Top 10 Best Windshield Sun Shade Reviews 2019

[caption id="attachment_523" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Top 10 Best Windshield Sun Shade Reviews 2019[/caption]

Taking care of vehicles is a very demanding task that requires a lot of hard work, time and devotion. The thing is, as hulking as they seem, cars are actually very fragile, and it doesn't take anything more than one small error to undermine all the effort we've put to keep them in top shape.

You want an example? How about not being able to find a shaded parking spot high noon?

If you, by some chance don’t have the best windshield sun shade stored somewhere in the car, just try keeping it there in the sunlight for a couple of hours and see what you’ll find when you come back.

Your trusted four-wheeled ally will be reduced to a glorified greenhouse, and the internal elements (upholstery, dashboard, etc.) will pack so much heat they will most likely start to fade and crack.

The thing is, this problem is easily avoidable, but we rarely stop to think about it until it’s too late. Well, let’s make sure these bloopers never happen again. Here, I will cover some of the best windshield sun shade units you can currently find in the market and give you a couple of tips that should help you to find the best fit for your vehicle.

Top 10 Best Windshield Sun Shade Reviews 2019

1. EcoNour Car Windshield Sunshade

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] EcoNour Car Windshield Sunshade[/caption]

It doesn't take more than one quick look at this package to see that EcoNour Windshield Sunshade shows a lot of promise. After a couple of weeks spent with the product, I am happy to report that this promise is delivered.

First of all, this is a tough sunshade if there ever was one — the nylon material the unit is made of lends the product strength and durability. Although I hadn't got the chance to use it for too long, the shield does seem like it can withstand years of abuse.

And then, there is the silver overlay that does a pretty good job at keeping the sunrays and resulting heat outside the vehicle. When you are done using the shade, it easily folds and can be stored in a carrying bag (the bag comes with the package) that easily fits in most of the door pockets out there.

So there you have it, strength and portability neatly wrapped in one very affordable package.

All these good things are only underlined by the fact that EcoNour’s product comes in four well-thought-out sizes that cover pretty much all popular car models you can see on the roads these days. Still, it feels like the strongest accent has been put on the American audience. If you own a Chevy, there is literally no chance some of these models won't fit your vehicle.

So, when we wrap everything up, the only thing I would take away from this package is that the shade sometimes leaves slight black marks on the interior once removed. But they are very easy to clean.

Pros

• Easy to fold and store away
• A very portable product
• The shade feels very durable
• Excellent sun protection

Cons

• You may experience slight black marks from time to time

2. ShadeSox Car Sunshade

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] ShadeSox Car Sunshade[/caption]

The product released by ShadeSox couldn’t be further removed than the one I just covered. But, that’s the beauty of the sun shade market – different products serve different purposes. So, if the previous unit qualified for the title of best car windshield sun shade, this one might just be the best car sun shade for baby.

Let me elaborate.

If you look at it as a product that's meant to completely block off the sun from your vehicle, you won't be so satisfied. But, if you frequently drive your kids on the back seat, the unit will provide an incredibly pleasant shade and make long hours in the car all the more pleasant.

So yeah, the shade is made from reasonably durable mesh that blocks up to 70% of sunlight and retains some degree of visibility, which is ok. The more transparency you preserve, the better. You will need it when driving in reverse.

So, the baseline performance is actually really good. On the other hand, the way the unit is mounted is intuitive to the point of awesome. Just roll it on the back door just like a sleeve, and that's it. If you are wondering about the windows, you will be able to roll them down even when the unit is on.

As for the drawbacks, the mesh is not insanely durable. Use it too frequently, and you will see its lifespan shortening before your eyes.

Pros

• The unit creates a very pleasant shade inside the vehicle
• The intuitive way of mounting
• Solid density
• Very portable

Cons

• Not the most durable product on the market
• You have to stop the car to dismount the unit

3. Shades Sunshield

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="595"] Shades Sunshield[/caption]

On first glance, this product looks pretty by the numbers. But, although it checks most of the usual boxes you can expect from this type of product, take another look, and you'll discover a couple of pleasant surprises.

First and foremost, this shade comes in seven different well-tailored sizes. That means that even if you own a pretty spacious SUV, you won't have any problem finding the right fit for your vast windshield.

The other thing I really like is that the manufacturer has put very close attention to the popular European sedans, which is good news for all the people who consider BMW to be the benchmark for quality.

