How to install a universal sunroof deflector.

Like in a tank: 22 questions about car hatches

What is a sunroof for in a car?

The purpose of the hatch is to improve interior ventilation. It is important that the hatch creates an additional air flow from above, which creates a new direction for the movement of air flows. Thus, the interior is ventilated more efficiently, which is noticeable, for example, when driving at low speeds or when standing in a traffic jam. It is valuable that the hatch makes it possible to ventilate the interior without opening the side windows. This is simply necessary on a rural dirt road - because much less dust flies into the hatch, and on the highway, because there is less noise through an open hatch than through a lowered window.

What is a car sunroof?

This is a design of 2 main working elements: a cover and a frame. A non-standard, or installed, hatch is a finished product in assembled form, which is mounted in a workshop in a hole cut on the roof. A standard, or factory, sunroof is a system built into the roof that is assembled in production during the vehicle assembly process.

A modern development of the sunroof theme is the use of folding roofs, which are now also available as ready-to-install structures. Here, instead of a glass (or metal) lid, special stacked “blinds” or soft “awnings” are used.

What are the sizes and shapes of hatches?

The vast majority of factory car hatches are rectangular in shape. But theoretically everything is possible. For example, “deep” tuning work in the “military” style is known: when a round hatch is made in the car in the style of a tank. Hatch sizes start, on average, at 300 mm in length and 700 in width and reach approximately 1100 by 800 mm for folding roofs.

How does the hatch open and close?

There are 2 main types of opening: sliding and lifting. In the first version, the hatch cover is raised to a small height, emerging from the frame, and moved parallel to the roof of the car. In the second option, the hatch opens with the rear edge up (in the manner of a book). There are 2 types of such opening: lever - pushed up (like on a bus), and screw - lifted by a worm gear.

The opening can be stepwise, with a step of one third or a quarter, or stepless. The drive can be manual or electric, controlled either from a panel on the frame or from a remote control. Often such a hatch is “tied” to the central lock and it closes itself along with the doors and windows.

Doesn't the sunroof compromise the rigidity of the roof?

Formally, yes, since cutting into the hatch is a violation of the standard (and calculated) design. However, in practice its influence is not noticeable: the hatch has a rigid frame that replaces the missing piece of the roof.

Is the sunroof safe in an accident?

The sunroof can be dangerous in the event of major accidents where the vehicle rolls over onto its roof. In this case, the open sunroof cover may be pressed into the passenger compartment and cause injury. By the way, car manufacturers are well aware of this, where they install standard hatches. For example, in the Pre-Safe systems from Mercedes and Pre-Crush-Safety from Toyota, the hatch automatically closes in an emergency.

The issue of turning over looks difficult for a car with a soft folding roof, which is immediately pressed through. In general, in terms of rollover safety, such a car is not much different from a convertible.

Will the hatch become a “door for car thieves”?

If only theoretically, because even simple manual hatches have a locking system, and it is difficult to open it from the outside. Modern electric sunroofs are “registered” in the alarm control unit and are protected, receiving auto-closing functions, etc.

Can a sunroof replace air conditioning?

No, if we are talking about a full replacement. The air conditioner itself “produces cold”, creating its own microclimate, and the sunroof only helps to “blow the breeze” without cooling the air in any way. Therefore, they cannot be compared. However, if we talk about a “budget alternative,” then of course, it’s better with a sunroof than without it.

Will the sun shine through the hatch?

On almost all models, the covers are made of tinted glass. In addition, for many foreign models, special curtains made of a fine light-diffusing mesh are already included (or offered separately) - so that you can drive with the hatch open and not suffer from the sun.

Will the sunroof make the cabin colder in winter?

No. If heat escapes through a closed hatch, it is in tiny quantities. The main thing is that the stove works properly.

How are hatches installed?

In general terms: a hole corresponding to the hatch model is cut out in the roof of the car, and then the hatch itself is installed and secured there. If it is with an electric drive, then wiring is also done.

Is it possible to install the hatch yourself?

An ordinary car owner will most likely not be able to do this - it requires tools and skills for such work. Otherwise, you can simply ruin the car. For this reason, it is better (and easier!) to turn to professionals.

Where are the hatches placed?

The hatch you bring with you will be installed at almost any car service center. In addition, in many places they immediately offer sunroofs with installation: you come, choose a model, leave the car - and then pick it up with a sunroof.

