Feel the wind on your face and look up to the skies, these are the reasons why sunroofs and moonroofs are great assets in contemporary cars. Covering the eyes and lifting spirits to a different level, these extra features within the car range are purely used for transportation. But what is the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof? And which is ideal to use in your car? Let’s take a look through this blog which one is likely to help you make a decision!
Moonroof
A moonroof is like a sunroof but has a major distinction. Moonroofs consist of opaque glass allowing some rays to enter the vehicle even when the cover is closed. In everyday talking, a moonroof is different from a sunroof, as it allows for a clear view of the exterior sky while the panel is fully in place. In addition, many inbuilt auto moonroofs allow the driver to open and close the sunroof of the vehicle with just the press of a button.
The other commonly available option is called a panoramic moonroof; it is an expansive majority glass sunroof that is usually fixed or can be slid open as well. With the panoramic moonroof, one gets a feeling of space, allowing all in the vehicle, more so the ones at the back of the car, to see the sky comfortably.
Advantages of a Moonroof
- Skylight Effect for the Occupants: The installed moonroofs allow light to penetrate the cabin and create a less constricting more luxurious atmosphere for all the occupants in particular with a panoramic moonroof.
- Immune to the Sun: The tinted glass of a moonroof enjoys the view of the sky without any alarm carrying over the unpleasant effects of UV lights on the person.
- Light And Noise Barriers: Moonroofs especially those that are tinted help to block glare and outside noise.
- Luxurious Look: The flush-fitting style of moonroofs is an added advantage which makes the car look elegant.
Sunroof
When defining the term sunroof, it generally denotes a solid cover, which can either be tilted or completely pushed back into the headlining of the car so that light and air can freely enter the car interior. Sunroofs come in a number of designs like pop-up, sliding, tilt and slide, panoramic, and many more enabling the users to have an enjoyable drive differently. In the past, these features were just removable metal panels made from other materials identical to that of the roof that could be opened for fresh air.
Advantages of Sunroofs
- Better Airflow: A sunroof can enable ventilation without the use of an air conditioning system, which can conserve the available fuel and provide fresh air in the process.
- Improved Resale Pricing: Vehicles with glass sunroofs seem to attract more buyers owing to their luxury and stylishness and as such draw high resale pricing.
- Additional Stylish Features: Sunroofs add to the overall design and more so the appearance of the car making it more stylish and contemporary.
- More Light Inside: Sunroofs allow more natural light into the car improving the feel of more space inside the car.
Also Read – Top 5 Budget Cars in India with Sunroofs
| Feature | Sunroof | Moonroof |
| Material | Typically solid and opaque, sometimes metal | Tinted glass |
| Purpose | Primarily for ventilation | Ventilation + aesthetic views |
| Visibility when closed | No outside view when closed | Allows outside view even when closed |
| Opening Mechanism | Can pop-up, slide, or tilt | Often slides or tilts, usually with a glass cover |
| Common Style | Sliding, pop-up, panoramic sunroof | Standard moonroof or panoramic moonroof |
Sunroofs and Moonroofs: A Detailed View
Pop Up Sunroofs: Most basic type of sunroof. It is a small manual panel that opens at a hinge angle for air circulation.
Sliding Sunroof: A simple variant that consists of a cover which opens and slides backwards on the car’s roof to allow light and air in.
Tilt-n-Slide Sunroofs: This type is more flexible as it not only allows you to tilt it open for air circulation but also to slide it back all the way.
Panoramic Sun-roofs: Very large and sometimes two pieces which makes the whole car interior cabin covered without any roof, which enhances the interior design of the car.
Panoramic Moon-Roof:- Almost the same without the obnoxious clear deck of the panoramic roof, keeping the glass even closed for ease of viewing when sitting in the vehicle.
Care & Maintenance of Sunroofs and Moonroofs
- Regular cleaning: The glass surface and rubber edging should be maintained hygienically in order to prevent any dust accumulation and aid in effective functioning.
- Support Frame Inspection: From time to time, inspect the rubber support frames for any split or worn-out areas to prevent leakage while it is raining.
- Maintenance of Moving Components: The moving components should be maintained by using a silicone lubricant on the surfaces that require maintenance.
- Do Not Apply Force: Excessive force should not be applied on the glass panel when cleaning or when closing doing so may lead to the panel breaking.
Preferred Roof
The type of roof you select: a sunroof or a moonroof will be determined by your tastes, way of life, and financial possibility. When we talk about people who love fresh air and intermittent open-top driving, they should probably go for a sunroof. Conversely, if one is looking for elegance, a panoramic moon room could be worth the cost for the up-close final effect.
