This is the summer when you should consider getting a windshield sunshade.

      Andrew P. Collins

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      It’s still early in the year, and we’ve already experienced temperatures close to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the wooded areas of New York. Invest in a sunshade for your windshield. While they can be a bit inconvenient to use, they are extremely effective in safeguarding your interior from the sun's harsh rays.

      Where to Get Quality Sunshades

      ☀️ HeatShield sunshades are thick and designed to roll up instead of folding. They are among my favorite aftermarket sunshades.

      ☀️ RealTruck offers brands like Covercraft, Coverking, and Husky Liners (all of which I have had great experiences with), along with other options for sunshades. Some even feature appealing automaker logos.

      ☀️ Dash Designs (available through RealTruck) is the manufacturer of the retractable shade I use in my Montero. I’ve had it for over six years, and it still functions perfectly.

      No one enjoys stepping into a hot car on a scorching day—those moments spent waiting for the A/C to kick in while sweat drips down your face are unbearable. However, the true advantage of a sunshade lies in its ability to prolong the life of your dashboard and interior materials. The plastics, vinyl, and leather in your vehicle are susceptible to damage from heat exposure, especially when subject to extreme temperature shifts. The older your car, the more likely its dashboard is to deteriorate.

      An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In this case, dealing with a somewhat cumbersome windshield cover is far more tolerable than replacing a cracked dashboard or worn leather seats.

      Still one of my favorite modifications. Andrew P. Collins

      A car windshield functions like a greenhouse, allowing short-wave solar radiation to enter while being absorbed by dark interior surfaces, leading to their degradation. These surfaces subsequently emit long-wave infrared heat (thermal radiation). Since glass does not transmit this long-wave radiation, the heat gets trapped, creating a feedback loop that can soften the interior plastics of an E46 BMW to the consistency of crayons.

      Cracking the windows provides some relief, but reducing heat is only part of the solution. Modern car glass blocks a significant portion of ultraviolet (UV) rays, but not all. If you lack a garage or carport, a small solid barrier, such as a sunshade, is your best line of defense. It can obstruct both visible light and infrared (heat) that manage to get past the glass’s filters, preventing cabin materials from overheating.

      Research published in the International Journal of Automobile Engineering from Aswan University in Egypt found that covering both front and rear car windows significantly lowers dashboard temperatures. Similarly, a study by the Florida Solar Energy Center in the U.S. reached the same conclusion, noting a 40-degree reduction in dashboard temperatures when using a sunshade. Popular Mechanics conducted its own test and found that the cabin temperature in an older Mazda RX-7 was up to 20 degrees cooler after 30 minutes of parking in the sun with a shade compared to without one.

      However, do not rely solely on a sunshade to maintain temperatures that are safe for anything living or made of chocolate—you should never leave a dog, child, plant, or chocolate bar in a parked car under the sun without running the engine and A/C, even for a short period.

      But when it comes to preserving your interior, a simple reflective tool can be extremely effective.

      Personally, I prefer different styles for various vehicles. Both my BMW F31 wagon and E46 coupe are equipped with OEM BMW sunshades—I appreciate their classic and straightforward “BMW” design. They have an old-school charm that I really enjoy. When I owned a Z31 300ZX, I had a fun synthwave-themed ’80s sunshade. My previous FG2 Honda Civic had a very large windshield, and I used a Heatshield brand sun visor in it that I absolutely loved. It was thick and gold-colored, which complemented my black paint beautifully.

      If shade isn’t available, create your own. Andrew P. Collins

      The ultimate sunshades are those that mount permanently to the glass and can retract, like the accordion-style system I have in my Montero. When I park in the sun, I simply pull the “curtains” together, and they Velcro in the center. I must admit, I receive some teasing about them—some find it to look tacky—but my 25-year-old dashboard remains crack-free!

      There are numerous brands producing these types, so you’re bound to find one that fits your car. I highly recommend investing in a custom-fit one that aligns with your windshield. These sunshades can be quite a hassle to keep track