Summer in Pakistan is absolutely brutal! The moment you open the door of your car while it was waiting for you in the sunlight for quite some time, you are welcomed by a literal oven.
The steering wheel burns your hands, the air conditioner takes at least 20 minutes to stabilize the cabin temperature, you notice the dashboard cracking in the heat, and you just can’t wait to reach home.
If you often find yourself in this situation, it is high time you got yourself some new car window shades. They will keep you cool and promise not to let your car burn you. In this article, we shall discuss the best car window shades available and explain why you really need to buy them ASAP.
Why Pakistan’s Summer Demands Window Shades?
If you think the only reason you must buy a car sun visor is that you don’t want to burn in the heat, you’re wrong! The extreme heat doesn’t just crack the car’s dashboard; it also fades out your leather and vinyl seats way too fast.
Alongside this, the phones in your vehicle malfunction due to overheating. You would want to run the AC at full intensity, which would, in turn, lead to fuel waste.
Hence, buying window shades is definitely a wise decision and saves you from a lot of hassle and cost associated with dashboard replacement, seat cover changes, and constant refueling.
Types of Car Window Shades Available in Pakistan
1. Foldable/Collapsible Sunshades
These are special shades that work only for your front windshield. With their silver reflective material, they come in both car-specific and universal sizes. Costing around PKR 500 to 2000, they are super effective on the windshield. For budget buyers, they are great for basic protection.
2. Roller/Retractable Side Window Shades
These window shades cover the side windows and can be pulled up and down. They come with suction cups or clips, which hold them to the windows. They are easy to remove and have a see-through mesh. On average, they cost around PKR 700 to 2500 per pair.
3. Static Cling Window Shades:
What sets these static cling shades apart from others is their ability to stick without adhesive. Made of vinyl mesh, they cost around PKR 800 to 2000 each pair. They are easy to put on. However, they don’t work well for all windows and may peel off.
4. Curtain-Style Shades:
These are basically fabric curtains and come with either rails or strings. With their semi-permanent installation, they can easily be removed when not required. Costing somewhere around PKR 2500 to 6000 (covering the whole care), they offer great privacy. Auto window curtains are even more expensive.
These also make great privacy shades for car camping.
5. Ceramic/Tinted Window Film:
This refers to professional window tinting that provides UV protection. Costing around Rs. 15,000-50,000, they are permanent. The 3M Automotive Window Films may appear costly, but they are an excellent long-term investment.
Which Car Window for Which Situation?
Your decision to get car window shades depends on your driving situation. For instance:
Daily Office Commute
If you go to the office daily, you may need high-quality car shades that actually protect your car.
- Best Choice: Magnetic shades + foldable windshield
- Why: Quick to install/remove, effective
- Cost: Rs. 6,000-8,000
- Time: 3 minutes setup
Family Car with Kids
If you have kids, you need to keep them protected from the intense heat.
- Best Choice: Roller side shades (rear) + windshield shade
- Why: Kids protected, can see out, adjustable
- Cost: Rs. 3,000-4,000
- Safety: Mesh allows visibility
Magnetic car window shades are also a good choice for cars that mostly have kids sitting in them.
Uber/Careem Driver
If your car is used for professional purposes, it’s better to invest in a well-made shade.
- Best Choice: Professional tint + removable windshield shade
- Why: Professional look, always protected, legal
- Cost: Rs. 18,000-22,000
- ROI: Saves AC fuel, passenger comfort
Weekend Warrior (Car Mostly Parked)
For cars that mostly remain parked but go out of the garage only over the weekends, you may not need to splurge a lot!
- Best Choice: Mesh car window screens + umbrella cover
- Why: Maximum protection when parked
- Cost: Rs. 5,000-7,000
- Effectiveness: Best for long-term parking
FAQs: Window Shades Problems
What can I do if the suction cups keep falling off?
Intense heat weakens the adhesive, and the suction cups may fall off. In such a situation, replace the cups from a hardware store, and it will not cost you much.
What do I do if the shades don’t fit my car?
A lot of times, universal sizes don’t turn out to be universal. To be on the safer side, measure the car’s windows first and then custom-order them if you are opting for mesh shades.
Can’t see the side mirrors after installing the shades?
If your window shades block your peripheral vision, switch to mesh shades and shade only the rear window.
To get your hands on the most affordable window shades in Pakistan, head towards Autostore.pk.