sunroof that is installed at the factory.

Perhaps there is a place in the roof of the car that is specially allocated for installing a hatch, but due to incomplete configuration, it is simply closed with a plug. In this case, you can remove the plug and install the hatch in its place with your own hands - this is quite simple to do.

But if your car model is not designed to install a sunroof, then you need to weigh the pros and cons of such a car improvement. Will the strength of the structure be affected, and how will the car behave in the event of a rollover accident?

Installation steps

Below we will describe in detail how to install a sunroof on the roof of a car. This instruction is general in nature. If you strictly follow it, then the success of the whole undertaking is guaranteed.

We cover the interior with thick fabric; tarpaulin is best. This will protect the seats and panel from dirt, dust and other troubles.
We make a template from cardboard according to the existing hatch. Maintain accuracy and check the finished pattern. It must exactly match the dimensions of the part being installed.
All elements that may interfere with further work are removed from the ceiling. First of all, this concerns lighting elements and wiring. We apply a template from the inside and determine the position of the hatch.
When we have decided on the location and there are no more doubts, we use an awl to make through punctures. This way you can quickly, accurately and accurately transfer the dimensions and position of the hatch.
We cover the perimeter of the future hole with wide masking tape.
We take an electric drill, but not a jigsaw. The jigsaw will leave sawdust, nicks and irregularities on the edge. This will lead to damage to the paintwork, which will be difficult to restore.
We select a drill for the job and use it to make a hole so that scissors can fit through it and make it convenient to cut metal.
We cut the hole with extreme care. There is no need to rush; this stage of the work is the most crucial. The cut piece of roof will not be needed, so it can be put aside.
The edge of the hole is removed from irregularities by using a file, degreasing and painting or treatment with a corrosion agent is carried out.
Felt insulation is glued to the roof. It needs to be separated using a knife or spatula.
Using a shoe knife, we make a cut in the upholstery from the ceiling.
We cross the spar and remove its halves. We lay a piece of metal sheet that will protect the edge of the hole.
Using a screwdriver, clean the opening along the edge from glue and heat-insulating material. Apply sealant along the edge of the hole.
There is a groove along the top frame of the hatch, which is intended for a sealing and sealing cord.
Screws and self-tapping screws are used to secure the hatch.

This is how you can install a sunroof on a car with your own hands. Nothing is impossible here, but nothing will be easy either. But what a result awaits you! A sunroof is a serious tuning that will transform the car, making it noticeable and stylish.

Replacing the hatch - advantages and disadvantages

The problems with the hatch that can be solved are described above. But there are also those that, when they appear, will require a complete replacement of the accessory.

This, as already noted, is a malfunction of the guides without the ability to notice them, as well as destruction of the panel.

For example, it happens that a crack appears on a glass or plastic moving panel. At the same time, the panel cannot always be purchased separately, which is why you will have to replace the hatch completely.

Complete replacement of the sunroof has a number of advantages over attempts to restore the tightness of a device already installed on the car:

A new hatch, if installed correctly, will not cause problems for the next 3-5 years;
You can choose a different type of hatch, more convenient in the opinion of the car owner;
For a device of a new modification, the probability of finding spare parts is much higher than for one already installed on the car.

But there are also disadvantages to such a step.

Firstly, this is the cost of both the product itself and the work required to install it. It should be understood that a poorly installed hatch, even a new one, can leak.

Secondly, you need to very carefully select a new accessory in size. A new hatch will be required, either exactly matching the size of the one already installed, or slightly larger in size.

Thirdly, we note that each type of device has its own installation and fastening features. And if, for example, it’s easy to install a tilting hatch, then you’ll have to tinker with a sliding hatch.

If you are not sure that you will not be able to install a new element yourself, then it is better to turn to specialists.

Below we will look at how to replace the hatch yourself, using the tilting type as an example.

Sealant

A rubber seal is installed along the edges of the hole under the hatch. It has several functions, including keeping moisture out of the interior. But we must not forget that rubber tends to “get tired”. This is expressed in the appearance of cracks and other damage that reduce the functionality of the seal. At the same time, water begins to enter the cabin. To fix the problem you will have to spend money on a new seal. Even for expensive foreign cars it is inexpensive. Before installing a new rubber band, degrease the attachment points and apply glue to them. Next, carefully put on the seal. Close the hatch and leave the car alone for several hours.

It is much more difficult to change the seal if the previous owner cut in the hatch himself. Often, it is simply impossible to determine the model of this part. Buying by eye can result in wasted money. Therefore, it is better to do the following. You buy a door seal and glue it in place of the standard rubber band. If everything is done carefully, then no problems should arise.

Hard hatches

There are hard hatches

Lifting;
Sliding.

The first type, when opened, folds into the form of a book or a small door. After opening, one of the parts of the hatch appears above the roof.

Sliding people have a more complex design. They move along the roof, so they take up more space in the cabin. The sliding hatch can be opened manually or using a special drive.

Wastewater treatment

To avoid the accumulation of large amounts of water on the hatch, there are 2 drainage holes. Through them, all the liquid from the roof drains onto the sides. When the drains are clogged, water accumulates on the hatch during heavy rain. Having reached a certain amount, moisture begins to seep into the interior. Moreover, in most models the drip starts on the driver first. On the road, you can quickly clear the drain using a long wire. But such a measure does not always achieve an effect. At first the leak will stop, but in the future you will have to make a hole after every rain.

It is best to use a thin cable for cleaning, for example, from the suction cable of a carburetor Zhiguli. It is ideally suited in thickness to the drainage. This allows you to clean the hole efficiently, and you will forget about the problem for a long time. The malfunction can occur on any type of hatches.