A sun shade is a cheap accessory with a specific job: keeping direct sunlight off the dashboard and the steering wheel while the car is parked.

What it changes

It lowers the surface temperature of the dashboard and wheel noticeably, which is what makes the first two minutes of a drive bearable. Overall cabin air temperature falls more slowly and depends on ventilation, so expect comfort at the touch points rather than a cool car.

Umbrella versus folding panel

• Umbrella-style opens and closes in seconds and stores in a sleeve behind the seat. Best if you park several times a day.
• Folding panel covers more glass edge-to-edge and blocks light at the A-pillars better, but takes longer to fold.

Fit

Both are sold by panel size. Measure the glass diagonally at the widest point and choose a shade that covers it with a small overlap. Ours are listed by size, not by car model.

Care

Let the shade dry before folding if the windscreen was damp, and store it out of the footwell — a shade that lives on the floor gets stepped on and the ribs bend.