Once we move past this versatility, we get one well-built and very durable sun shade that won't have any problems keeping your vehicle reasonably fresh in the long summer months. As for UV protection, it works like a charm.

Thick nylon fabric, a black interior surface and bright silver exterior overlay all make sure that any of the internal components won't be damaged by this dangerous radiation. Overall, a very satisfying product that packs a lot of potential.

Is there anything wrong? Well, of course. The installation can be handled better, and the notch used for hooking the shade to rare view feels especially flimsy. But, it’s still far from horrible.

Pros

• Reasonably affordable
• Solid heat and UV protection
• The shade is very portable
• All of the used materials are excellent

Cons

• The unit is not that easy to mount
• Some of the components could be better

4. EzyShade Sunshade

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] EzyShade Sunshade[/caption]

Some people could look at the windshield sun shade market and call it stale with no room for innovation. That is, for the most part, true. We are, after all, talking about a line of very basic products. But, some innovations can be found here and there.

EzyShade is the best example of such a practice. So, what's the catch here?

Well, instead of making one massive piece of fabric that covers the entire windshield when unfolded, here we have two pieces of a slightly harder material that are mounted separately. The good thing about this idea is that you have more room to adjust the shades to your needs.

On the downside, the task of keeping the fabric in place falls exclusively to sun screens which is not that reassuring. The chances are you will need an additional pair of hands to put everything into place and make it stay there.

Otherwise, the materials are great, the silver reflective surface effortlessly keeps the sun out, and the interior of the vehicle remains very fresh even at noon. Also, although, the fabric is slightly sturdier than the previous products I’ve just covered, it’s still easy to roll and pack into the carrying pouch that comes in the package.

Throw into the equation a very affordable price, and you will get a product that does very few things good. Too bad the mounting mechanism does more harm than good.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Two-piece setup leaves you better versatility
• Good build quality
• Strong heat and UV protection

Cons

• The mounting mechanism feels half-baked at best

5. mAuto Car Sunshade

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] mAuto Car Sunshade[/caption]

There's no better way to describe this windshield than cute. You know how in the animated movie Cars, the vehicles have huge Disney eyes instead of windshields. Well, if you use this windshield shade, your car will look exactly like that.

And, you know what, that’s pretty awesome. First of all, this idea easily qualifies mAuto Car Sunshade best baby car sun shade. Second, even if you don't have kids that would appreciate such sunscreen, there is no denying the unit simply makes your car come alive and gives it a healthy dose of personality.

So, swallow your pride; having your vehicle have a pair of big cute eyes is awesome.

But, the look makes only half of the sunscreen. How does this unit perform when put into a real-life scenario.

Well, I'm sad to say, not that good. At least not as good as some of the previous windshield sun screens I have already covered. The things that draw this unit back the most is the lack of exterior reflective surfaces. With nothing but durable fabrics to keep the sun outside the vehicle, the shade does a good job blocking off the harmful UV rays.

But, when it comes to temperature regulation, you can notice just how this additional layer of protection can be.

So, we are dealing with the unit that obviously rides on a gimmick. And as good as that gimmick is, it’s not enough to push the package past this initial appeal.

Pros

• The sun shade just looks too cute
• Solid build
• Easy to mount and easy to store
• Solid UV protection

Cons

• The temperature protection is not quite stellar

6. Road Charms Windshield Sunshade

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Road Charms Windshield Sunshade[/caption]

There are a lot of different types of vehicles out there, some of which are genuinely monstrous. Well, rest assured – even if you own one of these beasts on four wheels, Road Charms Sunshade will be able to cover the windshield and not leave a single inch unprotected.

Seriously, with the dimensions that go all the way to 70 x 35 x 0.1 inches, it is tough to find the vehicle that goes out of the unit’s scope. What’s even better – in spite of such a generous size, when it’s folded the shade easily fits the door pocket.

What else I liked about this product? Well, for a start, the materials are pretty spot on. The fabric is durable, and the soft matte exterior surface eliminates that annoying glare the sun shades are so (in)famous for. If you are tired of your vehicle looking like a raging supernova, this is the product for you.

That said, there is a good reason why manufacturers use these highly reflective glass-like surfaces instead of the matte ones – they do a much better job at reflecting the sun. So, essentially, you are trading one thing to gain another.

