Before installing an auto sunroof, know the sunroof basics before jumping into a car overhaul, new car with car sunroof decision or business choice to start to install sunroof parts and/or replacements. Adding aftermarket sunroof options to your existing car business can add increased revenue for your business and can increase the skill sets of your employees.

Learn about the aftermarket sunroof market, find out how to install sunroof parts, know the difference between a manual and power sunroof, learn how you can put in a replacement sunroof and more. Whether you plan to sell sunroof/moonroof products, sunroof accessories or are looking to start installing these products, having sunroof basics under your belt will help increase your service level in turn your business.

To find out more about the sunroof:

1. Find out the differences between sunroof types.

2. Discover how to install a car sunroof.

3. Learn how to maintain and care for your auto sunroof.

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Learn the difference between the car sunroof types

Find out the difference between a pop-up sunroof, a spoiler sunroof, an inbuilt sunroof and more. Each different type comes with its own pros and cons, from cost differences to aesthetics, to difficulty in installation to greater care considerations, but in the end, the final decision will come down to a combination of personal preference and budget.

I recommend: SUNROOFS.ORG offers a comprehensive definition page that explains the definitions of each sunroof type. Find out more about the different types of sun roofs from American Sunroof.

Learn how to install a car sunroof

Discover if car sunroof installation is a possibility for you, or if you should leave it to the experts. Sunroof installation does involve a large amount of metalwork, so be prepared with the correct tools and safety measures.

I recommend: Find out from Answerbag how to install a panoramic sunroof. The site also has links to installing other sunroof types as well. Autofusion offers sunroof installation tips.

Maintain your automotive sunroof

Care for your car sunroof by reading up on the subject and watching videos on how best to take care of the glass and surrounding materials.

I recommend: Review Sunroof Care & Maintenance. Watch the video from WonderHowTo.com on how to maintain and repair the sunroof of your car.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Sunroof prices will vary greatly based on the electrical mechanisms necessary to operate install the structure. Pop-up sunroofs are your most affordable option.
• •  Although the terms sunroof and moonroof are usually used interchangeably, sunroofs are usually opaque and open to the air allowing the sun to shine directly into the vehicle. Moonroofs, on the other hand, are transparent or semi-transparent, and they are designed to remain closed but still allow shaded light to penetrate inside the vehicle.

Sunroofs are a great feature. Aside from the fact that they just look sharp, they increase visibility and they provide the right amount of airflow on a beautiful spring or summer day. So, it's no wonder why so many car buyers prefer vehicles with a sunroof. However, factory-installed sunroofs increase a vehicle's sale price, and a few buyers choose to install a sunroof after they buy a car.

You may also have customers come in with leaky, cracked or shattered sunroofs. In either case, you must be ready with parts to fix the sunroof or provide your customers with a quality and affordable replacement. Prepare yourself by stocking your shelves with the following sunroofs and sunroof parts:

1. Retractable sunroofs for a convertible feel

2. Manual or power-operated replacement and aftermarket sunroofs

3. Sunroof replacement parts

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Pick an inexpensive sunroof supplier

Customers who need a replacement or aftermarket sunroof have a budget, and they want to stay within their budget. Compare wholesale sunroof suppliers and pick the distributor that offers the best product at the lowest price. This way, you can keep your cost low and maintain customer satisfaction.

I recommend: Autotek offers unbelievable prices on pop-up and spoiler sunroofs, and TG Automotive Inc. features a generous selection of parts and affordable drop-in replacements.

Include an ample selection of new and retractable sunroofs

Customers who buy a car without a sunroof may choose to install a retractable or aftermarket sunroof. Keep a generous selection in stock, and provide additional options such as T-top sunroofs.

I recommend: You can comparison shop with Nextag. They list a variety of inexpensive retractable sunroofs, kits and accessories and direct you to the proper vendor. Another option is to order a new or replacement sunroof from Street Beat Customs. This company promises to beat any competitor price.

Keep a stock of replacement sunroof parts

Rather than remove a customer's existing sunroof and install a new one, inspect the sunroof and determine the problem. Sometimes, the problem can be as simple as a cracked seal or old electrical wiring.

I recommend: Auto Parts Warehouse supplies parts for an aftermarket sunroof and factory-installed sunroofs. If your customer needs a latch, sunroof deflector or other sunroof part, Vertex Auto offers a selection of affordable replacement parts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Customer service is key, so before installing a new car sunroof or replacing a broken sunroof, have the customer preview different styles and sizes. Consequently, they receive their ideal sunroof, whether pop-up or power-operated. Give the customer an accurate estimate. This way, they aren't hit with a surprise bill.
• •  Recommend an automotive sunroof that fits the customer's budget. Auto sunroof prices range between $300 and $1,000. To help them save money or stay within budget, recommend a pop-up or manual-operated sunroof.

