What is the car sun shade thing called?
The term you're looking for is simply "car sunshade" — often called a windshield sun shade for the front window. It's a shade accessory designed to block sunlight and reduce interior heat in a vehicle.
In everyday usage, people refer to the portable, foldable panels placed on the windshield as a car sunshade. There are also built-in sun visors, rear-window shades, and side-window screens that perform similar functions.
Common names and types
There are several variations used by drivers and retailers. Here are the main kinds.
- Windshield sun shade: a foldable panel that covers the front windshield, usually made of reflective material to block heat and UV rays. It may come in accordion, folding, or pop-out designs.
- Rear window sun shade: shade panels for the rear windshield or back window, often used to reduce heat and glare in hatchbacks and SUVs.
- Side window sun shades: smaller panels that attach to side windows, available as static cling fabric or with magnets/suction.
- Built-in sun visors: the standard interior sun visors attached to the car's ceiling that flip down to block sun from different angles.
- Exterior sun shade: less common options that clip to the outside of the windshield in some setups, aimed at blocking sun before it reaches the glass.
Regardless of type, the core purpose is the same: to reflect or block sunlight, helping keep the cabin cooler and protecting dashboards and upholstery from UV damage.
Choosing the right shade for your vehicle
To pick a shade that fits well and provides effective protection, consider size, material, mounting method, and compatibility with your vehicle’s windows.
Key features to compare
- Size and fit: ensure it covers the intended window area; universal shades may be adjustable, while model-specific options fit particular vehicles.
- Material: reflective aluminum or metallic surfaces for heat rejection; fabric shades offer privacy and softer aesthetics but may be less reflective.
- Installation: foldable accordion styles are easy to deploy; static cling, magnets, or suction options require mounting points on glass or visors.
- UV protection: look for higher UV-blocking ratings (some fabrics advertise UPF 50+ or similar) for better protection.
- Durability and storage: consider how compactly it folds and how well it lasts with daily use or seasonal storage.
Choosing the right shade depends on climate, vehicle type, and how often you park in the sun. A quality shade can noticeably reduce interior temperatures and slow fading of dashboards and fabrics.
Related considerations and uses
Beyond cooling, shades can also improve comfort for passengers, protect electronic displays from glare, and help keep child seats and groceries shaded from direct sun. Some drivers use a combination of interior visors and window shades for maximum coverage.
In practice, most buyers select a windshield shade for front-window coverage and supplement with side or rear shades if their vehicle has large side windows or rear glass that tends to heat up quickly.
Summary
The accessory you’re thinking of is commonly called a car sunshade or windshield sun shade. Variants exist for different windows (front, rear, side) and different mounting styles, from built-in visors to removable external panels. When shopping, focus on fit, material, and ease of use to choose the best shade for your vehicle.
