Owner opinions wanted - Heatshield sun shades

[STLVince]

My wife and I have always used them. They help a lot during the summer months.

 

[e60ral]

What's the advantage of this over normal ones? Just that its cut to fit?

 

[kernel.panik]

With summer fast aproaching here in AZ and my black "softex" seats, I'll be buying one of these SOON! I have to park in full sun at work, and keeping the direct sunlight off of the seats drastically reduced the amount of time it takes the AC to cool off the interior.

that and MOAR TINT!

 

[Swarty]

buy quality

Like the title suggests, if you've purchased one of these I just want to know if you love it, hate it, or somewhere in between. Thanks.

https://www.heatshieldstore.com/sun_shades_for/toyota/4_runner/2014

I have found that the better spring open ones are nearly as effective. plus they store easier. If you buy too cheap of either type they are garbage.

 

[Liquidmantis]

I've used a spring type in my last two vehicles but it didn't fit the 4R's short windshield and looking online didn't turn up any shorter ones. I bought the WeatherTech shade which fits great but doesn't pack down as small and is a bit of a pain to get around the rearview mirror.

 

[t3qrunner]

+1 on this sun shade. I got this for my 4Runner 2 years ago and it's fantastic. It's pricey, but what a great fit. It makes a huge difference here in sunny Colorado. The difference between this sun shade and some cheap one, like I have always used in my old Tundra, is huge.

If this one was somehow lost or badly damaged, I'd for sure buy another.

Edit: I just saw these features noted below there on the link. I never thought about it's reversible winter bonus... it certainly would work. I'll be trying that here before long as winter is approaching!

Reversible design cools interior by as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and reverses to absorb heat in the winter
When reversed for winter use, the Ultimate Reflector Car Sun Shade acts as a thermal blanket to absorb heat and keep your car's interior warm

+1 for IntroTech, had it on my previous sedans and coupes with black interiors, made a world of difference.

 

[Fidgets]

Heatshield works great, definitely makes a difference.

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

I have used a windshield shade (generally cheap ones) for decades. Couple that with vent shades on the side windows so you can leave them down a bit, without fear on rain, and it makes a big difference on hot sunny days.

I also use "see thru" shades (suction cup type) on the side windows, which basically adds more tint.

And with the overhang over the rear window on my 2016, I can even drop the rear window about an inch without much fear of rain unless it's blowing horizontal from astern.

 

[BLACK-FL4RUNNER]

I had the windshield tinted with llumar air80. It's awesome.
But I'm in Florida, so what do I know.
:bigok:

 

[TrkyMfns]

I have one. It works well, but is bulky and a pita to remove from around the rearview mirror without moving it out of place. I only use it on really hot days.

 

[K9trainer]

Just Gainesville, FL.

It "only" gets 100-110 there in the summer.

There's nothing comparison to the Arizona heat. You get in your vehicle in the summer with out a sunshade you better have oven mittens.
Heck it's 112 at night

 

[pbstriker38]

I have one. It works well, but is bulky and a pita to remove from around the rearview mirror without moving it out of place. I only use it on really hot days.

I'll second this. It's a pain to install and remove. Especially if you have a passenger because you need some space to roll it up. Also, no good place to store it.

 

[JayToo]

Live in San Antonio (ie hot and sunny) and use mine all the time. It fits great and has shown no signs of wearing out after two years. Someone else said they look cheesy, but to me having a cracked dash and faded interior looks cheesier. If I didn't plan on keeping the vehicle till the wheels fall off maybe I wouldn't worry about it as much.

Same here. I keep my cars for 8-10 years so I want to protect the dash and wheel. I got the heat shield late last year. It works well but rolling it up is a pain. I had a similar shield for my last car but it folded and was easier to stow.

 

[Salvo Jimmy]

Same here. I keep my cars for 8-10 years so I want to protect the dash and wheel. I got the heat shield late last year. It works well but rolling it up is a pain. I had a similar shield for my last car but it folded and was easier to stow.

Another reason I do what I do

 

[Boardmember]

I lived in the South for 20 years.

Never used a sun shade.

Yea, but that was before global warming....you'd need one of these now...

 

[Bossman]

For those of us in Canada ... yes, we get a day or two of warm/hot weather :canada: ... I picked up this vehicle sunshade from Canadian Tire and it is almost a direct fit in the windshield of my 2011 Limited. Having a black interior, this is definitely helpful in reducing the heat build-up and direct sunlight on seats and steering wheel.

Vehicle Sunshade | Canadian Tire

 

[oljedi11950]

Yep & dashcover too ! Still toasty but steering wheel is doable at least !

 

[CrazyMike]

I had one for my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Absolutely loved it for reducing the greenhouse effect in conjunction with my tinted windows.

I will have one for my 4Runner TRD Pro just as soon as it gets here.

 

[catastrofe]

I had the windshield tinted with llumar air80. It's awesome.
But I'm in Florida, so what do I know.
:bigok:

This. Can barely tell it's tinted (might be less than 80, don't recall).

Had never considered tint on my windshield before. Reduces heat considerably, and also diminishes oncoming headlight glare at night.

 

[Brandonium]

I know it's old but this is funny. One of the reasons for a sunshade is to reflect heat and to help with lowering inside temps. Another is to help slow down damage to the plastics. Of course you might not have needed it but whoever owns those vehicles now may have cracks all over that shiz. I'm born and raised in the south. Have I always had one? No but do they help for the low cost that they are? Yes...unless you are the cheapest of the cheapest. If you can afford a lift then you can find some spare change under the seat to get one. lol

As a person who owns classic cars I can tell you that it's obvious which owners spend a little extra trying to protect their investment.. I try to avoid the other kind of owners.

I lived in the South for 20 years.

Never used a sun shade.