With the things as they are, Road Charms' product does a very solid job at keeping the UV radiation outside the vehicle and keeping the interior fresh. But, the performance could be far, far better.

Pros

• Durable and well made
• The matte surface looks very easy on the eyes
• If you own a ginormous vehicle, this is the shade for you
• Very portable well folded

Cons

• You can’t use it in smaller vehicles
• The matte exterior surface doesn’t handle sun reflections all that good

7. Coveted Shade Car Sunshade

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="601"] Coveted Shade Car Sunshade[/caption]

Now here's a product that has trouble finding a good selling point. Seriously, all of the building blocks of a solid sun shade are here. But, the unit doesn't truly excel in any relevant field to give it a reason to choose it over some other entry from this list. On the contrary, the things that truly set it apart from the competitors are the drawbacks.

But, let us start with the positives. First of all, the unit is reasonably affordable. Not quite the cheapest on the list but let's say it is very easy on the pocket. Second, you get to choose between three different sizes, all of which are diverse enough to allow you a lot of freedom and adaptability.

Also, I would like to point out that the unit is actually very well made and the manufacturer’s one year warranty stands as a testament to the confidence they have in their product.

But, all these things doesn't change the fact that the fabric that connects to primary round pads does leaves too much room when mounted. That brings the efficiency of the product into serious question.

And speaking of efficiency – it's not that great. There is a very good reason why manufacturers pad their sun shades with an additional layer of black cloth from the interior side. If omitting such an essential element was a move intended to lower the price, the bargain wasn't that smart.

Pros

• A very affordable product
• You get three sizes to choose from
• Easy to fold and store away
• One year warranty

Cons

• The overall performance feels compromised, to say the least

8. Magnalex Windshield Sunshade

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Magnalex Windshield Sunshade[/caption]

Magnalex Windshield Sunshade is in many regards very similar to the product I have just covered above. It is just another mention in the long line of windshield sun shades that will struggle to find a wider audience.

But, I have to admit one thing – this time, the manufacturers did found a neat way to motivate the buyers to take notice of their product.

I am, of course, talking about the small steering wheel cover that comes wrapped in the package. You know how after hours of being exposed to the sun, the steering wheel feels far too hot for driving even though you have hung the sunshade?

Well, this piece of fabric makes sure that will no longer be the case. And I am all the more grateful for that fact.

But, besides the steering wheel cover that was obviously included to “sweeten the pot” how does the sun shade actually perform? Ok, I guess?

The unit feels reasonably durable and provides a solid level of protection but don’t expect any wonders. It’s just like you have parked your car in a modest shade (the inclusion of steering wheel cover all the sudden makes much more sense).

Also, it should be mentioned that you get to choose between three different sizes and that the shade covers with the small pouch used for storing. But all these things are something we have gotten used to by now in this price range.

Pros

• Affordable price
• The steering wheel cover does seem like a sensible inclusion
• Solid protection
• Good build quality
• Easy to mount

Cons

• The performance rarely rises above the average

9. Ohuhu Car Sunshade Cover

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Ohuhu Car Sunshade Cover[/caption]

This package does a lot of things right – there is no other way around it. But, if I was asked to highlight only one thing that would definitely be its price. I have covered some affordable packages on this list. But, none of them can touch this bad boy. And for the cost of some more pristine models, you can easily buy two, or even three of these packages.

So, the handsome price tag is definitely the main selling point of this contender. But, once we move past this point, we can see that this shade actually does a pretty good job at protecting your vehicle. As a matter of fact, it easily puts on one of the strongest performances I have seen so far.

So, judging by this it should be evident that, in spite of its meager price this is one well-built unit that uses all the necessary materials and ingredients we have come to expect from the products of this type. In some areas, it even excels the competition. For instance, the metallic frame that keeps the fabric in place is very strong and readily springs into position when unloaded.

But, in spite of all these things that should grant this shade the road to stardom, there is one significant drawback that will make this job considerably harder. I am talking about the dimensions. Although the shade comes in two sizes, both of them are suitable for smaller sedans.

Pros

• Excellent price-value ratio
• Solid performance
• A well-built product
• The metallic frame feels incredibly satisfying when unloading

Cons

• Too small for bigger vehicles

10. FORTEM Car Windshield Sunshade

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="600"] FORTEM Car Windshield Sunshade[/caption]

Finally, we have a product coming from Fortem, a name that is not that unfamiliar to all passionate car lovers. And as you would expect, the famous brand comes hand in hand with reliable performance. This sunshade does all the things you would expect from such an affordable product.

