Nowadays, quite a few manufacturers use panoramic roofs in their models. This solution is positioned as an advantage, and in the case of an optional addition, the glass ceiling is not cheap. In our today's article we will try to find out what advantages and disadvantages panoramic roofs have.
The construction of the panoramic roof is absolutely identical to the standard metal version. The only difference lies in the material that covers the main space of its area. In the case of a glass roof, high-strength triplex or other types of composite glass that are resistant to damage are used. In terms of strength, they are in no way inferior to metal.
In the interior of cars with a panoramic roof, there is a movable false ceiling with which the glass can be closed. In some models this is done electrically, in others the movement of the flocked ceiling panels must be done manually.
What are the advantages of a panoramic roof?
The installation of a glazed roof has a number of advantages that are quite important for the driver.
- The clear glass visually enlarges the size of the cabin, creating the feeling of an almost unlimited interior space. While driving in a car, passengers do not have a feeling of isolation, which contributes to improved comfort. Of course, this is only an optical illusion, but it helps to change the perception of the passenger area.
- Providing additional visibility and improved visibility of overhead traffic lights. Moving around the city, you get the opportunity, without getting out of the car, to inspect tall objects, read signs or just look at the sky, showing through the stone "jungle" of buildings. This mainly concerns passengers, although the driver also has the opportunity to take full advantage of the additional survey functions.
- The tinted roof glazing gives the vehicle a stylish look, infused with model personality. The car looks much brighter. It stands out from the general flow of vehicles equipped with a standard metal roof.
- There is also a practical benefit to installing a panoramic roof. It is expressed in improved properties of interior sound insulation. If the driver has to move in the rain, he will not hear the monotonous sound of falling drops. The glass will completely absorb it. Metal cannot boast of such qualities, which creates certain inconveniences on long trips.
Cons of a panoramic roof
Do not think that panoramic roofs are the ideal solution. They also have enough of their negative sides.
- The main disadvantage of the glazed ceiling is the insufficiently efficient operation of the cabin heater and air conditioning system. Glass has a much more powerful degree of thermal conductivity than iron. In summer, the entire volume of the scorching sun rays is transmitted to the salon. The situation is similar in winter. The interior receives and stores much more cold air than it would receive from a metal roof. In both cases, such phenomena have to be compensated for. This is done by the air conditioner and the "stove", which makes the engine work in the mode of increased power loads and entails increased fuel consumption.
- Another "minus" is characteristic of the winter period. Condensation accumulates on the inner surface of the glass roof, which during driving introduces unnecessary moisture into the interior, and during periods of long-term parking, it contributes to the formation of a layer of ice.
- Glass-roofed vehicles are designed with some height limitation, which tall crew members will no doubt notice. The ceiling level drops by at least a couple of centimeters. This is due to the need for unimpeded movement of the panels and the need to install guide elements.
- Additional mechanisms are fragile enough that they can fail. Repairing items, especially electronic ones, can be expensive.
Can I install the glass roof in my car by myself?
If this is not provided by the manufacturer, definitely not. The obstacle will be a law prohibiting structural changes to the machine. The fact is that before installing such solutions, engineers of auto concerns carefully calculate all the loads that arise in critical situations. It is important for designers to create a roof so durable that its qualities will not be inferior to standard metal elements. Numerous tests are carried out, focusing on the behavior of the glass ceiling in rollover situations.
On the other hand, by contacting the manufacturer's authorized dealers, it is theoretically possible to install the roof. The main condition for this is the availability of technical capabilities for the implementation of the plan. For example, an optional glass top panel is allowed for your model. Buying a car, you decided not to install it, but after a while you changed your mind. In such a situation, you will not have any problems with the installation. The main thing is that there is a sufficient amount of funds in the wallet.
Summarize
At the end of the article, we will say that the main advantage of having a glass roof is the image component. Of course, there is no unequivocal need for panoramic glazing, and the "disadvantages" that such solutions have are more significant from the point of view of the practical operation of the car.
Auto engineers never cease to amaze car owners with new products and offer all new solutions for a more comfortable ride. Perhaps everyone is familiar with such an element as a sunroof in a car, however, panoramic roofs differ from the usual "vents", since they occupy the lion's share of the "ceiling" of the vehicle.
They look very stylish, and the driver and passengers can enjoy the views thanks to the increased visibility. If someone is tired of looking at the beauties of nature or a person just feels uncomfortable, then the transparent roof can be closed with a special curtain - a false ceiling. Such a curtain can be equipped with an electric drive or closed manually. But glass is considered by many to be glass, and it just couldn't be more comfortable or as safe as a metal roof. Is it so? To understand, consider the main concerns of car owners.
Is the glass roof really unsafe and degrades the strength of the entire body
Before explaining that this fear is completely unfounded, it is worth asking the question, what is the windshield made of? If the car gets into an accident, rolls over several times, or a brick flies into the "lobovuha", will the person really not suffer? But, for some reason, there was an opinion that it is the sunroof or the panoramic roof that can cause the car to twist into an accordion, and rain from fragments will fall on the driver.
Such a statement can be based only if the glass element was added to the construction of the auto by a handicraft method (which, by the way, is prohibited by law, just because of security measures). For example, the owner of the Zhiguli armed himself with a grinder, cut a hole in the roof and installed the first glass that came to hand in it. In this case, he violated the strength of the entire body and doomed himself to the risk that even with minor damage, the "stylish" hatch would harm his health.
What is the factory panoramic roof
In reality, such elements can only be installed in the structure of a car at the factory. At the same time, the calculations of the strength characteristics of the same machine with or without a panoramic roof will differ significantly even at the design stage. This means that the car's structural frame does not become more flimsy if a glass element is added to it.
An equally important point is the material from which the glass is made. Many will be surprised, but it is not just not inferior in its strength to the "lobovuha", but on the contrary surpasses it (both in thickness and in characteristics). This became possible due to the composition of the glass, which is a "sandwich" of five layers:
- In the very center of the panoramic glass, there is a sheet of polycarbonate film, which gives the transparent roof the necessary strength. In simple terms, polycarbonate is a polymer with high impact strength (1000 kJ / m2). Due to this, such a film can increase the strength of organic glass by 60 times, polystyrene by 150 times, and silicate glass by 200 times. Polycarbonate can be deformed, but it is almost impossible to break it (even if you hit it with a sledgehammer for a long time). Moreover, this polymer is lighter than ordinary glass. Polycarbonate retains all its properties at temperatures from -80 to +220 degrees.
- Above and below the polycarbonate film, layers of liquid polymer are applied, which acts as an adhesive.
- Glass is located on top of them.
The entire structure is pressed and dried at extremely high temperatures. As a result, the product becomes homogeneous and very strong. The panoramic glass is 7.5 mm thick. At the edges, it is thickened to 9 mm.
Healthy! The panoramic roof is airtight, so there is no need to fear that water will ooze through it in bad weather. This is possible only with the artisanal installation of the hatch.
Metal, in comparison with such glass, can be called a more fragile material. Besides, it's pretty tough. If the car gets into an accident, then both the metal and glass will deform, but will not break.
Interesting! Many experts even argue that the presence of such glass only improves the rigidity of the car body. Even if the glass is completely broken, it will not shatter into small pieces.
Therefore, you can safely forget about the idea that glass is fragile and breaks for any reason. But, since this is a relatively new trend, is it likely that the repair of such an element will cost a pretty penny?
If the panoramic roof is damaged, will the repair be more expensive
In this case, remember again that this element can deform, but not break. Therefore, if the dent on the roof does not hurt the eyes, then there is no need to immediately run to the car service (the glass is not subject to corrosion, so there is no need to fear that rust will begin to creep around the defect).
The repair itself will certainly cost a lot. But, you need to understand that if a block of ice collapsed on a car, then most likely the entire body was damaged. Accordingly, regardless of the presence of glass or metal on the roof of the car, you will have to perform expensive procedures to restore the power frame of the car.
Healthy! The most expensive is the mechanism responsible for the movement of the glass.
If we figured out the myths and reality, then it's time to talk about the rest of the advantages of such modern types of hatches.
Panoramic roof advantages
First of all, the presence of such an element makes the trip more interesting. Passengers can enjoy beautiful views, look at the passing plane or the starry sky. A person ceases to feel himself in an iron box and it is easier for him to relax.
In addition, the panoramic roof:
- Visually increases the space of the car interior.
- Gives the car a more stylish look (most of these glasses are tinted at the factory).
- Performs the role of noise insulation. If it starts raining on the road, the knock of drops on the metal roof is very annoying. The glass surface is devoid of this disadvantage. The car owner and passengers will not hear the wind and other sounds. The five-layer material will resist this.
- Allows to ventilate the car. There is no need to turn on the air conditioner again.
It would seem that everything is fine, but there is no smoke without fire. Therefore, it would be fair to say about the shortcomings of such elements.
Is it true that there are problems with glass heating?
This is indeed the case. Most often, problems appear during high heat, or, conversely, in conditions of negative temperatures. If you leave such a car in the parking lot on a hot summer day, the interior will turn into hellish heat in 10 minutes. Even if the curtains are closed, the element is multi-layered and there is a toning material in the composition, the glass heats up quite a lot (since it has high thermal conductivity) and cools down for a long time. In winter, the situation changes in the opposite direction. The glass freezes and remains cold all the time.
Important! In winter, the glass in the roof is covered with a layer of ice. During the ride, he constantly cracks. Not everyone will be pleased to hear such sounds overhead.
Because of this, car owners have to use the air conditioning system at more powerful modes. This, in turn, leads to increased consumption of energy (and, accordingly, fuel) and heating time. But, even this does not solve the problem. The fact is that the engineers thought about the strength and other characteristics of the glass. But, they did not take care that other, more powerful air conditioning systems were installed in cars with panoramic sunroofs. Therefore, such cars have standard stoves and fans, which are designed only for metal with a thick layer of insulation.
Such glasses have one more drawback - cost. If we compare two identical cars in the same configuration, with only one difference - the presence of a panoramic roof, then their price will differ significantly. You will have to pay extra for a reinforced frame and a high-strength "window leaf".
Also, do not forget that glass tends to get dirty. If there are windscreen wipers on the "windshield", then the panoramic roof is devoid of such elements. Accordingly, a picturesque picture of the sky overhead can be easily spoiled by a flying bird that succumbed to the call of nature. In order not to look all the way at the spreading feces, you will have to stop the car every time and wipe the glass surface.
In custody
Thus, panoramic roofs are really safe and can change the driving experience. However, this does not mean that this element can be installed in any car. It is dangerous to install such elements on your own. Therefore, it is better to either buy a car with a transparent roof from the manufacturer, or familiarize yourself with the disadvantages of such hatches and continue driving a car with a standard "ceiling".
Auto engineers never cease to amaze car owners with new products and offer all new solutions for a more comfortable ride. Perhaps everyone is familiar with such an element as a sunroof in a car, however, panoramic roofs differ from the usual "vents", since they occupy the lion's share of the "ceiling" of the vehicle.
They look very stylish, and the driver and passengers can enjoy the views thanks to the increased visibility. If someone is tired of looking at the beauties of nature or a person just feels uncomfortable, then the transparent roof can be closed with a special curtain - a false ceiling. Such a curtain can be equipped with an electric drive or closed manually. But glass is considered by many to be glass, and it just couldn't be more comfortable or as safe as a metal roof. Is it so? To understand, consider the main concerns of car owners.
Is the glass roof really unsafe and degrades the strength of the entire body
Before explaining that this fear is completely unfounded, it is worth asking the question, what is the windshield made of? If the car gets into an accident, rolls over several times, or a brick flies into the "lobovuha", will the person really not suffer? But, for some reason, there was an opinion that it is the sunroof or the panoramic roof that can cause the car to twist into an accordion, and rain from fragments will fall on the driver.
Such a statement can be based only if the glass element was added to the construction of the auto by a handicraft method (which, by the way, is prohibited by law, just because of security measures). For example, the owner of the Zhiguli armed himself with a grinder, cut a hole in the roof and installed the first glass that came to hand in it. In this case, he violated the strength of the entire body and doomed himself to the risk that even with minor damage, the "stylish" hatch would harm his health.
What is the factory panoramic roof
In reality, such elements can only be installed in the structure of a car at the factory. At the same time, the calculations of the strength characteristics of the same machine with or without a panoramic roof will differ significantly even at the design stage. This means that the car's structural frame does not become more flimsy if a glass element is added to it.
An equally important point is the material from which the glass is made. Many will be surprised, but it is not just not inferior in its strength to the "lobovuha", but on the contrary surpasses it (both in thickness and in characteristics). This became possible due to the composition of the glass, which is a "sandwich" of five layers:
- In the very center of the panoramic glass, there is a sheet of polycarbonate film, which gives the transparent roof the necessary strength. In simple terms, polycarbonate is a polymer with high impact strength (1000 kJ / m2). Due to this, such a film can increase the strength of organic glass by 60 times, polystyrene by 150 times, and silicate glass by 200 times. Polycarbonate can be deformed, but it is almost impossible to break it (even if you hit it with a sledgehammer for a long time). Moreover, this polymer is lighter than ordinary glass. Polycarbonate retains all its properties at temperatures from -80 to +220 degrees.
- Above and below the polycarbonate film, layers of liquid polymer are applied, which acts as an adhesive.
- Glass is located on top of them.
The entire structure is pressed and dried at extremely high temperatures. As a result, the product becomes homogeneous and very strong. The panoramic glass is 7.5 mm thick. At the edges, it is thickened to 9 mm.
Healthy! The panoramic roof is airtight, so there is no need to fear that water will ooze through it in bad weather. This is possible only with the artisanal installation of the hatch.
Metal, in comparison with such glass, can be called a more fragile material. Besides, it's pretty tough. If the car gets into an accident, then both the metal and glass will deform, but will not break.
Interesting! Many experts even argue that the presence of such glass only improves the rigidity of the car body. Even if the glass is completely broken, it will not shatter into small pieces.
Therefore, you can safely forget about the idea that glass is fragile and breaks for any reason. But, since this is a relatively new trend, is it likely that the repair of such an element will cost a pretty penny?
If the panoramic roof is damaged, will the repair be more expensive
In this case, remember again that this element can deform, but not break. Therefore, if the dent on the roof does not hurt the eyes, then there is no need to immediately run to the car service (the glass is not subject to corrosion, so there is no need to fear that rust will begin to creep around the defect).
The repair itself will certainly cost a lot. But, you need to understand that if a block of ice collapsed on a car, then most likely the entire body was damaged. Accordingly, regardless of the presence of glass or metal on the roof of the car, you will have to perform expensive procedures to restore the power frame of the car.
Healthy! The most expensive is the mechanism responsible for the movement of the glass.
If we figured out the myths and reality, then it's time to talk about the rest of the advantages of such modern types of hatches.
Panoramic roof advantages
First of all, the presence of such an element makes the trip more interesting. Passengers can enjoy beautiful views, look at the passing plane or the starry sky. A person ceases to feel himself in an iron box and it is easier for him to relax.
In addition, the panoramic roof:
- Visually increases the space of the car interior.
- Gives the car a more stylish look (most of these glasses are tinted at the factory).
- Performs the role of noise insulation. If it starts raining on the road, the knock of drops on the metal roof is very annoying. The glass surface is devoid of this disadvantage. The car owner and passengers will not hear the wind and other sounds. The five-layer material will resist this.
