Automobile Sunroof Types and Potential Problems

If you plan to purchase an automobile with a sunroof, then read on to learn more about these optional vehicle windows, including sunroof types and the problems that these windows can develop over time. 

Sunroof Types 

Automobiles can be equipped with one of many sunroof types. 

Inbuilt

Most automobile sunroofs added to vehicles today are inbuilt sunroofs. This sunroof type can both slide fully open and, when just a small amount of fresh air and ventilation is desired, pop up slightly at the rear. When opening this sunroof type, the glass panel slides right into the frame of the automobile. Both automatic and manual inbuilt sunroofs are available. 

Pop-Up

Pop-up sunroofs do not slide completely open. Instead, they only pop up slightly at the rear to ventilate the automobile when desired. However, some pop-up sunroofs can be removed completely from their hinges when more fresh air entry when desired. This sunroof type is typically only available with manual controls. 

Spoiler 

Like inbuilt sunroofs, spoiler sunroofs can typically slide fully open or just pop up slightly at the rear, depending on how much ventilation you desire. However, this sunroof type does not slide into the vehicle frame when open — instead, the sunroof glass slides above the vehicle roof where it then remains until the window is closed. This sunroof type is typically available with either manual or automatic controls. 

Panoramic

Unlike all other sunroof types, a panoramic sunroof is not composed of a small glass panel and frame assembly. Instead, panoramic sunroofs are made of many glass panels that often make up the entire roof of the automobile. This sunroof type can vary greatly in design, and while some panoramic sunroofs are made up of all fixed glass panels that cannot be opened, others have glass panels that can be slid or tilted open when desired. 

Common Sunroof Problems

While sunroofs do help flood a vehicle interior with natural light during daylight hours and aid in automobile ventilation, they can develop problems over time that you should watch for. 

Sunroof Detachment

Occasionally, an entire sunroof glass panel can suddenly detach from its roof assembly. Sunroof detachment typically occurs when the adhesive holding the glass panel in place, which is typically made of polyurethane, weakens over time, and then, a pressure change in the vehicle cabin uplifts the glass. 

Many auto manufacturers have issued recalls on vehicles that are equipped with sunroofs prone to  detachment. However, if you ever suspect that your sunroof adhesive has weakened, take your vehicle to an auto glass repair shop for expert diagnosis and repair. 

Cracks and Chips in Glass

Sunroof glass can develop cracks and chips just as other automobile window glass panels can. These cracks and chips typically occur when flying debris hits the sunroof while the vehicle is being driven or a heavy object falls on the sunroof glass while the vehicle is parked. 

While small cracks or chips in sunroof glass may seem like minor problems, this damage can make sunroof glass more prone to spontaneous breakage when the vehicle is being driven. To prevent this problem, have all sunroof cracks or chips repaired as soon as you notice them. 

Leaks

Sunroofs can develop leaks for a variety of reasons. However, many leaks develop when dirt and debris clog one or more of the four to eight drain tubes that surround most sunroofs. When rainwater cannot flow through these clogged tubes, it can instead pool on top of the sunroof and leak into the vehicle between the window assembly seals. 

While clogged sunroof drainage tubes can often be unclogged by an auto repair expert, additional repairs may be needed if the pooling water damages the sunroof seals.

Broken Cable or Track

Most automatic sunroofs open and close when the press of a button triggers the motor to recruit a series of cables or tracks to move the sunroof into the correct position. If a cable or track malfunctions or breaks, then the automatic sunroof may fail to open or close. 

This problem can be avoided entirely by choosing a manual sunroof over an automatic version. However, a sunroof cable or track problem can typically be repaired by an auto repair expert. 

Motor Problem

While some sunroof motors stop operating due to automobile electrical problems, such as damaged electrical wires or blown fuses, others malfunction due to problems with the motor itself. 

The most common signs of a sunroof motor problem include a sunroof that stops opening and closing when the proper buttons are pushed and a sunroof that begins to act erratically during operation. Thankfully, most sunroof motor problems can be repaired by auto repair experts, and only some warrant the need for a brand-new motor. 

Vehicle sunroofs flood vehicle interiors with natural light and offer great automobile ventilation. However, like all automobile components, they can develop problems from time to time. Contact the auto glass experts at MS Glass Outlet for all of your sunroof glass repair and replacement needs today.