What are the problems caused by the 2011 VW Jetta SportWagen sunroof?
By
Vroomouk
This article will address the “2011 VW Jetta SportWagen sunroof problems“. The sunroof is a luxury feature. However, it still has some problems. Thus, we will explain the five problems associated with the sunroof installed on the VW Jetta SportWagen.
There can be nothing more attractive than a sunroof on a vehicle because the inclusion of a sunroof on a vehicle can enhance its attractiveness immensely, irrespective of whether it is a Mercedes or a Kia. Moreover, the contrast between the dark-coloured roof and the lighter paint colors is the best.
However, having a sunroof on your VW Jetta might sound highly fascinating. But in reality, a car with a sunroof brings some other problems. These problems are the following.
What are the problems caused by the 2011 VW Jetta SportWagen sunroof?
The VW Jetta sunroof problems are as follows:-
- Increment in the heat entering the car
- Reduced headroom
- Increased weight on the vehicle
- Reduction in structural integrity
- Increased complexity and noise
Explanation of the problems caused by a sunroof in a vehicle
Increment in the heat entering the car
It is one of the apparent problems which anyone can notice. A sunroof acts as a window through which the heat can quickly enter the car. However, the amount of heat that enters the car depends upon the territory you live in and the clarity of the sky. If you live in countries that receive high temperatures, with clear skies, more heat from the sun will enter the vehicle’s cabin.
Thus, on days like that, where the sunlight is strong, there are high chances that the cabin can get heated up in 15 minutes. The problem will be adverse in a vehicle having a panoramic sunroof because the panoramic sunroof covers more area. Many people believe that the tinted glass is sufficient to put the heat out of the vehicle. But in reality, the tinted glass makes very little difference. The only thing which prevents heat in the sunroof is the retractable cloth sunshade present below the sunroof.
Reduced headroom
The sunroof installation utilizes plenty of space on the car roof because of the components that a sunroof mechanism has, such as the motor. Thus, installing sunroof motor mechanisms and rollers will lead to less headroom. In addition, retracting the sunshade or opening the sunroof might not solve the issue of cabin height. Therefore, taller drivers will need to tilt their heads at an angle towards the car’s centre.
Thus, to get more headroom inside the car, the taller drivers are only left with one option: recline their seats a bit more to position their heads properly. Hence, if you are tall, think before buying a vehicle with a sunroof.
Increased weight on the vehicle
Car manufacturers work hard to reduce the vehicle’s weight because the reduction in weight increases the acceleration, braking, and fuel economy of the vehicle. Moreover, the manufacturers also try to put heavy components such as the gearbox, engine, and fuel tank as low as possible to improve vehicle stability.
But when a sunroof is installed on the vehicle, the weight of the vehicle increases. Because the sunroof has a higher weight, the sunroof weighs so much because of the thick and heavy glass, which is heavier than steel and aluminium roof panels. In addition to operating the sunroof, there are electric motors and pathways.
Reduction in structural integrity
A panoramic sunroof is a big hole in the roof of the vehicle. Although the sunroof thus contributes to the vehicle’s structural integrity, the roof is not as strong as the vehicle with a conventional roof. Moreover, the rubber seals installed on the vehicle sunroof don’t provide 100% seal against the leaking water. The rubber seals do keep plenty of water out, but the sunroof relies on the drainage channels, and if these drainage channels get clogged, then there are high chances that the stuck water will damage the roof of the car.
Increased complexity and noise
The installation of a sunroof on a vehicle, apart from adding weight to the vehicle, also increases the complexity of the vehicle. If there were no sunroof on the vehicle, then a simple metal would be used to make the vehicle’s roof. However, due to the inclusion of the sunroof, components such as motor, switches, channels, and rollers are fitted on the roof of the vehicle and the tinted glass. Thus the conventional roof is replaced by a complex assembly of components.
The components of the sunroof are directly present above your head. Thus when the sunroof is operated, you will be able to hear the rattles, squeaks, and flexing noises while driving the vehicle. Moreover, during the rains, the noise is higher as the sound produced on the glass is more. Therefore, a conventional steel or aluminium roof is quieter.
Conclusion
In this article, we have successfully addressed “2011 VW Jetta SportWagen sunroof problems“. Furthermore, the article mentions some of the practical problems that a person might face when encountering the sunroof in a vehicle. These five problems mentioned are faced by many people owning a VW Jetta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 2011 VW Jetta SportWagen sunroof problems.
What is the disadvantage of a sunroof car?
The sunroof of a car demands high maintenance as the rubber, glass, and motor might require frequent maintenance at every service.
What causes the sunroof to stop working?
The most common cause of the sunroof getting jammed is maintenance. The sunroof mainly stops working due to a clogged track on which the sunroof’s glass moves.
How long does a sunroof last?
The sunroof on premium cars uses expensive silicon-based seals. These seals ensure that the sunroof has 20 years plus life expectancy.
Does a sunroof make the car hotter?
Yes, the sunroof on your vehicle can make the car hotter because of the amount of light and heat it allows to enter the vehicle’s cabin.
References
- https://www.topgearbox.com/cars/your-car/6-reasons-to-avoid-a-panoramic-roof/
- https://testndrive.com/car-news/sunroof-in-car-type-meaning/
- http://www.leehedges.com/t34/puret34/EStroubleshooting.htm