Your sunroof is the roof window that consists of the sunroof itself, a motor or a crank to open the sunroof as well and all of the associated seals and hardware needed to make it function. You can find supplies for your sunroof through your vehicle manufacturer or through businesses who work at to install sunroof and sunroof parts as part of their business.

The sunroof deflector, sunroof glass, the motor, the seals and more are all part of the sunroof prices when it comes to installing a new sunroof / moonroof, replacing an old one or making repairs to an existing sunroof on your company or personal car.

To find the right supplies for sunroof repair and maintenance:

1. Search the sunroof shopping sites that separate their inventory by category.

2. Buy from car sunroof providers who promote their product with photographs and clear pricing.

3. Choose businesses that have helpful websites when it comes to identifying what parts you need for your sunroof. Go with companies that help walk you through the process of identifying the parts that you need.

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The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use automotive sunroof shopping sites by category

Shop for replacement sunroof replacement parts by category such as make or model type, aftermarket or factory install or by part type.

I recommend: Find sunroof parts by category through ShopSAR.com. Find used roof glass sunroof parts by make from EverDrive.

Choose auto sunroof replacement providers who use photographs

Use sunroof replacement parts sites with photos. They make your selection choices easier and less time consuming.

I recommend: Check out the parts available on sites like Vee Dub Parts. Vee Dub Parts posts photos as well as prices for each available part. The Bosch Sunroof Motor Parts found at Auto Parts Warehouse not only are listed with their photographs and prices, but they are also featured with a "This Product Fits the Following Vehicles" listing that can be invaluable to you as the shopper. Find additional sunroof parts at Performance Products.

Look for factory replacement or aftermarket sunroof replacement parts

If you are unsure if how the sunroof was put in, work with your replacement provider to help determine if your sunroof was a factory install or an aftermarket sunroof. Then determine what the appropriate replacement parts are necessary.

I recommend: Find out tips from TG Automotive to determine if your sunroof was factory or after market installed. The Sunroof Doctor can also help you regardless of if your sunroof was factory or after market installed.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You can still obtain parts even if your sunroof is no longer manufactured. Often the parts manufacturer may no longer be in business, but there may still be parts in the wholesale distribution pipeline or for sale through various shops. Sunroof manufacturers, suppliers and resellers should be able to help you locate the particular part or parts that you are seeking.

Sunroofs are a popular automotive extra that many drivers enjoy and most vehicle types offer. The engineering for sunroofs creates several styles and designs. Key terms distinguish one style of sunroof from another. For example, electric sliding describes how the sunroof opens. Panoramic, spoiler, and inbuilt discuss the design of the sunroof. Terms such as wind deflector detail an accessory for the sunroof. Check below for some important sunroof key terms.

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Spoiler sunroof

The design of a spoiler sunroof features a smaller opening than standard sunroof styles. Users open these sunroofs electronically. They are great for vehicles with shorter roofs.

I recommend: Learn more about the spoiler sunroof from an article about installing a spoiler sunroof at eHow.

Pop-up sunroof

Pop-up sunroof is a sunroof that you operate manually. The sunroof is a removable glass panel with a latch that you push up to open. You may also completely remove the sunroof when in use. These are a less expensive type of sunroof. They were among the first sunroofs seen in automobiles.

I recommend: Read more about pop-up sunroofs from a definition at Sunroofs.org.

Wind deflector

A wind deflector is a sunroof accessory that reduces the noise of an opened sunroof. The wind deflector hooks to the front opening of the sunroof. It is a flexible piece of metal. The wind deflector comes up when the driver opens the sunroof and goes back down when the driver closes the sunroof.

I recommend: Learn about wind deflectors from KOIN Local 6.

Inbuilt

Inbuilt is a sunroof design in which the panel of the sunroof retracts back into a slit in the roof of the car and disappears. This design requires an electric operation. Most inbuilt sunroofs tilt as well as open completely.

I recommend: Visit Yenra and scroll down to the Types of Sunroofs section for more information about inbuilt sunroofs.

Panoramic sunroof

The latest sunroof style is the panoramic sunroof. It is comprised of multiple panels rather than one complete piece. The panoramic sunroof is larger and often seen on SUVs and minivans.

I recommend: Answerbag.com explains how to install a panoramic sunroof.

Full feature

Full featured sunroofs are top of the line. They include all of the regular features plus more. These sunroofs operate by touch for opening and closing. They also automatically close when you turn off the ignition.

I recommend: Read more details about full feature sunroofs from American Sunroof by clicking on sunroofs, and then click on "more info on full featured sunroofs."