Aftermarket Sunroof Installation Cost & Risks
Types of automobile sunroof in aftermarket
At present, the mainstream after-sales modified sunroofs in the market are mainly divided into three categories, and different types meet the needs of different models, and the costs are also obviously different.
The first type is the embedded sunroof, which is flush with the roof of the car body after modification, and has high overall aesthetics. It is a popular choice for most compact and medium-sized cars, and the overall structure of the modification is moderate. The second type is the external sliding sunroof, which is relatively simple in structure, does not need to change the roof frame greatly during modification, and causes less damage to the original car structure.
The overall modification cost is low, which is suitable for the modification needs of most small cars with limited budgets. The third type is a panoramic sunroof, which covers a large area and has better ventilation and lighting effect after opening.
However, the modification needs to cut a larger roof, which has the largest change to the original car structure and the highest overall modification cost among the three types. It is mostly used for high-end modification of medium and large SUVs and cars.
Matters needing attention in the installation of the after-sales automobile sunroof
First of all, it is necessary to confirm whether the roof structure of the vehicle supports modification. Some models have built-in reinforcing ribs, sensor lines, or reserved frames equipped with sunroofs. Blind modification may damage the original safety structure, and it is necessary for professionals to investigate and evaluate the roof in advance.
Secondly, it is necessary to check the quality of the sealing parts of the modified sunroof in advance. Inferior rubber strips and sealants are prone to aging and cracking after one to two years of use, causing the roof to leak. It is necessary to choose durable sealing materials that meet the specifications of the original car.
In addition, before modification, the circuit modification plan should be confirmed with the modification shop in advance, and the opening and closing of the sunroof requires extra wiring. The wiring must avoid the original line of the original car, and be insulated and fixed to avoid the safety hazard of short circuit and spontaneous combustion. Finally, it is necessary to confirm the warranty terms after modification. Regular modification shops will provide a certain period of warranty for sunroof modification, and problems such as water leakage and accessories failure can be repaired free of charge. Don’t choose cheap modification services that don’t provide warranty.
Risk of after-sales installation of the automobile sunroof
The most direct risk of installing an aftermarket sunroof that is not customized by the original factory comes from the structural safety of the vehicle. The original sunroof has been optimized for the structural strength of the roof longitudinal beam and cross beam when it is designed in the factory, and will also be tested for its rigidity when it is produced. However, after-sale installation needs to cut an opening in the original integrated roof panel, which will directly destroy the original structure of the roof. When the vehicle collides and rolls over, the deformation resistance of the roof will be greatly reduced, which directly threatens the safety of the people inside the vehicle.
The second is the risk of water leakage, which is also the most common problem in the installation of an after-sales sunroof. Even if you choose an experienced installation shop, the gluing and sealing process is difficult to compare with the original auto production line’s precision. With the long-term use and bumping of the vehicle, the sealant will gradually age and crack, and rainwater will easily penetrate into the vehicle, which will not only lead to a moldy roof interior, short circuit of the circuit board affected by damp, but also lead to vehicle circuit failure and even potential hidden dangers of spontaneous combustion.
In addition, the after-sale sunroof may also bring about abnormal sound and increased wind noise. It is difficult for the cut and installed sunroof to achieve the original assembly accuracy. During the driving process of the vehicle, the sunroof frame and the roof sheet metal will produce resonance friction, and the wind noise will be significantly higher than that of the original sunroof at high speed, which will seriously affect the driving experience. Some non-conforming installations may also affect the warranty of the vehicle. Many manufacturers will clearly indicate that cutting and modifying the body structure without permission will lead to the failure of the vehicle warranty, and any problems in the future will not be guaranteed by the manufacturer.
FAQ
Can I choose the type of customized car sunroof?
Yes, you can choose a sliding sunroof, a single sunroof, or a panoramic sunroof to customize the automobile sunroof. You can contact Houming according to your specific needs, and we will provide you with all-around services.
Is a panoramic sunroof more expensive than an ordinary sunroof?
Yes, the panoramic sunroof is made of a whole piece of glass, which is much larger than the ordinary sunroof, and can better realize the lighting and ventilation in the car, and the production cost will be higher than that of the ordinary sunroof.
How long does it take to make a custom sunroof?
The schedule depends on the complexity of the design and the order volume. Initial development may take several weeks, but once the design is completed, regular production orders are usually faster.
