To protect skin and eyes from harmful UV rays, experts recommend fitting additional sun protection to the car, especially for young passengers. As modern windscreens have an integrated UV filter, the normal glazing of the windscreen already provides protection. However, the side windows can only filter out part of the dangerous UV radiation.

"The difference is particularly noticeable on long car journeys when no direct sunlight falls on the occupants," explains Alexa Sinz, Head of ADAC Press and Public Relations. "On the one hand, the sun protection reduces heat, but on the other hand it also reduces the UV rays that penetrate the windscreen (UVA radiation). This is all the more important for children, as their skin is more sensitive than that of an adult, who would unconsciously take their arm out of direct sunlight or roll down their sleeve. An infant can't do that," Alexa Sinz points out.

If you want to fit your windows with a film or removable sun protection, you should find out beforehand what is permitted. Darkening the windows is subject to legal requirements because car windows are among the safety-relevant components of a car. Specifically, this means that only the windows behind the B-pillar may be darkened, not the windscreen or the front side windows (see also the ADAC website).

“As the outside temperature is warm, the parked vehicle's interior heats up to around 60 degrees in a very short time, even with the window slightly open, which is life-threatening for children. Children and animals should never be left in the car in summer, not even for a short time,” says the head of ADAC press and public relations, who also has an interesting tip in store: “If you park your car on a hot summer day, cover the child seat with a light-colored cloth.”

By the way: ADAC test engineers have discovered that the color of the car's paint determines the interior temperature. The surface of a black vehicle has heated up to 65 degrees in the midday heat with the sun high, while the surface of the white car has only heated up to 44 degrees. The outside paint temperature is transferred to the inside of the vehicle to a lesser extent, but the temperature difference can be felt by the body. Specifically, this means that the temperature in the interior of the white car was five degrees cooler than in the black car when measured by the ADAC experts.

Dermatologists recommend additional protection after just 30 minutes of driving - for example with suncream. If you want to avoid this, get sun protection for your car. However, the selection here is huge - retailers offer a number of sun protection systems for car windows. The different models all have their advantages and disadvantages, which we will explain below.

The sturdy frame made of lightfast fabric can be individually adapted to the car windows. You simply attach it to the window frames from the inside - with a holder system with clips or for gluing, i.e. without annoying suction cups that often fall off sooner or later (see Sonniboy sun protection). 

The classic car sun visor can cover the side windows. They come in different sizes, colors and patterns.

Advantage: Attaching is quite easy with suction cups. Depending on the manufacturer, there are also self-adhesive sun visors or those that can be attached with Velcro. 

Disadvantages:

Roller blinds have the advantage that they can remain permanently installed. When not in use, you simply roll it up. The car windows can be opened even with the sun blinds down.

The roller blinds can be attached to the rear window and the rear side windows. The sun protection can be attached either with suction cups (danger of falling off!) or with hooks at the top end of the pane.

Films are glued precisely and permanently to the inside of the window. Due to static charges, films adhere to the car window without wrinkles. 

Nice side effect: This means you can reuse the slides as often as you like. The films are available in various levels of light transmission. Whether light-tight or perforated – that depends on your preferences and ultimately also your taste.

The light-tight film almost completely darkens the interior. With such a film, the inside of your vehicle stays pleasantly cool. It is particularly suitable for parked vehicles - for example in a campsite or parking lot.

The perforated and tinted film is helpful while driving. This means that your safe participation in road traffic is not jeopardized.

Similar to a roller blind, a sun protection curtain regulates the amount of light entering the side window individually. Depending on the quality of the fabric, the rear can also be completely darkened. The sun protection curtains are usually attached with suction cups, which may not hold 100% and fall off, especially when it is warm.

Advantage: The curtains can be adjusted to the respective side window, the side window can also be opened with the curtain.

You pull it over the top half of the entire rear car door.

Advantages: