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Moon Roofs Versus Sun Roofs
Q.
Vincent, Can you tell me the difference between a moon roof and a sun roof please?
Thanks so much,
Marti
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A. Moon roofs are clear and sun roofs are shaded.
Added 4/16/04
The terms "Sunroof" and "Moonroof" are often used to refer to any hole put in a roof. They have been used to refer to these holes so often, and interchanged, that the meanings have really blurred. I myself, over the years, have developed the habit of referring to any hole in the roof as a sunroof.
I did an informal survey at the multi-franchise GM dealer down the road and not one technician was really sure of the differences.
Recently I received a couple of e-mails from Marc Levinson who has taken me to task on this subject. The e-mail he sent is as follows:
Your answer reflects a significant lack of knowledge about sunroofs and really did not answer this person's question. Please allow me to assist...
Are you suggesting that a "moon roof" would simply be any clear panel sunroof [no tint, no print, no shade system], and a "sun roof" would be the opposite? You demonstrated nearly the same lack of knowledge about sunroofs as the person asking the question.
I would have expected a man of your experience to provide a more precise reply. For example, for many years, BMW cars included a steel panel [opaque] power sliding sunroof. More recently, and primarily for USA market, they are offering a tinted glass [transparent] panel power sliding sunroof with a cloth covered sliding panel shade..
The terms SUNROOF and MOONROOF are generally used as single, combined words within the automotive industry, unlike BobDole, which should be stated and written as two separate names
Please allow me to answer your forum question correctly:
Just as a SEDAN is a distinctive type of AUTOMOBILE, a MOONROOF is a type of SUNROOF.
SUNROOF is the generic term used to describe any panel in a vehicle roof which can let in light and/or air. While most sunroof panels are operable, some may be fixed.
The term MOONROOF was used in the 70's to describe a glass panel inbuilt electric sunroof, and is now used generically to describe all glass panel inbuilt sunroofs. An inbuilt sunroof is one where the operable panel slides between the vehicle roof and headliner, and is often powered but may be manually operated.
There are distinct categories of SUNROOF products, including: Pop-Up, Spoiler, Folding, Topslider, Inbuilt, Removable Panel [T/Targa] and large roof systems. SUNROOFS may be OEM or AFTERMARKET installed. Over 70% of all aftermarket sunroofs sold today are installed for new car dealers, prior to the vehicle being offered for sale. Few vehicle owners know the difference, or that the sunroof may be an aftermarket add-on when the vehicle they purchased included it.
For useful sunroof information, FAQ's and a message board dedicated to sunroofs, please refer to Sunroofs.org
Marc Levinson
DONMAR Sunroofs & Accessories
7980 Bayberry Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256
DONMAR Online
I must admit, personally, I still fail to see a distinct difference between a sunroof and moonroof. As I understand it, all moonroofs are sunroofs but not all sunroofs are moonroofs.
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