This time, you get to choose between four different sizes, which gives you a lot of freedom to find the right fit for your vehicle. Sure, some popular models simply won't play along with these dimensions, but the list of supported cars is still pretty darn good.

The second thing I would like to point out is that the shade actually works. The performance I've got was not entirely on par with some of the best models I have covered on the list, but honestly, it's not lagging too far behind. Your vehicle will need to cool off a bit before driving, though.

Actually, the main, and at the same time, the only major issue I had with this piece of fabric is build quality. I may have gotten the wrong impression (I am using these products only for the limited amount of time), but some components (e.g., the frame) looked very flimsy and prone to damage.

But, that might just be the issue with the unit I’ve got. Try testing it yourself and be kind to share your impressions.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Solid protection
• The list of supported vehicles is pretty extensive
• The frame feels very easy to mount

Cons

• The overall craftsmanship seems somewhat poor

Things to Consider When Buying a Best Windshield Sun Shade

[caption id="attachment_522" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Things to Consider When Buying a Best Windshield Sun Shade[/caption]

So, now that we've taken a detailed look at some of the most serious contenders for the title of the best windshield sun shade let us see what that description actually implies. You see, we are talking about a very simple, and yet very versatile product that features tons of variations based on features that range from price to basic purpose.

Knowing with certainty which one to buy without knowing what's actually on the table is as good as impossible. And then, there is your vehicle. The things that worked for me may not necessarily work for your four-wheeler. It's always good to know about the alternatives.

So, let us take a look at five things you should consider if you're ever to find the best sun shade for car parked in your garage.

Size

This is one of the more apparent requirements – after all, not all the cars out there feature the windshields of the same size. Fortunately, the available offer or windshields is pretty impressive, so you shouldn't have too much problem finding the right pick, no matter what kind of monster you are driving.

I have to point out one thing, however. Some manufacturers brand their product as "universal." I have a couple of problems with that because there are no such things as universal sizes if you manage to find the adjustable sun shade – props to you.

But there is no way you will ever find the product that will fit any windshield out there. So, don’t allow to be bogged down by this cheap marketing ploy.

Ease of use

If you are ready to leave your car out there frying in the sun, the chances are you don’t have too much time on disposal. If you had, you would just look for a better parking spot.

Having a sunscreen unit that's hard to mount doesn't make this situation any more comfortable. So, make the ease of use your big requirement number two.

But, at what point one unit qualifies as being easy to use?

 Well, any kind of answer I give will be pretty arbitrary. But, if you need more than a minute to mount and dismount the unit, and the connectors are damaging the interior, the chances are you should look for a replacement.

If this feature is your absolute priority and your area is not known for overly strong sunlight traditional accordion-style unit may just be the best windshield sun shade you can buy.

Heat Reduction

Why is this consideration so important? Well, according to recent research, your ability to successfully drive a vehicle diminishes by staggering 75% in a hot, humid or stuffy environment. So, it is highly advisable to keep your car as cool as possible while it's waiting for you to sit behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, there is no unified heat reduction rating you can use to measure just how efficient the sun screens are. The manufacturer may provide some general description, but as you can guess, all of them are pretty mandatory.

The best way to know how well the unit performs is to take a look at the material. The ones with sun reflective surface always do a much better job at keeping the sun out.

UV protection

This property is very closely tied with the one I've just covered. This time, though, instead of looking at how well the screen protects the car from heat, we will try to determine how well it deals with UV exposure.

After all, it is the UV light that causes all that havoc I have described in the introduction.

Now, UV radiation can be divided into three categories:

• UVA – The deepest type of radiation that does more damage to your skin than to your car.
• UVB – In the world of radiation, UVB type can be described as a middle ground.
• UVC – The strongest out of the tree. This type of radiation also does the most damage to the car interior.

Keeping this in mind, you should always look for the sun shades with the UVC rating – if the manufacturer has decided to provide such ratings, of course. If not, resort to good old materials and look for the ones that do the best job at reflecting the sun.

Portability

Finally, let us quickly cover the issue of portability.

The best car window sun shade should be a unit built for convenience. That convenience will be greatly damaged if the whole thing feels bulky and hard to store. The UV protection should never come at the expense of the valuable trunk space.

