A sunroof that you can enjoy open air to some extent, though it is not open. Overseas (especially luxury cars in North America) are standard equipment on most cars, but there are many options for japan cars, and this is one of the things that many people worry about when purchasing a car. Therefore, here I would like to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of sunroofs.
What is a sunroof?
The sunroof is an openable opening provided on the roof of the closed body, and is a device that can easily enjoy open air. If you just enjoy the open air, it seems that an open car is enough, but why was the sunroof equipment born?
In the first place, an open car without a roof and B and C pillars has a disadvantageous body shape from the viewpoint of durability, sound vibration, and riding comfort performance, and it is necessary to considerably reinforce the body to cover it, and development is also It was very hard.
Therefore, a canvas top * with the basic shape (skeleton) of the body as it is, the center of the roof cut out and covered with a vinyl cover has appeared. In Japan, Ford’s Festiva (1986-1993) became a very popular canvas-top car for a time.
However, the top made of canvas has the disadvantages that it does not look very good when deteriorated by rain or ultraviolet rays, and has drawbacks such as dirty hands when stored, and it is equipment used in relatively inexpensive cars. The sunroof which changed the material of the canvas from the metal plate to the canvas has been used.
The FIAT Nuova 500 from 1957-77 is famous, but its prototype can be seen on the 1951 500 C Belvedere. The Citroen 2CV, which debuted in 1949, used an open-top shape with a horizontal beam left on the B pillar. In the United States, on the other hand, there is a record that in 1937 Nash provided an option for its vehicles.
Sunroof type
There are three types of sunroofs:
・ Tilt-up sunroof
A sunroof that opens and closes when the back rises. The open area is small but sufficient for ventilation.
・ Sliding sunroof
A sunroof that slides backwards, with the glass surface and opening installed on the roof. Because it opens widely, there is enough ventilation as well as ventilation. This type is currently used in many models. Recently, there are many things that can do both tilt up and sliding.
・ Panorama window sunroof
This type uses glass for the entire roof. The bigger window is more attractive than the other two types.
Advantages and disadvantages of sunroof
Advantages
・ Special sense of liberation
After all, the biggest benefit of the sunroof is the feeling of freedom. The interior of the car becomes brighter, there is no feeling of pressure above the head, and you can enjoy the drive in a sunny mood.
・ Can be ventilated
Opening the sunroof provides a great advantage in providing comfortable ventilation. By opening the upper part of the body, the engine sound of your car and the running sound of the next car will be less likely to remain inside the car. In addition, if it is a tilt-up sunroof, it can be ventilated without feeling much cold even in winter, and it is especially recommended for smokers.
・ Increase in assessed value
Because it has a sunroof (or can be installed as an option), it is highly scarce and will be a plus assessment item at the time of purchase.
Disadvantages
・ Slightly lower fuel efficiency
The glass used for the sunroof is very heavy, weighing about 20-30 kg. As the weight of the vehicle increases, fuel efficiency will deteriorate.
・ Vehicle price increases
The price difference depends on the type of vehicle and sunroof, but the selling price is basically higher.
・ The temperature inside the car changes drastically
Because the ceiling is glass, the insulation performance is weak even when shades are used, making it difficult to operate the air conditioner.
・ May break down
Many failures are caused by deterioration of the rubber packing around the window, causing a leak. In this case, it can be repaired by replacing the rubber packing, so it is cheaper. However, there are rare failures such as opening or not opening or closing, and in this case, a repair fee of about 30,000 to 100,000 yen will be required.
・ I will not use it in the first place
Many people say that they are happy and open it at first, but then use it several times and stop using it.
With the sunroof, you can drive while enjoying the open feeling, so you can enjoy a more comfortable drive. On the other hand, it is also true that there are disadvantages, such as poor fuel economy.
If you are considering purchasing a car with a sunroof, why not make a decision after considering these advantages and disadvantages?
