What is a panoramic roof in a car and what are its pros and cons?

Car designers are continuously improving the design and appearance of vehicles in an effort to provide maximum aesthetic pleasure to their owners. One of these solutions is the panoramic roof, which until recently was considered a rarity. But now this option can be installed in most cars of the middle and premium segment for an additional fee.

What is a panoramic car roof

The panoramic roof replaced the opening hatches, which were installed in vehicles for ventilation. The new design solution makes it possible to significantly increase the lighting inside the cabin during the daytime, as well as to create a unique design. In terms of properties, the structure vaguely resembles the effect of a convertible, since passengers in a car can look through transparent or tinted glass at the environment.

Unlike the removable roof, the panorama does not reduce the space of the car, does not affect the size of the rear seats and the volume of the luggage compartment. In other words, the design has a number of advantages.

Glazing design features

Many car enthusiasts avoid using panoramic roofs for safety reasons. However, it should be borne in mind that if this option is standard, then the car is initially designed and calculated taking into account the use of a panoramic roof. Engineers take into account the many nuances associated with the safety of the use of materials, stage potential accidents and check the strength of the structure. The result is a robust solution that significantly outperforms windshield glazing.

Design features of the used glass:

1. The material is created according to the so-called “sandwich” principle, when many layers are combined into one product. Glass consists of five main layers.
2. Above and below there are specialized high-strength glasses that have been certified and tested in crash tests.
3. In the center there is a polycarbonate film that dampens the force of mechanical shocks. With its help, you can increase the strength of organic glass 60 times, and silicate - 200 times. The material can be deformed, but almost impossible to break. At the same time, it retains its properties at large temperature drops, up to -80 and +220 degrees.
4. A liquid polymer is used between the layers, which is used as an adhesive for joining materials.

The glass is protected from disintegration into small pieces with sharp edges, which guarantees the safety of passengers in the cabin.

How does work

Standard panoramic glazing is fixed and therefore cannot be controlled. It is a simple glass that allows you to enjoy the exterior, creates a unique atmosphere in the car and lets in the sun's rays during the day. In more expensive car models, it is possible to install panoramic sunroofs. They allow not only to observe the environment from the car, but also to open the installed roof. A special motor is mounted inside the body, which, when activated, pushes the glass outward. Thus, the effect of a convertible with a ventilation function is obtained.

Advantages and disadvantages

Despite the huge number of attractive properties of the transparent top, before installing it, you must familiarize yourself with all the nuances, including the pros and cons. The advantages of a panoramic roof should be highlighted:

• the space and volume of the cabin visually increases;
• additional light in the car;
• increased noise absorption when compared with a standard roof, which transmits the clatter of drops, hail, wind rumble and other sounds;
• the ability to ventilate the car without air conditioning if there is a hinged hatch;
• increases the viewing radius of the driver and passengers;
• gives a stylish look to the car, since you can choose the color and degree of glass tint from the manufacturer.

Panoramic glass also has a number of disadvantages. Car owners note the following disadvantages:

• high thermal conductivity of the material, which in winter contributes to the release of heat into the environment, as well as the accumulation of moisture on the glass;
• the cost of a glazed car increases significantly, especially when buying vehicles of the premium segment;
• the complexity and high cost of recovery after an accident.

Despite the disadvantages described above, the popularity of cars with a panoramic roof is constantly increasing. Drivers are not intimidated by the potential cost of the solution, and the benefits clearly prevail.

There is no need to talk about the need for a panoramic top in the car. This option allows you to improve the design of the vehicle and make it unique.