How much does installation cost?

Prices for work start, on average, from 1,200 rubles. for installation of mechanical and from 2,500 rubles. — for the installation of an electric sunroof.

Who makes hatches?

Among the manufacturers represented on our market, we can name such as Autoflex-Knott (Hungary-Germany), Leonardo (Italy), Lux KFT (Hungary), Galileo (Italy), Mistral (France), Vola (Italy), Webasto ( Germany) and Unit-MK (Russia).

How much do hatches cost?

Prices for mechanical ones start from 4,000 rubles. for hatches from foreign manufacturers and from 1,500 for domestic products. Electric sunroofs cost from 6,000 rubles. “Folding roofs” - from 20,000 rubles.

Is it possible to replace an existing hatch?

Can. Such work is almost no different from installing from scratch. And, by the way, such orders can be found on services - some car owners are replacing old manual sunroofs with more modern ones, with an electric drive.

Is it possible to remove the hatch completely?

Theoretically, yes. Just how much will such work cost, because here you will have to seal the hole in the roof or replace it entirely, install new ceiling upholstery.

What problems do hatches have?

Hatch leaking and jamming when opening and closing. The first occurs, as a rule, due to wear or damage to the seal between the cover and the hatch frame, or due to a violation of the tightness of the frame in the roof. The malfunction is very unpleasant: when it rains, drops fall on your head, and cloudy streaks appear on the ceiling upholstery. A jamming of the closing mechanism, especially an electric one, which cannot be closed manually using force, can also cause a lot of trouble. And it may just turn out to be an embarrassment: it starts to rain outside, but the hatch cannot be closed. Therefore, if extraneous sounds appear when opening and closing the hatch, the usual speed has changed - it is better, without delay, to go to a car service center.

Can you put any sunroof you like on a car or is there a concept of matching?

It’s impossible to choose just anyone, but there is a choice. The bottom line here is this: each car model is suitable for a number of hatch models and vice versa - a specific hatch model is intended for a number of car models.

Are there any obstacles to installing sunroofs for cars under warranty?

In most cases, no. This must only be done at a certified dealer station. And here you need to be prepared for the dealer to offer his own models of hatches and ask for his own price for installation.

Is it possible to order and install a “original” factory hatch?

This issue needs to be clarified specifically with dealers of the car brand. The fact is that the standard hatch, where the cover goes under the headliner, initially requires a special roof structure, which is made at the factory. Therefore, in order to install such a hatch, you need to completely change the roof. Not all dealers agree to this. And for the car owner, this makes no sense: such work violates the factory integrity of the body, and will cost quite a lot. Therefore, when buying a new car, you should immediately decide whether to order a sunroof or not.

Advantages and disadvantages of the hatch

The car sunroof improves interior ventilation and provides additional air flow. The vehicle interior is ventilated much more efficiently, which is noticeable even at low speeds or when standing in a traffic jam. To ventilate the interior, owners of cars with a sunroof do not even need to open the side windows. And this, in turn, provides comfort when driving quickly, when lowering the windows is unpleasant for the rear passengers, who can be strongly blown by the wind. In addition, a pebble can easily fly into the open glass, which happens when driving along rural dirt roads, and dust always tends to enter the cabin from the side windows.

On the other hand, as mentioned above, the hatch is a huge hole on top. A leaky roof structure is the first thing that immediately comes to mind. Smudges and smudges may appear. And in general, owners of vehicles living in the northern regions of Russia, where there is a lot of precipitation, most likely should not install a sunroof.

The rigidity of the car roof deteriorates, thereby affecting the safety of the vehicle. In accidents, the sunroof can cause serious injuries if the vehicle rolls over. Famous manufacturers of car hatches know this, and therefore the standard hatches they install automatically close in an emergency. These manufacturers include Mercedes with Pre-Safe and Toyota with Pre-Crush-Safety.

The hatch is dangerous because it pushes through the soft cover of the vehicle, which in terms of safety is not much different from a convertible.

In addition to purely practical disadvantages, making a custom hatch is very expensive and affordable. Today, few Russians can afford to order its installation, since the price of the issue will surprise even a citizen with an average income. What then should ordinary people do, who are in no way classified as rich people, but who really want to install a sunroof? That's right, do the installation yourself. This article will talk about this.

