How can I cover my car windows?

Having the ability to cover your car windows is important for a variety of reasons. Window covers allow you to block out sunlight, protect your interior from UV rays, maintain privacy, and even help deter thieves. When choosing a window cover solution for your car, there are a few main options to consider: sun shades, curtains, window tint, and covers for the front windshield.

What are the benefits of covering car windows?

Here are some of the top benefits of using window covers in your car:

• Block sunlight – Sun shades and curtains will prevent the sun from heating up your car’s interior and fading upholstery.
• UV protection – Window tint and covers block UV rays from damaging your interior and causing cracks and fading.
• Privacy – Curtains and shades keep prying eyes out.
• Deter theft – Thieves are less likely to target a car if they can’t see inside.
• Sleeping/camping – You can sleep more comfortably inside your car on road trips.
• Baby/pet safety – Block sunlight from irritating babies or overheating pets.

Investing in some kind of window cover for your car can help provide protection, privacy, and comfort during everyday use or long trips.

What types of car window covers are available?

There are a variety of options when looking for the best window covers for your car:

Sun shades

Sun shades, also called sunscreens, are designed to sit against the window on the interior side. They are made of materials like cardboard, nylon, and canvas. Most collapse down for easy storage. Pros are they are inexpensive and easy to install. Cons are they may not fully block sunlight from the edges.

Curtains

You can purchase custom curtains or make your own that attach to the car’s ceiling and windows with hooks or Velcro. Pros are full light blocking and privacy. Cons are they can obstruct vision.

Window tint

Window tint is a thin film applied directly to the interior glass surface. It blocks UV rays while letting some visible light through. Pros are great UV protection and privacy. Cons are it can be difficult to apply smoothly yourself.

Windshield sun shades

Front windshield shades fit against the front window outside the car. Pros are they block sunlight from heating the interior. Cons are they don’t provide privacy and may come off at high speeds.

What factors should I consider when choosing a window cover?

Here are some important considerations when selecting the best window covers for your needs:

• Car make and model – Get covers made specifically for your car to ensure the proper fit.
• Front windshield laws – Some states prohibit certain windshield coverings, so check regulations first.
• UV protection – If blocking UV is a priority, choose tinted film or curtains.
• Interior protection – For protecting upholstery from fading, covers like shades that fully block sunlight are ideal.
• Installation method – Choose self-adhesive, Velcro, clip, or pull-down shades based on your preferences.
• Durability – Long road trips may require more durable materials that won’t sag or come loose easily.
• Aesthetic preference – Pick a style and color you find visually appealing.
• Budget – Prices range from $10 budget shades to $200+ custom tinting jobs.

How can I make my own curtain window covers?

Making DIY curtain covers allows you to customize them exactly how you want. Here are the steps:

1. Measure each window and cut your fabric to size, leaving a couple extra inches on each side.
2. Choose a liner fabric if desired, cutting it the same size as the outer fabric.
3. Sew the outer and inner fabrics together on three sides, leaving one short end open.
4. Insert the curtain rod or dowel rod through the open hem.
5. Sew Velcro strips onto the curtains and car window areas to hold them in place.
6. Alternatively, use hooks, clips, or a tension rod across the top of the window to hang the curtains.

Measure precisely and use tightly woven, opaque fabric for best sun protection. Having a set of custom curtains lets you control light filtering and privacy.

What are the best sun shade options?

The most popular and effective sun shade options include:

Type	Features
Accordion folding shades	Expand to fit windows, collapse for storage, inexpensive
Aluminum foil shades	Reflect heat away, inexpensive, prone to tearing
Collapsible nylon shades	Lightweight, compact, hook onto windows
Reflective mesh shades	Allow visibility while blocking glare and heat
Cardboard shades	Cheap but not very durable long term

Look for custom fit shades that are easy to install and remove as needed. For occasional use, simple foldable nylon or foil shades work well.

Does window tint keep my car cooler?

Quality window tint is very effective at reducing heat buildup inside your car. Here’s how it helps keep the interior cooler:

• Blocks up to 99% of UV rays from entering the car, the main source of heat.
• Reduces glare, helping lower perceived interior temperatures.
• Ceramic tint varieties reflect more infrared rays that produce heat.
• Dyed tint options absorb more light energy before it passes into the car.
• Keeps upholstery protected, preventing it from cracking from heat exposure.

Compared to using sun shades, tint provides more comprehensive UV protection, lowering interior temperatures by as much as 40-60°F. Just make sure it is a high quality professional tinting job for the best heat reduction.

Is it legal to cover the front windshield?

Most states prohibit anything from fully blocking the front windshield. Here are some guidelines on windshield covers:

• Front sunscreens can only be used if parked and must be removed while driving.
• Some small corner shades may be acceptable, but confirm local laws first.
• If pulled over with an illegal cover, you may be fined and forced to remove it.
• Mirrored covers or excessive tinting that reduces visibility generally aren’t permitted.
• Exceptions may exist for medical exemptions with a doctor’s note.

To be safe, only utilize movable sunshades while parked and avoid fixed screens or dark tint on the front window. Additionally, check regulations if you’ll be driving across different state lines.

Do I need to get new window covers each year?

With proper care, many window covers can last multiple years. Consider replacing them if you notice:

• Visible deterioration like tearing, cracking, or warped sections
• The material becomes saggy and no longer fits tightly against windows
• Hardened, brittle areas that may crack and split apart
• Areas where sun or moisture is beginning to penetrate through
• Curtains or shades that won’t smoothly glide along their hanging rods
• Faded colors that impact their light blocking abilities

Less expensive cardboard and foil shades may need replacing annually. Long lasting materials like nylon, canvas, and reflective polyester may go 2-3 years or longer. Inspect covers periodically for continued fit, performance, and integrity.

Can window covers reduce glare while driving?

Yes, certain window covers and tint options can effectively cut down on glare to make driving safer and more comfortable.

• Dyed tint films help absorb and diffuse bright light for less glare.
• Reflective metalized tints bounce light away from the car’s interior.
• Ceramic or nano particle tint scatter light to minimize glare.
• Mesh sun shades let air flow while reducing harsh light.
• Foil screens mounted to visors can be tilted to block blinding low sun angles.

Covers that have an anti-glare feature specifically help to diffuse and reflect light. They prevent it from hitting your eyes at harsh angles when driving towards the sun or along sunlit roads.

Conclusion

Keeping your car cool, protected, and private requires having the right window covers for your climate and driving needs. Use sun shades or curtains for low cost UV and heat protection. Splurge on professionally installed window tint for maximum temperature reduction. Follow laws regarding front windshield visibility. With the variety of effective shades, screens, and tint available, you can successfully reduce glare, block sunlight, and customize your car’s interior lighting.