How to Choose Window Shields For Your Car (2023)

It's important to consider sun protection for yourself as well as for your vehicle. Exposure to the heat and UV rays from the sun can cause interior damage to your car. A solution to reduce heat and protect against UV rays is window shields. This guide helps understand what window shields are and provides a list of some sunshades we recommend, as well as factors to consider before purchasing.

How to Choose a Sunshade for Your SUV

What Is a Window Shield for Cars?

A window shield is a protective material that fits inside of vehicles on the dashboard. Another name for this is a sunshade. It's used to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your car by absorbing UV rays from the sun. In the summer, a window shield keeps your car from becoming too hot and in the winter, it absorbs heat to prevent your windshield from frosting.

Protecting your vehicle's interior from heat keeps it comfortable but also protects interior components from deterioration. For example, over time, exposure to heat causes wear to the dashboard. While this is mostly aesthetic damage, it decreases the value of your car.

Types of Window Shields for Cars

Here are some of the top window shields or sun shades we recommend:

EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade

This EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade is available at a low price and is effective in reducing the interior temperature of your vehicle by 40 degrees. It comes in several sizes to fit various vehicles. The smallest is 59 inches by 29 inches and the largest is 69 inches by 35 inches. Wire along the edge holds the window shield in place against your windshield and when it's not in use, the EcoNour's sunshade folds up and you can store it in its carrying bag.

BOGI Car Window Shade

The BOGI Car Window Shade is great for protecting car passengers from heat and UV rays from the sun. These attach to car windows via suction cups or you can use the adjustable clamps to secure them. They're also retractable when not in use. The BOGI window shield is dark but transparent so that there is still window visibility. The shades are 15.8 inches by 17.8 inches and you can set each at varying lengths, allowing them to fit most windows. If you travel with children or pets, these shades are very effective for protecting passengers from overheating or getting sunburnt.

EzyShade Windshield Sun Shade

The EzyShade Windshield Sun Shade is two rectangular shades, so it is the most universal and can adapt to the windshield in your car. You are able to install them vertically or horizontally to ensure the best fit. This product is inexpensive and provides 99% protection from UV rays. It helps keep your vehicle cool with heat reduction technology, which also protects the interior materials of your car such as leather. This product also includes a pouch for easy storage.

SAILEAD Polarized Sun Visor Sunshade

You can use the SAILEAD sun visor window shield while you're driving. This helps maintain the temperature in your car and minimizes the glare from the sun. It attaches to the car visor with Velcro and extends the visor sun blockage by 10 inches. The SAILEAD polarizing technology operates much like sunglasses by filtering out reflected light and glare from the sun and improving the road visibility while you drive.

It's more expensive than other options but can adapt and fit in any car.

How to Choose a Window Shield for Your Car

There are several factors to consider when choosing a window shield or sunshade for your car, including:

• Your windshield: Before buying a sunshade for your vehicle, be sure to measure the windshield in your car. Window shields come in varying sizes and, for the best results, they must fit securely against your windshield.
• Your budget: Most window shields are relatively inexpensive, but it's important to determine how much you'd like to spend on a sunshade before purchasing. Some window shields are available for under $10, so you can find the right product for you with any budget.
• Your usage: Consider how often you might use a window shield and how versatile you need it to be. For example, there are sunshades that you can use while driving, others you can only install when the car is parked.
• Your space: Try to figure out how to store your window shield when it's not in use. If you don't have ample space in your car, you may want one that folds compactly. Many sunshades come with a storage container, so this should also be a consideration.

How to Install a Window Shield for Cars

Disclaimer: the guidelines in this story are general and not meant to replace instructions for your specific vehicle. Please consult your owner's manual or repair guide before attempting repairs or installation.

Installing a window shield is often very easy, but it's important to note which type of window shield you have for your car, such as an accordion, fold-up, or roll-up style. Most installations don't require any additional tools besides what comes with the window shield you are using.

Steps for Installing Window Shields

1. Take the window shield and any extra accessories out of its packaging.
2. Read the installation instructions for the window shield, if the manufacturer includes them in the packaging.
3. Get inside your car and open up the window shield. Try to avoid opening it outside the car so you can easily get inside the car with the product.
4. Attach mounting brackets on either side of the shade if your window shield has them. If not, skip this step.
5. Align the bottom edge of the window shield to the edge of the dash, pressing the shield as close to your windshield as possible. Repeat this action with the top corner of the window shield, pressing it towards the top corner of your windshield.
6. Use your sun visor to hold the shield in place, if your shield doesn't have brackets.
7. Repeat steps 5-6 for the other side of the window shield.

Hearst Autos Research, produced independently of the Car and Driver editorial staff, provides articles about cars and the automotive industry to help readers make informed purchasing choices.