But first, let's talk a little about hatches, their types, so to speak, for a snack, so that the owner who intends to install it will work up an appetite. Although nowadays you won’t surprise anyone with a hatch. This is a popular type of tuning, especially in the southern regions of Russia. Some cars even have it installed by default, and in stores you can find a huge number of these same products for every taste and color. This can be the simplest hatch, manually raised and called a “cracker,” or a more advanced one with a lift-and-slide design and an electric drive, but it costs accordingly.

The hatch in the car can be hard and made with a glass panel, or it can be soft, but upholstered in waterproof fabric. Both of these types can be equipped with optional manual or electromechanical drive.

Today a wide variety of hatches are produced. Some clients want the sun's rays not to penetrate into the salon from above, as this causes glare and sunbeams walking around the salon. And then manufacturers have to make hatches with additional sun protection. Some models are equipped with protection that can be raised or lowered at will, while other products are available with protection firmly installed in the hatch.

Fashion, of course, has a huge influence on the release of hatch models. Let's not go far. Just a year ago, motorists dreamed of installing a manually operated lifting sunroof, which would be reliable and simple. Today, many people prefer options with electrical engineering.

Western manufacturers especially supply a lot of hatches to our country. Germany and France are in first place in this matter. So, many people probably know the French manufacturer Automax, famous for the wide range and quality of its products. He always produces hatch models with a simple system that is simple and reliable. Compared to them, German hatches are made with a more complex design, although they are also reliable. Hatches from both manufacturers are good, comply with the latest fashion trends, but are very expensive.

DIY hatch installation

Lada 2109 ♂ Mysterious Scoundrel › Logbook › Original sunroof. We choose the best.

Guten Tag!

We're talking about the sunroof I'm planning on putting on my asshole.
In the topic about nishtyaks
, I simply indicated that I wanted a hatch, but not everything is simple, it turns out
there are hundreds
of versions with different opening methods. I want to summarize with your help and look for a specific model.

In general, there were 2 types of hatches in the catalog, opening upwards and exiting.

see also

Comments 33

Skylark or Therma, installed on France and Belgium, they are the same. It doesn’t leak, at least it’s never been noticed, there is one huge plus - it’s a large frame, even two people can hang out in it, it’s easy to use, it’s impossible to break something there)) but it’s also hard to find)) again, on markers have different tastes and colors)

Well, yes, I saw a lot of different companies, I found a good option, but there is no forwarding(

I want from the Baltic

I have a hancet.

inside as in photo No. 3, outside as in photo No. 2.

Yes, hanseat. I don’t use it in winter, there are no winter tires, as soon as I get to the garage, I’ll take a photo of it. Look at my photos, you can see it a little there.

you know, I somehow didn’t pay attention, I opened it to the extreme position, it has rivets on top.

Well, from your hanset

2 and 3 are the same, I have one, hanseat.

Does it open in one position? The third one is not from a hanset, it is from the Baltic, there are no rivets on top.

I bought a car with a built-in sunroof, as I found out later with a Hanseat (and I also saw such on a Knight) I don’t know what year it is, I’ve been using it for 4 years, but it doesn’t leak (everyone constantly asks about this) and the seal is still in good condition, it opens in two position, I recommend. And the exit is on the top of the roof. As for me, the whole appearance of the car is spoiled by the guides on the roof; if it’s an exit car, it’s from some foreign car with an exit under the roof.

In two positions? This is like a third option. Does the inside look the same as in those photos?

As in photos 1, 4 and 5, and there are also latches and it can be removed completely. Only in 5 photos there is no decorative plastic mask that covers the metal, but I have it. Only it doesn’t recline and slide out like on a Baltek, but opens to the first position by about 3 cm and in the second by 6 cm to the top, this is approximately, I didn’t measure exactly. The ceiling is normal with a hole cut out for the hatch, it is pressed against the metal frame of the hatch which is closed with plastic, the hatch does not look like something foreign, it fits perfectly into the overall picture of the interior.

The Skylark in the top photo is the original. They were wearing French clothes. The downside of the sunroof is that over time the seals will shrink, and on bumps the glass may vibrate a little. Pros: reliable, movable, large (!), there will never be a leak if you install it as I did - on the inside side of the roof I put a frame made of 3 mm stainless steel sheet and tightened everything with bolts and nuts. Plus, it is placed up and protected on the sides by roof rails - no water can seep in!