- Allows to ventilate the car. There is no need to turn on the air conditioner again.
It would seem that everything is fine, but there is no smoke without fire. Therefore, it would be fair to say about the shortcomings of such elements.
Is it true that there are problems with glass heating?
This is indeed the case. Most often, problems appear during high heat, or, conversely, in conditions of negative temperatures. If you leave such a car in the parking lot on a hot summer day, the interior will turn into hellish heat in 10 minutes. Even if the curtains are closed, the element is multi-layered and there is a toning material in the composition, the glass heats up quite a lot (since it has high thermal conductivity) and cools down for a long time. In winter, the situation changes in the opposite direction. The glass freezes and remains cold all the time.
Important! In winter, the glass in the roof is covered with a layer of ice. During the ride, he constantly cracks. Not everyone will be pleased to hear such sounds overhead.
Because of this, car owners have to use the air conditioning system at more powerful modes. This, in turn, leads to increased consumption of energy (and, accordingly, fuel) and heating time. But, even this does not solve the problem. The fact is that the engineers thought about the strength and other characteristics of the glass. But, they did not take care that other, more powerful air conditioning systems were installed in cars with panoramic sunroofs. Therefore, such cars have standard stoves and fans, which are designed only for metal with a thick layer of insulation.
Such glasses have one more drawback - cost. If we compare two identical cars in the same configuration, with only one difference - the presence of a panoramic roof, then their price will differ significantly. You will have to pay extra for a reinforced frame and a high-strength "window leaf".
Also, do not forget that glass tends to get dirty. If there are windscreen wipers on the "windshield", then the panoramic roof is devoid of such elements. Accordingly, a picturesque picture of the sky overhead can be easily spoiled by a flying bird that succumbed to the call of nature. In order not to look all the way at the spreading feces, you will have to stop the car every time and wipe the glass surface.
In custody
Thus, panoramic roofs are really safe and can change the driving experience. However, this does not mean that this element can be installed in any car. It is dangerous to install such elements on your own. Therefore, it is better to either buy a car with a transparent roof from the manufacturer, or familiarize yourself with the disadvantages of such hatches and continue driving a car with a standard "ceiling".
An article on how to install a panoramic roof on a car: product types, installation process, important nuances and subtleties. At the end of the article - a video of facts and myths about panoramic roofs.
The content of the article:
Car owners increasingly began to think about cardinal tuning of their car - namely, about installing a panoramic roof. It is quite fashionable and ... completely useless, if a panoramic roof is not provided in the factory complete set of a particular car brand.
But if you really want to, then you can make a glass roof on the VAZ 2101, not forgetting to renew the registration certificate before that (if possible). Let's consider all the options in detail.
It is impossible to re-equip the body of a car on your own, where the factory equipment with a panoramic roof is not provided. Despite the fact that the "craftsmen" offer to do everything in the service station, not a single car mechanic will undertake to install a panorama on a model where the design is not provided by the manufacturer. The only option for those who like to drive with a breeze is to install a sunroof.
If, when buying a car, the option of converting a metal roof to a glass one was included in the basic configuration, the service center will guaranteedly re-equip the metal roof and set the factory panorama. The cost of a panoramic roof is negotiated separately - depending on the car model, the price starts from 1000 dollars.
Even if a panorama is provided in the car, it is almost impossible to install a glass roof on your own. Requires special tools, equipment and at least two qualified assistants.
All constructive changes are registered in the traffic police with the introduction of the relevant data in the vehicle registration certificate.
If the installation of a panoramic roof was originally included in the standard configuration, there will be no questions. If the car does not provide for body alteration, it is likely that the first inspector who stops you on the road will draw up a protocol, write out a huge fine (in case of repeated violation - up to 25,000 rubles), and you will have to return the car to its original form.
