Toyota of Clermont explains moonroofs and sunroofs

Sunroofs and moonroofs are pretty popular features when it comes to buying a new car. They're a great way to let the outside in when you want it to be, and they're less of a commitment than a convertible. However, are sunroofs and moonroofs different things? Or are they the same feature with a variety of different names? Toyota of Clermont is here to explain and also explain the pros and cons of this fun feature so you can decide if it's right for your next ride. 

sunroof vs moonroof

What are sunroofs and moonroofs, and are they different? 

Sunroofs are different features than moonroofs, believe it or not. Here's the basic breakdown. 

Sunroofs are panels on the roof of the car that can be tilted, slid back, or even removed entirely to let sunshine and fresh air into the car. Sunroofs used to be totally opaque (you couldn't see through them) and matched the exterior of the vehicle. 

Moonroofs are actually a TYPE of sunroof, but they're different than the OG. Moonroofs are always made of glass so you can see through them, and while they can be tilted or slid back to let fresh air in, they're always fixed (they can't be removed from the vehicle). Sometimes they're tinted, and sometimes they have a sliding shade that goes along with them so you can choose when you want extra light in your car. 

And here's one more to throw into the mix - panoramic roofs. Panoramic roofs are another type of sunroof where you have panels on the roof of the vehicle that are made of glass. Sometimes they're fixed (like in a Tesla) and sometimes they can be slid back or tilted, but the key takeaway is that they span the entire length of the roof. 

Should you get a sunroof, moonroof, or panoramic roof on your next Clermont Toyota? 

Sunroofs are a great feature to include on your new Toyota but like anything, they have their pros and cons. Here's what our Toyota of Clermont experts have to say about the matter. 

The pros include: 

  • You can let the outside in as you choose by tilting or sliding the sunroof, and you can also keep it out if you're driving in bad weather. 
  • They're not as big of a commitment as a convertible - remember, soft top convertibles can be incredibly unsafe in an accident, and can also be cut if thieves want access. Hard top convertibles can be an awful lot of work when you can just press one button and have your sunroof slide open. 

The cons include: 

  • If you park under trees or see a ton of precipitation where you live, the lines inside of the sunroof can get clogged, leading to a mildewy smell in your car and other issues down the road. Luckily, our Clermont Toyota techs can flush the lines for you. 
  • Leaks are a possibility if you install an aftermarket sunroof. Factory-installed sunroofs, however, rarely have leaking issues. 

Still have questions, want to see a sunroof or moonroof in person, or need auto service for yours? Call Toyota of Clermont at (352) 404-7001 or stop by and see us. We're at 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike. 

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