What kind of cars can this hatch be found on? I'm also looking for one, I found 1 but there is no delivery ((

Selection of sunroof for a car

If your car does not have a sunroof, and you really wanted to have one, it doesn’t matter. To do this, you need to change the car to one that is equipped with a sunroof. You can simply purchase a sunroof from the manufacturer and install it in the roof of the car. in this case, you can choose the size of the hatch that you personally want and with which it will be placed on your roof. In this article we will tell you how to choose the right sunroof for your car.

What is a hatch for?

A car sunroof is popular and an object of desire for many motorists. So why do you need a sunroof in a car, does it have any disadvantages or only advantages? These issues should be addressed before the decision to install it is made.

The positive aspects of such an element of the car are as follows:

• additional lighting in the cabin;
• improving the quality of ventilation, in some cases even up to 70%, due to the emergence of additional directions for air flows;
• a lower noise level in the cabin is observed with the sunroof open than with the windows down;
• a low amount of dust and exhaust gases enters through the hatch, and many times more through the windows;
• saving on air conditioner installation.

Along with the advantages, there are also disadvantages of the sunroof in the car, which need to be carefully studied:

• increased risk of injury in an accident, which is accompanied by a car overturn; in this case, the hatch is pressed into the passenger compartment, which can lead to injury to passengers;
• dismantling is a more complex and expensive process than installation; you will have to weld the hole or replace the entire roof;
• through large glass hatches (panoramic), the interior gets very hot in the sun, despite the tinting and curtains;
• during frosts, there may be a crackling sound that occurs due to the formation of ice from melted snow;
• when parts wear out, water may flow into the interior, therefore periodic maintenance and replacement of seals is required;
• a breakdown of the electrically controlled hatch will leave it locked in one position; it will not be possible to close/open it manually; the mechanism will have to be repaired or replaced;
• dust from the road negatively affects the operation of the electrical system, which is why such mechanisms are considered delicate and capricious.

You need to carefully weigh all the points and only then make an informed decision. A sunroof in a car is not only beautiful and convenient, but also troublesome. You won’t be able to install it and forget it; you will have to do periodic maintenance.

Types of car roof hatches

In our country, you can find two types of car hatches on open sale:

• glass sunroof with hard panel;
• soft hatch covered with waterproof fabric.

Also, car hatches differ in drive types. They can be electrically or mechanically driven. An electric sunroof will not only cost more, but it will also be more difficult to install since it requires wiring to power the electric drive. Of course, when choosing a car hatch, the buyer, first of all, focuses on his own financial capabilities.

Choosing a sunroof for a car

Lifting hatch

In order to choose a reliable and functional model from the entire range on the market, it is advisable to be guided by the following criteria:

1. Opening method - hatches for cars are:

• lifting ones - their main feature is that they do not lead to the appearance of air turbulence in the cabin space;

• 
  Sliding
  sliding - the hatch is opened in such a way that first its cover rises slightly and then moves along the plane of the car. This model is convenient if you use an additional rack, which is mounted on the roof of the car, to transport any things. Because of the way they open, sliding hatches are popular among hunters and fishermen.

• Drive type – according to this parameter, hatches are divided into manual and electromechanical. The former are characterized by affordability, the latter have a good level of comfort. Of course, in the current conditions, when modern technologies make it possible to perform this or that action by pressing just one button, the desire to install a sunroof on a car with an electric drive is quite understandable. However, if the price factor is far from the least important, then you can opt for mechanical-type products - just one easy movement of your hand will allow you to open the hatch, after which you can enjoy the coolness created by the streams of fresh air.
• Compatibility - it is extremely important that the hatch you choose is suitable in design and size for the make of your car, otherwise you will have to face difficulties during its installation, which may not be carried out due to design features.


Electrically driven

If you doubt whether you can make the right choice from the variety of devices presented on the consumer market, then it is advisable to seek advice from specialists. It is also necessary to take into account that the brand of the product is an important factor. It is better to give preference to a trusted manufacturer with a good reputation, because by initially saving on the cost of purchase, in the near future you may face much higher repair costs.

