Why People Don’t Use Sun Shades in Their Cars, But Why You Should?

It’s a common sight: cars parked in the sun with no sunshade in sight. Whether at the grocery store, gym, or parking lot, it's clear that not everyone uses a car sunshade to protect their vehicle and its interior. But with the intense Australian sun and temperatures reaching over 40°C in some areas, it begs the question: Why do so many people skip using a sunshade? like in this reddit post.

Let’s explore the reasons behind this and why using a sunshade is a smart choice for anyone who spends time in their car.

The Benefits of Using a Car Sunshade

Before we dive into why people aren’t using them, let's first look at why car sunshades are so important.

1. Protecting Your Car’s Interior

A car windshield sunshade doesn’t just protect you—it protects your car’s interior as well. Without a sunshade, your car’s dashboard, seats, and upholstery are at risk of fading and cracking due to UV rays. Over time, this can lead to permanent damage that reduces the lifespan of your car’s interior. Custom-fit sun shades block up to 89% of harmful UV rays, keeping your car's interior looking new longer.

2. Keeping Your Car Cool

Cars parked in direct sunlight can heat up quickly, often becoming unbearable, even when parked for just 20 minutes. With a car sunshade, you can reduce the internal temperature by up to 50+ degrees, making a noticeable difference when you get in. This helps avoid the uncomfortable heat blast that comes from getting into a hot car. Additionally, it reduces the reliance on air conditioning, saving fuel and energy.

3. Safer Driving Conditions

When your car gets too hot, the steering wheel, seatbelts, and other surfaces become scalding, making it unsafe to drive. A sunshade helps maintain more comfortable and safer temperatures, allowing you to drive without the discomfort of burning hot surfaces.

Why Do So Many People Not Use Sun Shades?

Despite the benefits, it’s surprising how many vehicles still don’t have a windshield sunshade in place. Let’s break down some of the reasons why people may skip this simple yet effective solution.

1. Inconvenience

One of the most common reasons people avoid using a car sunshade is the perceived inconvenience. The process of putting up and taking down a sunshade can seem like a hassle, especially when running short errands. Some people feel it's not worth the trouble for a brief visit to the store or a quick grocery run.

Solution: Invest in a custom-fit sunshade that’s easy to install and remove. Modern shades are designed for quick setup, so you can protect your car with minimal effort.

2. Not Understanding the Difference It Makes

Many people simply aren’t aware of how much of a difference a car windshield sunshade can make. While some may be sceptical about the temperature reduction claims, the truth is that sunshades can keep the interior much cooler, especially in regions with extreme heat. Studies have shown that a sunshade can make a noticeable difference in keeping your car cooler, improving your comfort when you return to your vehicle.

3. Parking in Shaded Areas

Another reason people may not use sunshades is that they park their cars in shaded areas, such as under trees or in parking garages. For them, the need for a sunshade may not seem as urgent because their car’s interior isn’t exposed to direct sunlight. While this may work for some, it’s important to note that shaded parking is not always available, especially in busy areas.

4. Frequent Remote Cooling

With advancements in technology, many newer cars come equipped with remote start features or cooling systems that allow owners to cool down their cars before getting in. For those who have access to this feature, a sunshade may seem redundant since the car will cool down on its own. While this is a convenient feature, using a sunshade still provides added protection for your car’s interior and keeps it cooler during the time you’re away.

5. Lack of Awareness About Long-Term Benefits

Another reason is a lack of awareness about the long-term benefits of using a car sunshade. Some people may not realise that regularly using a sunshade can extend the life of their car's upholstery, prevent dashboard cracking, and keep the car interior from overheating. Not using a sunshade today can lead to higher repair costs down the road, which is why incorporating one into your routine is a smart choice.

Why You Should Use a Sunshade in Your Car

Even if you're sceptical, there are undeniable benefits to using a windshield sunshade every time you park in the sun. Here are a few reasons why you should make it a habit:

1. Reduced Temperature: As mentioned, sunshades can reduce interior temperatures by up to 50 degrees. Whether you're parked for 10 minutes or an hour, it’s always worth it to keep your car cooler.
2. Protect Your Car’s Interior: Exposure to the sun can lead to faded seats, cracked dashboards, and ruined upholstery. Car sunshades help preserve your vehicle’s value by protecting its interior from harmful UV rays.
3. Enhanced Comfort: No one enjoys the experience of getting into a car that’s been baking in the sun. A sunshade makes a noticeable difference in the comfort of your car’s interior.
4. Cost-Effective Protection: Compared to the potential costs of replacing damaged upholstery or interior parts, a custom-fit sunshade is a low-cost solution with long-term benefits.

While many people may overlook the use of sunshades for their cars, the truth is that these accessories offer significant advantages in terms of comfort, safety, and car maintenance. They keep your car cooler, protect its interior from UV damage, and ultimately extend the life of your vehicle. So, next time you're headed out, take the extra 10 seconds to put up a windshield sunshade—your car (and your wallet) will thank you later.