Parking your car in direct sunlight during the middle of July is a nightmare. You get back in, the steering wheel burns your hands, and the air conditioner takes forever to cool things down. I finally got tired of this and picked up these blackout windshield sunshades to see if they actually work.
This 100 Blackout Windshield Sunshades Car Sun Shield Shades Sunshade Covers Summer Magnetic Side Window UV Protection Front Rear review covers my experience with these cheap car covers. If you are tired of baking in your own vehicle, keep reading to see if these are worth the few bucks they cost.
What are these sunshades?
These are essentially dark, opaque fabric covers that attach to your car windows using small magnets. You get a set designed for the windshield and side windows to block out almost all the light. They are marketed as a budget-friendly way to keep your interior cool and protect your dashboard from fading.
Most people shop for these on AliExpress because the price is very low and they often include free shipping. You are not buying a high-end, custom-fitted accessory from a dealership here. Instead, you are getting a simple, functional tool that does a basic job of blocking the sun.
Real world features and benefits
The biggest benefit here is the temperature difference. Once I installed these, the car did not feel like a portable oven when I returned from the grocery store. It makes a huge difference if you have a black leather interior that gets scorching hot.
The magnets are a smart touch because they snap onto the metal frame of the window quickly. You do not need to mess with suction cups that always fall off or get brittle in the heat. Being able to cover the side windows as well as the front provides much better shade than a traditional single-piece windshield board.
Honest pros and cons
Buying these online is a trade-off between price and perfect quality. Here is the reality of what you get when you order these covers.
- Pros
- Extremely low cost compared to local auto parts stores.
- Free shipping is standard on most listings.
- Magnets hold much better than those annoying suction cups.
- Blocks almost all visible light and UV rays.
- Cons
- The shipping time can take a few weeks depending on your location.
- One size fits many, meaning they rarely fit your specific car perfectly.
- No local warranty if a magnet falls off or the fabric tears.
- Customer support is basically nonexistent if you have a fitment issue.
Who should buy these shades?
These are perfect for people who park outside all day and just want a cheap way to lower the cabin temperature. If you drive an older car and do not want to spend fifty dollars on a custom sunshade, these are a great fit. They fold up fairly small, so they are easy to store in your door pocket or under a seat.
However, skip these if you are a perfectionist who needs every millimeter of your windshield covered. If you have a very unique or oddly shaped windshield, these might leave gaps that let light in. People who want a premium product with a money-back guarantee should look at local retail options instead.
What buyers are saying
I talked to a few others who bought these to see if my experience was typical. One guy mentioned that they are great for camping trips when you want some privacy in the back seat. Another user said they saved his dashboard from cracking, but he did admit the fabric feels a little thin.
Most people agree that for the price, you cannot really complain. You are paying for a simple layer of fabric and some magnets, and that is exactly what shows up in your mailbox.
Final verdict
Is this product worth your money? If you manage your expectations, yes. These shades do exactly what they claim to do by keeping the sun out and the car cooler.
The biggest hurdle is the shipping wait time, which is common for any AliExpress order. If you can handle waiting a bit for your package and you understand these are a budget solution, you will likely be happy. They are not fancy, but they get the job done without breaking the bank.