Manufacturers of car hatches

High-quality hatches are all made in Europe. The products of French and German manufacturers of car hatches are well regarded. These manufacturers offer a very wide selection of hatch models, which can be designed for a specific car model or be universal.

From French manufacturers you can find affordable offers for manually operated sunroofs. At the same time, manual hatches from French manufacturers are both sliding and liftable.

German models of car hatches are most often too complex in design, and therefore more expensive.

specializes in installing glass and sunroofs on all types of cars and minibuses. A team of experienced craftsmen makes the installation flawless, guaranteeing their clients comfortable travel for a long time.

All regulations regarding replacement periods are strictly observed. The warehouse is replenished regularly, which significantly saves customers time. All types of glass and hatches are available from different manufacturers and in different price categories. The qualifications of the craftsmen and the quality of the equipment from the ATC Vnukovo company allow us to install, as well as insert glass and hatches of any complexity.

Installation and insertion of car hatches Thanks to technology and highly qualified craftsmen, it is possible to install a sunroof on any modern car. Enjoying fresh air while traveling using the sunroof is convenient and practical, unlike windows through which dust and dirt from the road surface enter the cabin. The ATC Vnukovo company offers several options for installing a hatch: from budget and simple to elite and high-tech.

The most popular and inexpensive solution is to install a manually operated hatch. You get an increased level of comfort at an affordable price. Hatches with electric opening drives are more convenient to use, they provide a greater level of comfort, but they are also significantly more expensive. The cost is also affected by the type of hatch and the method of opening.

There are three main categories: 1. Sliding (raises and slides along the roof). 2. Lifting (one side rises). 3. Lift-and-slide (combine the advantages of both categories). The accuracy of inserting and installing the hatch is of great importance, since incorrect installation can compromise the strength and geometry of the car body. We recommend that you do not do the tie-in yourself, but contact the specialists of the ATC Vnukovo company.

A preliminary calculation of the cost of installing a sunroof can be obtained by phone, telling the operator the make of the car and the desired characteristics, as well as the size, type of drive and opening method. Installation and insertion of automobile glass High-quality and correctly installed automobile glass guarantees good visibility and comfort of movement for the driver and passengers. The ATC Vnukovo company carries out work on replacing all types of glass (windshield, side, rear) at a high professional level. We always have an assortment of single-layer and multi-layer glass for passenger and cargo-passenger vehicles.

For motor transport enterprises and carriers, in addition to standard replacement, our specialists offer comprehensive solutions for converting cargo vans and minibuses into passenger vans with the insertion and installation of additional windows. This is a rather labor-intensive process that requires high precision and skilled craftsmen. Along with standard ones, it is possible to install panoramic windows.

The cost of work on inserting and replacing glass can be found out from the managers of the ATC Vnukovo company by phone. When choosing a company for installation, installation, replacement of car windows and sunroofs, remember that not only your comfort, but also your safety depends on the quality of work, materials and components. Entrust the work to specialists with extensive experience and high qualifications. The ATC Vnukovo company does not do the impossible, but it knows absolutely everything about installing and replacing auto glass.

Selection of car hatch

Before choosing a specific car sunroof model, you need to determine your needs. Do you need interior ventilation from the sunroof or do you just want to enjoy the sky in the car? You must be firmly convinced that you need a sunroof in your car. Then the cut out part of the roof can no longer be returned, and your car will always have a sunroof - the specific one you purchased or a different model. If your vehicle has a roof rack above the area where the sunroof can be installed, its installation is not recommended.

Glass car sunroofs are made from several types of glass. The table below shows the types and characteristics of glass that are used in the manufacture of car hatches.

If you are planning to install a car sunroof yourself, then you will need to purchase special tools along with it. You need to select tools with a professional who will advise you correctly when choosing. You will definitely need to purchase a paper hatch template, with which you can set the exact size of the hatch.

Why install a sunroof on a car?

On many used foreign cars you can see a sunroof on the roof of the car. Accordingly, the question arises, what is a sunroof for in a car?

Today, a sunroof in a car is the most unnecessary thing, but very convenient.

Typically, a homemade car sunroof was installed on those cars that did not have air conditioning.

Currently, manufacturers on some car models install panoramic roofs instead of a sunroof. But this is a topic for another article.

The hatch in the car is cool. A completely different atmosphere is created inside the car. It's getting light, and in the summer it's generally great.