Almost all modern car models include the installation of, if not a hatch, then a panoramic roof with one or two sections. The main difference between the first and the second is that when the hatch is open, the interior is naturally ventilated, the panoramic roof gives only streams of sunlight and an excellent view.
The hatch designs are quite varied, and such a hatch can be made independently in the garage with enough tools and the necessary skills. The most common ones are:
- Lifting structure... The hatch cover is made of transparent polymer or glass, it can be lifted through an electric drive or manually by turning the handle. The design is simple and reliable, self-insertion is allowed.
- Lifting hatch provides only air outlet from the passenger compartment and requires a systematic inspection of rubber bushings, the wear of which leads to roof leakage.
- Sliding hatches... Installed by the manufacturer, since the structure is complex for self-assembly. The panel slides into a recess between the upholstery and the metal roof. Can be moved in both directions.
- Sliding sunroof, integrated and standard, always reduces the aerodynamic performance of the car when fully open. The hatch can cover up to 50% of the roof surface.
- A kind of sliding - lift-and-slide design... When opened, the panel does not go into the salon space, but lie on the roof of the car. Of the advantages: the ability to install yourself. Among the design flaws - increased aerodynamic resistance and rapid contamination of the drainage grooves. Needs a systematic examination.
- Panoramic sunroof... Has a large glazing area and a tinted curtain. Part of the cabin can be closed if desired. This hatch design is the closest to a panoramic roof, but unlike the latter, the hatch can be opened and become full-length. Of the design flaws, high cost and the ability to install only in a dealership service center are distinguished
Transparent roofs give a unique driving experience, the driver gets a large viewing area, the cabin is always bright. Functionally, the roof does not move in any direction, it can be closed by a curtain. Widely used as an option in minivans, hatchbacks, crossovers of the latest generations.
The most popular car models, where you can order a complete set with a panoramic view:
- Citroen C1. The model is considered the most overview. The panorama takes up 70% of the roof. The price range of the car is budgetary. Installation of the panorama will cost 16,000 rubles. A distinctive feature is the absence of any jumpers on the windshield and the possibility of a complete set with multi-colored illumination.
- Citroen C3 Picasso. Kompaktven offers to order a panoramic roof in two configurations from 30,000 rubles. It is a glass top with no bulkheads from the A-pillars to the C-pillars. The windshield area is 2 sq. m. A separate panorama will add another 1.2 sq. m of open space.
- Opel Astra GTC. Has a panoramic front glass, the cost of the roof will be up to 30,000 rubles.
- Peugeot 3008. The entire roof of this car, when equipped with panoramic glazing, becomes transparent. A protective curtain is provided that will hide a significant part of the ceiling.
- Mercedes-Benz SL. The cost of a roadster panorama ranges from 28 to 150 thousand rubles. Considering the cost of the car, it is not that expensive. The panoramic roof can not only provide visibility, but also open like a hatch. The main element of Mercedes safety is the installation of a security system that will automatically close the panorama if there is a suspicion of an emergency.
- BMW 5-Series Touring. The panoramic roof has a sliding section that works like a sunroof. Electric drive control. Panorama dimming is provided in three modes - from black to dark gray.
The panoramic roof radically changes the appearance of the car - any modification brings it closer to the premium class. The panorama is made of composite glass - it is a lightweight and durable material that is not inferior to metal. Of the advantages of a panoramic roof, the following are distinguished:
- Visual increase in interior space;
- Attractive car exterior;
- Increased driver vision by 120%.
- Any sunroof or panoramic roof affects the rigidity of the body. Given the state of the Russian roads, this is a significant factor that reduces the safety of a car.
- Rapid roof contamination. Road dust and dirt are much more visible on the glass roof and affect the aesthetics.
- Complex and expensive renovation. Any panoramic roof requires systematic inspection and cleaning.
- Glass has a much lower thermal conductivity than metal, and the microclimate in the cabin is disturbed. It gets colder in winter and hotter in summer. Both the air conditioner and the stove must operate at maximum mode.
Video of facts and myths about panoramic roofs:
