What is a panoramic roof and is it needed in a car
Content
Many motorists, sitting in their comfortable and sealed cabin with air-conditioned, filtered air, thought about a little closer to the natural environment. Approximately, as in a convertible or on a motorcycle, but there are problems with weather phenomena, for which, in fact, a hard top is provided in ordinary cars.
A transparent top, preferably with a sliding section, can be a good compromise, which is what the panoramic roof was invented for, but it is not without its drawbacks.
What is a panoramic roof in a car
The main feature of a panoramic roof is its transparency, which provides all the positive qualities required from it. Naturally, it is made of glass, real silicate or polymer - this is not always important for the consumer. The characteristics of the material affect the second place, while influencing the price.
A positive feature would be the ability to move or lift the transparent element or part of it like a traditional sunroof. But sometimes such requirements are not imposed, and the glass is fixed rigidly.
Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. It is highly desirable, and this is almost always done, to have the ability to eliminate transparency, that is, to provide the panorama with a false ceiling in the form of an opaque and soundproof curtain. Or, in special cases on a premium - with electrochromic dimming. Up to liquid crystal screens with the formation of color images of augmented reality.
Design features
The main element of the panoramic roof is the glass itself. It should be as strong and safe as possible, so it is made using a three-layer triplex technology.
Two glass sheets are glued together with an intermediate layer of very strong plastic film. This is the minimum configuration. To give special strength and other positive qualities, there may be several such layers. In this case, the roof glass will be stronger than even the main glass of the car - the windshield.
In general, strength is given special importance. Cars are certified for damage during an accident in standard situations, including a rollover. The metal roof is designed for this.
When setting the panorama, the indicators should be at least no worse. Therefore, the upper part of the body is subjected to additional reinforcement. In addition, the roof is involved in providing the specified rigidity of the entire body, forming a power frame. This is essential for good handling. Panoramic glass should not degrade performance.
To open and close part of the glass, an electric drive system with motors, gearboxes and sensors, as well as a control unit, is installed.
All this should be compact so as not to reduce the height of the cabin below the permissible level. The situation is the same as with hatches.
pros
In addition to subjective impressions, a panoramic roof also has objective advantages:
- it becomes lighter in the cabin, and when the glass is opened, it is well ventilated;
- the noise level is reduced, especially from rain, laminated glass dampens sounds more effectively, unlike thin sheet iron;
- visibility in previously closed directions is improved;
- the car becomes noticeably more prestigious, which increases its value in the secondary market.
The simplicity of electrical control allows you to realize the benefits or withdraw them at any time with a simple push of a button.
Cons
Even with a competent factory installation, taking into account all the requirements, disadvantages are still inevitable:
- the height of the cabin is reduced, which can be felt by tall drivers and passengers;
- additional mechanization entails maintenance costs, servos and guides need cleaning and lubrication, and drainage is clogged with dirt and small debris;
- on an uneven road, glass squeaks may appear in the opening;
- body rigidity is either reduced or compensated for by increasing the mass of the car;
- the car is more expensive when buying;
- the thermal insulation of the cabin is reduced;
- glass tends to collect condensation on itself;
- there are no windshield wipers on the panoramic roof;
- if damaged, repairs will cost more than straightening and painting a metal sheet;
- guides may start to leak.
In addition to the real disadvantages, there are many myths around the glass roof. Not all of them are true, in general this option is a boon for the driver.
How to make a panoramic roof in your car
Installation of this option is possible only on those vehicles where it was provided by the factory. And that is purely conditional. Starting from the fact that any changes to the design that affect safety are expressly prohibited without special certification, and ending with the high complexity and cost of such work.
But theoretically, if there is a modification of a specific model in such a configuration, it is possible to carry out revision. With the subsequent implementation of all procedures to legalize the alteration. Otherwise, it is easy not only to get a fine, but also an order to return everything to its original state with a temporary termination of registration.
The work is difficult, so you will have to involve specialists, otherwise you can irrevocably damage the car, by analogy with getting into an accident. You will need to purchase all the necessary parts according to the modification catalog with the option of a panoramic roof, dismantle the ceiling and glass, accurately cut out the skylight.
Then mount everything, provide anti-corrosion protection, adjust and perform electrical installation. But first, it’s good to think about whether it’s better to just buy the next car already in the right configuration.
An alternative would be to insert a sunroof into the roof, which is incomparably easier and cheaper to do, and the effect will not be much different, the hatches can be transparent, they move or rise, you can stand up to your full height under them.
They have been installed for a long time, it is easy to find experienced specialists at service stations. Not everyone will take on a panoramic roof.
