Are your car seats hot enough to fry an egg on after sitting in the sun? Anyone who parks outside during the summer knows that burning feeling when you touch your seatbelt or the steering wheel.
I grabbed these magnetic window shades from AliExpress to stop my car from turning into an oven. This 2Pcs Car Side Window Sun Shade Magnet Privacy Curtains UV Reflection Anti Glare UV Block Sunshade for Front/Back Window review covers exactly how they hold up during daily use.
What are these magnetic shades?
These are essentially pieces of fabric with magnets sewn into the edges that snap onto your car window frame. They provide instant shade and a bit of privacy without needing suction cups that always seem to fall off.
The main draw here is the price and the convenience of getting them delivered to your door with free shipping. They are a budget-friendly way to keep the sun out of your eyes while driving or hanging out in your parked vehicle.
Real world benefits
Installing these took me about ten seconds per window. Since they use magnets instead of sticky tape, you can move them around or take them down whenever you want.
The material does a decent job of blocking the glare that hits your arm while driving. I also found that they make the backseat much darker, which is great if you have kids who nap in the car.
Honest pros and cons
- Pros
- Magnets make them very easy to attach and remove.
- You can still roll your windows down while they are attached.
- They provide enough shade to keep the interior temperature lower.
- The price point is hard to beat for a two-pack.
- Cons
- Shipping takes a few weeks since it comes from overseas.
- If your car door frame is mostly plastic, the magnets will not stick.
- They might block your view of the side mirror if you do not position them right.
- The fabric is thin and can wrinkle easily during shipping.
Who should buy these?
If you are looking for a cheap fix for a hot car, these are perfect. They work best for people who frequently park in sunny lots or parents trying to keep the sun off children in the back.
Skip these if you have a car with thick plastic trim around the windows. These shades rely on metal, so if your frame is not magnetic, they will just fall off.
What other buyers say
Most people who bought these mentioned they were surprised by how well they stayed on the window. One buyer noted that they are perfect for camping because they provide privacy while keeping bugs out.
Another user mentioned that they were a little worried about the quality because of the low price, but they held up just fine for months. A few people did complain that the magnets could be stronger for highway driving.
My final verdict
I think these are a solid purchase if you manage your expectations. They are not high-end luxury gear, but they get the job done for a low price.
I recommend them for city driving or parking, but you should take them off if you are going to be driving at high speeds on the highway. They are a simple tool that solves a very annoying problem without breaking the bank.