So, your goal should always be to buy the unit that is convenient, lightweight, easy to fold, and easier to store.

FAQs about Best Windshield Sun Shade

Q: Out of what material are these car sunshades made?

Most of the sun shade units you can currently find on the market are made from three materials: mesh, nylon and polyester. Out of them, mesh provides the least protection, but represents, by far the most aesthetically pleasing solution and often comes with a neat frame that makes mounting all that easier.

As for, nylon and polyester, they pretty much feature the same quality. What sets different units apart is the way they handle the reflective overlay. In that regard, metallic surfaces have traditionally proved to be the most efficient. However, metallic sun screens also produce very unpleasant glare, so it really boils down to what matters to you the most.

Q: What should I know about maintaining my windshield sunshade?

Much like any other products out there, windshields need a reasonable amount of maintenance in order to work efficiently. Since they are built to provide protection against extreme weather conditions, your priority number one should be to safeguard your unit against physical damage. So, whenever the shades are not used, be sure to keep them safely folded in a secure bag or pouch.

As for the cleaning, most of the materials you will find on the market can survive the treatment with a spongy soap or a piece of cloth. Just make sure that, when the cleaning is done, the sun screen is properly air-dried before storing.

Q: What happens if I need to remove the shade to replace my windshield?

Just store it away like you would if you are not currently using the shade. The mechanic will find a way to protect the interior of your vehicle while the windshield is being replaced. Just to be sure to store the unit on some safe place while the replacement is being performed. If you can't find any other, the trunk seems like a perfectly good solution.

As for the windshield, the replacement shouldn’t affect the performance of the screen. As long as the dimensions are the same (and they will remain the same) it’s business as usual.

Q: How much sun does a sunshade block?

It really depends on the unit. For instance, the mesh units are designed to provide the gentle shade rather than completely block the sun rays. Therefore, they should not be used as a protection against excessive sunlight (summer months, noon, etc.).

On the other hand, some more heavy-duty units that were designed to tackle this specific problem can block off as much as 99% of sunlight. Keep in mind, though, that we are talking primarily about UV radiation here. Even if your sun shade achieves this level of efficiency, it doesn't mean it will be able to reduce 99% of interior heat (if only).

Q: How long will a sunshade last?

Much like the previous question, the answer to this inquiry depends on the overall quality of the unit. But, the good news is that the materials used for the production of sun shades are inherently very durable. Even if we take into account sun and UV degradation, the proper maintenance can squeeze good ten years of extensive use out of these products.

If you want to extend this lifespan to the very limit, pay special attention to physical damage. Unblemished screes tend to be a tough nut to crack. However, as soon as they end up loose or damaged, they start wearing out much faster.

Q: Do I need a sunshade if I have tinted windows?

No, but it is hardly advisable. The real problem is that tinted windows are not particularly legal. The levels of allowed tint vary from state to state and country to country. But, regardless of the territory, you are rarely allowed to darken the windshields past the 40% mark. And I am talking about the backseat windshields here. In some countries like Britain, glass tinting the front side windshield is strictly prohibited.

The point I’m trying to make here is that tinting can solve a part of the issue, but you can’t entrust the task of sun protection solely to this compromised tool. Sun shades should be used to fill in the blanks.

Q: How to Install Windshield Sunshades?

Different types of units use different types of install mechanisms. For instance, some framed mesh unites are mounted with suction cups which makes them incredibly easy to handle. Others are hooked on the frame of the vehicle. But, in the case of polyester and nylon shades, the process pretty much goes like this.

First, you need to open the shade. Do this inside the vehicle to avoid unnecessary damage. Then, slide the bottom edge of the shade directly to the base of the dash and make sure it’s securely butted up there. Then slowly press it against the glass to the top of the windshield (you should leave as little space in between as possible).

Once their all you need to do is to make sure the unit will stay in place. This is usually accomplished by butting up the fabric with the sun shades, using the built-in notch to connect the fabric to the rearview, or, just to be sure, both these solutions.

Wrap up

Finally, it’s time to proclaim what is the best windshield sun shade you can currently find on the market. And what to say, the competition was indeed very fierce. However, the fact remains that EcoNour Car Windshield Sunshade simply makes the best-rounded product with the shortest list of drawbacks. Ohuhu Car Sunshade Cover came awfully close to snatching the title, but I would consider buying one only if I owned a smaller vehicle.

Source: https://ecodrivingusa.com/