Opinion: Moonroofs are Better than Sunroofs!

As you know, sunroofs have been one of the most popular offerings and are widely demanded in the automotive industry. Since its inception, there have been different types of glass-based roofs, notably a sunroof and a moonroof. 

The difference between the sunroof and the moonroof is their functionalities. Both glasses are tinted, but the sunroof has an electric motor that allows the user to open, whereas the moonroof is an unopenable glass. 

However, any type of glass-based roof can be detrimental, as far as safety is concerned. But if I had to pick from either of them, I would - with my eyes closed - choose the car with a MOONROOF over a SUNROOF! 

Moonroofs have only one advantage over sunroofs: the ‘non-opening’ feature. 

So, the first downside of having a car with a sunroof boils down to the cabin’s cleanliness. 

In any country or state, where there is non-negligible pollution and dust; driving a car with the sunroof open can really be a nuisance, as the dashboard and upholstery of any material will start attracting excess dust and unwanted pollution, or even unwanted guests like spiders, bugs, trees’ buds, etc., (can enter if the car is stopped under a tree), or if you are having a bad or an unlucky day, it can also be a bird’s poop entering via the opened sunroof. 

Another disadvantage of the sunroof is that passengers, especially children and youth enjoy coming out of the sunroofs in the name of getting wind in their hair or probably love imagining the famous Titanic movie scene. 

                                                  (Image source: Time Out) 

But, beware, that move can pose a threat to your life, as small stones can hit your face or eyes. I mean, just imagine, if a car’s two-layered front windshield can get cracked from a small stone chip, then imagine the severity it can do to your face. In fact, standing out of the sunroof attracts penalties in Karnataka. 

Another risk includes the injury of the torso. It is a fact there isn’t adequate space to move around when you are standing out of the sunroof. A simple hard brake (or emergency braking) or a crash from either side can lead to a severe injury, be it the torso or neck. 

Speaking of necks, there have been reported accidents where people underwent partially slit throats and even beheading, especially because of the kite’s string, which is also known as ‘Manjha’. 

Apart from that, sunroofs are also more expensive to maintain than moonroofs. In moonroofs, no electric motor is involved, making it unlike the sunroof.

However, the only advantage I can think of having a sunroof is that it can act as an escape hatch in emergencies, but that can only happen if the car’s sunroof is partially or fully opened, otherwise, it can be stuck shut if the wiring is damaged.  

Closing Words

So, these were some key points of owning a vehicle with a sunroof. I also own a vehicle with a sunroof, but it’s hardly of any use. In fact, I keep the sunroof’s blind closed or partially opened. And if I want to get a sense of openness in the cabin, I only open the sunroof shade, except for the glass panel. 

If I ever want to buy a car with a glass panel or someone asks me which type of glass panel is better - I would choose the moonroof over the sunroof. Because, as you might have understood by now moonroofs can do the same job as sunroofs, while the former doesn’t let anything else compromise. Yes, both are made of glasses and are prone to shatter, but if I had to choose one, you know the answer.

Further, as you know, car manufacturers usually charge a premium for the sunroof- and moonroof-equipped variants and some clients do stretch their budgets just to get that feature. Therefore, in my opinion, a sunroof and a moonroof are features that are something intriguing or desirable but later remain a velleity.