Perhaps this is why, in order to change the external tuning of a car in Russia, many car enthusiasts installed a sunroof on the roof of their car.

DIY car sunroof

There are many ways to change the appearance and technical characteristics of any car. This is called tuning. Today we will look at one of the types of tuning - external. It allows you to improve the appearance of a used car and create comfortable conditions for the driver and passengers.

Homemade car hatch

For this type of tuning of a used car, there are two types of hatches on sale. Hard-type car hatches with a glass panel and soft-type car hatches with a removable waterproof panel. They can be installed by interested motorists at special technical service centers.

Both manual and electromechanical drives can be installed on these types of car hatches.

Rigid type hatches with a glass panel can also be sliding or lifting. The choice of sunroofs by a potential buyer, like some car accessories, is influenced by a kind of fashion.

Advantages of installing a sunroof on the roof of a car

By using the hatch on top, another air flow appears, making the interior space ventilated much more efficiently, even despite the low speed.

It is also impossible not to appreciate the possibility of ventilating the vehicle interior without lowering the side windows. This point is quite relevant for those who often travel through rural areas where there is a lot of dirt and road dust. The latter, in turn, strives to get inside the car through open windows, while the use of a hatch allows you to minimize its entry into the cabin.

What are the benefits of installation?

Despite the obvious advantages of a car sunroof installed on the roof, there is still debate among numerous motorists about whether a car sunroof is such an important necessity. Its installation involves intervention in the structure of the body, since it is necessary to cut a hole in the roof of the required size in order to install the purchased hatch into it.

Undoubtedly, it is much better if this design is provided by the manufacturer. In this case, the hatch is either already built into the roof, or a hole is made in it, closed with a special plug, for its subsequent installation.

If the design of your car does not provide for a sunroof, then you definitely need to think about the consequences of further operation of your car. The opinion of many experts is that installing a hatch in a car that does not have one worsens the strength structure of the body. Thus, damage as a result of an accident can become irreparable not only for personal vehicles, but also for the driver and passengers in it.

Choosing a sunroof for a car

An article about how to choose the right sunroof for a car, what to pay special attention to when choosing a sunroof. At the end of the article there is a video about whether it is worth overpaying for the installation of a car sunroof.

Many modern automakers produce cars with sunroofs. A car sunroof significantly increases the comfort of being inside a vehicle and has many advantages. But in order for the car hatch to serve for a long time and properly, it is necessary to take special care in its choice. When choosing a hatch, you need to take into account its type, size, installation methods, cost and many other factors. This is the only way to choose the appropriate option.

How to choose the right sunroof for a car

If you decide that installing a sunroof on the roof of your car is really necessary, then remember a few rules that should guide you when choosing components:

First, decide how the hatch will open.

• There are two options for hatch opening mechanisms:

1. Sliding type hatches open parallel to the roof of the car. This type of hatch is perfect for those who, in addition to the hatch, also want to install a roof rack on the roof. The hatch window lifts slightly and then slides back without touching the trunk frame.
2. No less popular are hatches with lifting mechanisms that open only on one side, thus preventing the appearance of air turbulence in the cabin. This option can be installed on almost any car, but for each brand of car you need to choose your own option.

• The second question that needs to be resolved when choosing a hatch is how the lid will be lifted:

1. The drive can be “manual”, that is, you just need to open it with your hand by pressing the hatch handle from inside the cabin. This method is less convenient to use, but has a low price.
2. Electromechanical drive. It is, of course, an order of magnitude more expensive in price, but it is more convenient to open it: you just need to press the button and do not make any effort.

Types of hatches

• The next stage of selection will be the question of compatibility of the hatch and the model of your car. Remember that not every sunroof can be installed on a specific car, so it is best to consult a specialist. It is also necessary to remember that the company that produces the hatches plays an important role. Trying to save on the cost of a sunroof, during operation you can spend much more on repairing a low-quality sunroof or replacing faded glass.

What is a car sunroof used for?

The hatch is an additional source of ventilation and light. The car will be ventilated even with the side windows closed, which is very convenient. When the sunroof is open, more light and less sand and dust enter the car.

Cars with sunroofs are often used by professional photographers to take high-quality photographs. After all, if there is a hatch, a person can stand up completely and photograph the surrounding area. Hunters also use cars with hatches.

