Loading

Whats the difference between a sunroof and a moonroof moonroof?

While sunroofs and moonroofs may seem similar, they are distinct features in automotive design. The primary difference lies in their purpose and functionality. This article will explore the key distinctions between these two types of roof openings.


What is a Sunroof?


A sunroof is a panel in a vehicle's roof that can be opened or removed to allow natural light and fresh air to enter the cabin. Sunroofs are typically made of glass or a transparent material, and they can be manually or electronically operated. Sunroofs are designed to provide an open-air experience and allow more sunlight to enter the vehicle.


What is a Moonroof?


A moonroof is a type of sunroof that is specifically designed to provide a view of the night sky. Moonroofs are typically made of tinted or opaque glass, which allows for a more subtle and controlled amount of light to enter the vehicle. Moonroofs are often equipped with a sliding or tilting mechanism, allowing the driver to adjust the amount of light and air entering the cabin.


Key Differences



  • Purpose: Sunroofs are primarily designed to provide an open-air experience and allow more sunlight to enter the vehicle, while moonroofs are specifically intended to provide a view of the night sky.

  • Material: Sunroofs are typically made of transparent glass or a transparent material, while moonroofs are made of tinted or opaque glass.

  • Functionality: Sunroofs can be manually or electronically operated, while moonroofs often have a sliding or tilting mechanism to adjust the amount of light and air entering the cabin.


In summary, the main difference between a sunroof and a moonroof is their intended purpose and the materials used in their construction. Sunroofs are designed to provide an open-air experience and allow more sunlight to enter the vehicle, while moonroofs are specifically intended to provide a view of the night sky.

When did a sunroof become a moonroof?


1973
The first iteration of the moonroof was introduced on the 1973 Lincoln Mark IV. This moonroof had silver tinted tempered glass that replaced the tradition all metal panelled sunroof.



Does a moonroof open completely?


Modern moonroofs are fully automatic and controlled by buttons on the dashboard. Your moonroof can slide all the way open or partially open, tilt up or down, retract just the glass, or fully retract so you get the full experience of the sun and wind.



What is the downside of a moonroof?


Lack of ventilation
Because a moonroof typically isn't an open-air feature, it doesn't have the same ventilation benefits of a sunroof.



Are moon roofs worth it?


One of the simplest pleasures of having a moonroof is the extra natural light it brings into your vehicle. Even when the moonroof is closed, the tinted glass allows sunlight to filter through, brightening the cabin. This can make your car's interior feel more spacious and comfortable, particularly for long trips.



Why do Americans call a sunroof a moonroof?


Semantic historians will regale you with stories of how a "sunroof" was traditionally an opaque panel, generally of metal or canvas, and that Ford marketing whiz John Atkinson coined the name "moonroof" to refer to the optional roof conversion (performed by American Sunroof Corporation) introduced on the 1973 Lincoln ...



Why does my moonroof leak when it rains?


A faulty seal or a clog in the drainage system are the likely reasons that you might notice your car's sunroof leaking, and in many cases, the repair is relatively simple and straightforward.



Are moonroof and sunroof the same?


A moonroof is considered a type of sunroof, says CARFAX. But a moonroof usually has a tinted glass panel, much like an extra window, on top of the car. It is designed to let in light without having to let in the elements, according to U.S. News. Again, most modern cars today have a moonroof, rather than a sunroof.



Is insurance higher with a sunroof?


Since sunroofs & moonroofs are more prone to shatter or break in an accident thus they are more expensive to insure.



Does Tesla have a sunroof?


Opening and Closing
For full control of the sunroof, touch Controls on the touchscreen. Drag, or tap on, the image of the sunroof or touch the buttons next to the image of your vehicle. The sunroof moves to the selected position. To stop the sunroof from moving at any time, touch the image of the sunroof.



Can a dealership install a moonroof?


Once the vehicle leaves the assembly line, the factory option can no longer be integrated into the roof. Though, if a consumer or dealer wanted a sunroof added after the vehicle was manufactured, they may commission an automotive restyler to install (or retrofit) a generic unit, designed to function in that vehicle.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.