As they increase ventilation and light and can generally elevate your driving experience, sunroofs appear to be a fun and fashionable addition to your car. But sunroofs may also be quite a pain, and they run the danger of developing a variety of uncomfortable issues like leakage and sporadic operation. It’s important to make sunroof repairs as soon as you become aware of the need for them, just like you would with any other glass panel in your automobile. Many problems, some more serious than others, can arise with sunroofs. Over time, the question of whether sunroofs are really worth the bother has dominated the conversation, with the increased cost failing to fully offset the possible drawbacks.
Many automobiles and SUVs now come standard with sunroofs and moon roofs. It is difficult to top the advantages of having an open window above you while driving, which include more ventilation and free natural sunshine. Is a repair for such an unnecessary item really necessary if your sunroof isn’t working properly? Repairs need to be addressed right away if your sunroof has a broken track, leaks, or has glass chips in order to prevent a bigger issue.
Types of Sunroofs
- Fixed: A glass panel on a pop-up sunroof is hinged and tilts upward. Interior ventilation is made possible by the tilting motion. Both manually and electrically operated sunroofs are available. Usually, it is detachable.
- Sliding:
- Sunroof spoilers combine the sliding and pop-up mechanisms. The sunroof glides backward down a track along the roof after being opened by the tilting mechanism. The glass panel may self-store above the roof or between the roof and the inner headliner, depending on the model.
- A multi-pane system is used in panoramic sunroofs, which can tilt and slide open farther than a typical spoiler sunroof. When closed, the several panes come together as one.
- When opened, they stack against one another and retract along a slider track. The sunroof is made to open simultaneously over the front and back cabins.
- Photovoltaic solar cells embedded in opaque glass are used in solar sunroofs to power internal ventilation systems using solar electricity that has been stored in the glass. By doing this, the vehicle’s stock battery is shielded from discharge.
- On the outside of the car, tracks above the roof are used to hold top-mount sunroof panels. It gives the car more interior headroom.
Cracks and Chips
The glass of your sunroof is comprised of tempered glass, much like your windshield. Due to rocks or other debris being tossed up on the road, the glass of your sunroof is easily chipped or shattered. The glass might start to break and chip even at the tiniest sizes. Sunroofs are certainly not totally shatterproof, but they are shatter-resistant. It can be risky if your sunroof breaks and is expensive to clean up. As soon as you find a minor chip in the sunroof glass, you should immediately repair it.
Broken Track
The majority of sunroofs operate by pulling the glass along a track using a motorized cable system. The sunroof won’t operate properly if the track develops damage. Additionally, sunroofs can close improperly due to track alignment issues. For security and safety, a damaged track with the sunroof open needs to be fixed right away. Even if the sunroof track is damaged when the sunroof is closed, it should still be fixed by a specialist to prevent leaks.
Sunroof Leaks
Small drains built inside the sunroof direct water away from the track and sunroof. But occasionally, little debris can clog the drain. When this occurs, the water is not directed away from the car, which increases the risk of internal leaks. When the rubber gasket begins to deteriorate, which is another frequent issue, a sunroof may begin to leak. The rubber will begin to dry up over time, which can lead to cracking and flaking, which can allow water to get past the seal. If your sunroof is leaking, it needs to be fixed right away to stop it from getting worse.
What causes the sunroof to leak?
A leak can result from a variety of problems. The five most typical things that need to be fixed are listed below.
- In around 65% of all sunroof issues, leaks frequently occur around the drain channels due to defective drain assemblies or clogged drains. In addition to causing leaks, a broken drainage system may necessitate replacing the roof because of water damage. Make sure your drains are clear and functioning correctly.
- Sunroof seal: Over time, this might deteriorate or crack, enabling water to seep in during inclement weather or when washing the automobile.
- Glass failure – Your glass could be internally cracked, which could cause leaks.
- Corroded support frame – If the paint has been scratched off, exposing bare metal, the metal frames and bars that support your sunroof might corrode and rust. If the structure of your roof is weak, a leak may soon appear. This may also make it difficult for it to slide properly. Regularly inspecting these supports for corrosion or cracks is a good idea.
- Broken sunroof defogger – The metal window striker may not operate properly if your defogger button is broken. Due to its improper seating, this will result in a leak through the top seal.
What will it take to fix my sunroof?
Your sunroof can be fixed in a number of ways, depending on the type of damage. Your sunroof will be replaced with a new panel if the glass is damaged. The expert will access the sunroof’s motor, which is often situated inside the roof between the sunroof and the windscreen, determine the extent of the damage, and determine whether to replace the motor totally or just fix it. The sunroof seal has to be replaced, which requires removing the sunroof and refitting it when the seal has been mended. Other repairs include finding and clearing any blocked drainage tubes.
How much does sunroof repair cost?
The amount it will cost to fix your sunroof will vary depending on the make and model of your car and the severity of the damage. Sunroof repairs typically cost between $200 and $800, though costs may go higher if the sunroof has specialized or bespoke glass or features or requires more labor than usual. For instance, the technician will give you a higher quote if they need to remove the sunroof from your car.