This is why many car owners equip their cars with sunroofs. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, you need to understand what types of car hatches exist.

Why do you need to install a hatch?

Installing sunroofs on a car is primarily an effective way to combat stuffiness in the cabin. In terms of ventilation rate, they significantly exceed open windows. In addition, when compared with windows, hatches are pleasantly different in that significantly less dust gets into the cabin through them and they do not create such strong drafts. Installing sunroofs is especially important when the car does not have air conditioning, but even if it does, they will complement each other perfectly.

Installing a sunroof means providing your car with good ventilation and natural light, creating a feeling of spaciousness and getting rid of the problem of foggy windows. The hatch fits well into the aerodynamic profile of the car and allows for optimal distribution of aerodynamic flows in the cabin. As you can see, there are quite enough reasons to install a hatch if you still don’t have one, or to order a replacement or repair of the hatch if the old one has lost its functionality.

Types of car hatches

Some manufacturers equip their vehicles with sunroofs right from the factory. Such hatches are called factory hatches. If the manufacturer did not bother to install the hatch, then this can be done in specialized auto repair shops or even independently. Such hatches are called “service” hatches. In principle, any car can be equipped with a sunroof.

Based on the type of materials used, car hatches can be:

• Tough. In this case, glass or metal panels can be used.
• Sliding. They open parallel to the roof of the car. The hatch window lifts slightly and then slides back. In this case, the hatches are equipped with soft and hard water-repellent fiber.

In turn, rigid car hatches are divided into lifting and sliding (or retractable), electromechanical and manual. Lifting hatches have virtually no effect on the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle, so they can be mounted on any vehicle without any problems.

Sliding sunroofs affect the aerodynamic properties of the car, which increases fuel consumption, but allows air to penetrate more efficiently into the car's interior. Sliding sunroofs have some advantages: a huge open surface above the heads of people in the cabin, and the ability to install a roof rack.

If you choose a lifting hatch, you will have to forget about the trunk. However, lifting car hatches are more reliable and practical. In addition, they are easier to install and are less demanding on the quality of seals. Such hatches open only on one side, so there will be no air turbulence in the cabin.

When choosing a soft sliding sunroof, you will be able to “open” the roof of the car to a greater extent, but such a hatch is characterized by low tightness. This is due to its design characteristics. Over time, such a hatch may begin to leak.

Car hatches have a rectangular shape and standard sizes (from 30x70 cm to 110x80 cm). Hatches can be opened and closed manually or electrically. If you have a manual drive, you will have to open the hatch by hand by pressing on a special handle inside the cabin. Hatches with such a drive are inexpensive, but they are not very convenient to use. An electromechanical drive will cost more, but the hatch can be opened by simply pressing a button.

The car owner himself must decide which type of sunroof to choose. In this case, the choice often depends on the current fashion. Previously, simple and cheap manually operated lifting hatches were usually installed. However, modern motorists prefer more expensive and impressive sliding electromechanical sunroofs. They are more suitable for new cars.

What to consider when choosing a car sunroof

To make the right choice, you need to consider the features of your car. It is important that the hatch looks good and is practical, and does not make passers-by laugh. After this, you should carefully analyze the hatch options suitable for installation on the machine. It is also important to take into account your own financial capabilities, because the price of the hatch is influenced by the features of its design and the complexity of installation.

A fly in the ointment

If car hatches had only advantages, they would be installed on all cars without exception. But this does not happen because car hatches have some disadvantages.

Here are the main disadvantages of car hatches:

• If an accident occurs and the car rolls over onto its roof, the open hatch can be pressed into the passenger compartment and injure the people there;
• A car sunroof cannot replace an air conditioner, because it does not cool the air entering the cabin;
• If the car owner wants to remove the sunroof, he will have to either seal the hole in the roof or replace the roof completely. And this is extremely difficult and expensive.

Car sunroof malfunctions:

• Leakage. As a result of wear of the gasket between the cover and the frame or due to leaky installation, water may enter the vehicle interior;
• Mechanism jamming. As a rule, this happens in electronically controlled sunroofs. In this case, the driver will not be able to open or close the hatch manually.

Car hatches have both advantages and disadvantages. When choosing them, you should take into account their type, cost, type of mechanism and compliance with the car model. It is important to choose a sunroof that will decorate your car and increase the feeling of comfort while driving.

Is it worth overpaying for a car sunroof? Watch the video:

Choosing a sunroof for a car

An article about how to choose the right sunroof for a car, what to pay special attention to when choosing a sunroof. At the end of the article there is a video about whether it is worth overpaying for the installation of a car sunroof.

Many modern automakers produce cars with sunroofs. A car sunroof significantly increases the comfort of being inside a vehicle and has many advantages. But in order for the car hatch to serve for a long time and properly, it is necessary to take special care in its choice. When choosing a hatch, you need to take into account its type, size, installation methods, cost and many other factors. This is the only way to choose the appropriate option.

Types of car hatches

Some manufacturers equip their vehicles with sunroofs right from the factory. Such hatches are called factory hatches. If the manufacturer did not bother to install the hatch, then this can be done in specialized auto repair shops or even independently. Such hatches are called “service” hatches. In principle, any car can be equipped with a sunroof.

Based on the type of materials used, car hatches can be:

Tough. In this case, glass or metal panels can be used.

• Sliding. They open parallel to the roof of the car. The hatch window lifts slightly and then slides back. In this case, the hatches are equipped with soft and hard water-repellent fiber.

In turn, rigid car hatches are divided into lifting and sliding (or retractable), electromechanical and manual. Lifting hatches have virtually no effect on the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle, so they can be mounted on any vehicle without any problems.

Sliding sunroofs affect the aerodynamic properties of the car, which increases fuel consumption, but allows air to penetrate more efficiently into the car's interior. Sliding sunroofs have some advantages: a huge open surface above the heads of people in the cabin, and the ability to install a roof rack.

If you choose a lifting hatch, you will have to forget about the trunk. However, lifting car hatches are more reliable and practical. In addition, they are easier to install and are less demanding on the quality of seals. Such hatches open only on one side, so there will be no air turbulence in the cabin.

When choosing a soft sliding sunroof, you will be able to “open” the roof of the car to a greater extent, but such a hatch is characterized by low tightness. This is due to its design characteristics. Over time, such a hatch may begin to leak.

Car hatches have a rectangular shape and standard sizes (from 30x70 cm to 110x80 cm). Hatches can be opened and closed manually or electrically. If you have a manual drive, you will have to open the hatch by hand by pressing on a special handle inside the cabin. Hatches with such a drive are inexpensive, but they are not very convenient to use. An electromechanical drive will cost more, but the hatch can be opened by simply pressing a button.

The car owner himself must decide which type of sunroof to choose. In this case, the choice often depends on the current fashion. Previously, simple and cheap manually operated lifting hatches were usually installed. However, modern motorists prefer more expensive and impressive sliding electromechanical sunroofs. They are more suitable for new cars.

Which hatch to choose

In the oversaturated auto parts market, you can find thousands of offers for the sale of new or used sunroofs. In any case, your choice should be made on the hatch modification provided by the vehicle manufacturer. If you do not pay attention to this rule, in the future you will have to pay a considerable amount in order to eliminate all possible troubles associated with operation. Next comes an analysis of prices on the market for new and used hatches. If the difference in price is not significant and your budget allows you to purchase a new part, then you should definitely choose it. When purchasing used spare parts, no matter whether it is a sunroof or a bumper, there will always be some risk associated with the quality of this part. So, there are 2 most common types of hatches:

• Hatches with manual lifting mechanism. The easiest and cheapest option for installation. The advantage is ease of use and easier installation, because... There are no electric drive mechanisms. The disadvantage is that every movement associated with changing the position of the hatch will have to be done manually, without the help of electronics.
• Electric hatches. A more advanced option when compared to a manual mechanism. The advantage of this type of hatch is that all movements occur using electric drives; the driver only has to press the desired button. The disadvantage, of course, is the more expensive price of the spare part and its installation; the mechanism itself may require replacement over time, like any electronics.

After selecting the mechanism, you need to choose between sliding and lifting hatches, as well as lift-and-slide ones. Lifting ones move along a vertical amplitude, sliding ones along a horizontal amplitude, and lifting-sliding ones in both versions. The choice primarily depends on whether the driver uses a roof rack on the car and how often he transports cargo that is attached to the roof. If anything is secured to the roof, the hatch will not be usable.