Tesla Model 3 Glass Roof Heat: All You Need To Know

Last updated on September 12th, 2023 at 03:02 am

Tesla Model 3’s glass roof is good, but its protection against the elements is questionable. 

The roof should keep out the elements and make the cabin conducive. However, the sun tests the roof’s ability in the warm summer.

The question now is, ‘how much heat does the roof resist?’ The article below will answer this question.

The Tesla model 3 glass roof has a dual glass panel that doesn’t heat up as much as metal roofs. The unique design of the UV-reflective coating on the panels resists light wavelength. Light wavelengths can cause heat in a closed area, known as the greenhouse effect. The UV coating also prevents sunburns on delicate skin. 

Reading on, you’ll discover the properties of the Tesla Model 3 glass roof. The article will also highlight how much resistance the glass roof puts up to heat.

Additionally, you’ll learn of the various ways to mitigate heat in the cabin of the Tesla 3.

Does Tesla Model 3 Get Hot With a Glass Roof?

The Tesla Model 3 can get hot even with the glass roof. Despite the claims made by Tesla on the roof’s heat reflective features, some owners have complained about the heat.

Owners pointed out that the sun’s heat permeates the car during summer. The roof can block off visible light, but infrared radiation can come in.

The coatings on the glass roof panels absorb ultraviolet rays and infrared radiation. This absorption causes the glass to become very heated. 

This heat eventually radiates into the car. Tesla then decided to start selling sunshades for the roof as a way to mitigate the heat. 

However, there are other ways to reduce heat from the glass roof.

#1. Tinting the Roof

One way to combat this heat is by tinting the top of the model 3 roof. Nonetheless, there’s a possible risk that the glass might crack from the tinting.

Still, it’s an excellent chance to take since the ceramic coating can bounce off the infrared radiation from the roof. Ceramic coating costs around $20 – $40.

High-quality coating provides shielding on the glass roof and improves UV ray protection. 

The coating also lessens glare and decreases damage to interior components like dashboards, trim parts, and seats. 

If you get a professional dealer, the tint will also improve cabin temperature by keeping it warm. 

#2. Using Air Conditioning

The air conditioning in the vehicle is instrumental. If you’ve parked the car in the sun, you can cool it up before you get in. 

Use your remote or Tesla app on the phone to put on air conditioning. This way, a chilly cabin is waiting for you whenever you return to the car. 

However, you must maintain a charged vehicle (above 20%) for air conditioning to work.

You can also activate air conditioning when plugged in at a charging point. This way, the charger will power the car instead of the battery.

Does the Model 3 Tesla Glass Roof Provide Heat Rejection?

The Tesla Glass roof doesn’t provide enough heat rejection. For this reason, Tesla decided to start selling sunshades for the roof. 

The glass roof of a Tesla absorbs heat which it then emits into the atmosphere and the car’s cabin. The sun emits different rays, one of which is infrared rays. 

This ray has three types;

Rays	Effects
Near-infrared ray	It passes through the glass but doesn’t generate heat.
Thermal infrared ray	Absorbed by the glass roof and makes it heat up.
Far infrared ray	The roof absorbs this ray, but the ray possesses lesser energy.

Thermal and far infrared rays are the ones capable of agitating molecules. This agitation makes molecules vibrate, leading to heat generation.

The glass roof soaks up these two rays, which causes the cabin to build up heat. That’s why Tesla owners complain about the heat in their cars.

The sun also emits ultraviolet light. Tesla has filters on the glass roof to soak up about 99% of the ultraviolet rays.

You can’t have a sunburn from these rays since the glass roof rejects it.

Since it’s no secret that the roof doesn’t wholly reject heat, you can find a way to limit the heat.

Tesla has climate control in their cars; this feature provides comfort during summer.

The following are some of the climate features on Tesla that help against the heat.

#1. Keep Climate On

This feature retains cabin temperature when you’re not in the car. It allows your car to remain cool, especially when parked under the sun.

 Say you have groceries or a pet in your car and are out of the car to run an errand. With this feature, you can keep the car cool until your return.

To set this feature, open the Climate Menu on the touchscreen and pick “Keep”.

This setting keeps the climate regulating system running and ensures your cabin’s temperature is low.

#2. Cabin Overheat Protection

You can also keep your cabin conducive even if warm climate features remain deactivated. The first setting here is the ‘ON’ command. 

It utilizes the A/C to keep the cabin’s temperature under 105°F. The second setting under this feature is ‘No A/C.’ 

This setting doesn’t use as much energy as the first. It cools the cabin by sending outside air into the car.

To activate any of the settings, go to ‘Controls’ and tap on ‘Safety.’ Here you’ll see ‘Cabin Overheat Protection.’ Next, select any of the settings you wish.

#3. Scheduled Departure

This feature accommodates cabin precooling and charging. It allows you to begin every day with a full battery and your intended cabin climate.

You can pre-cool your cabin while charging your vehicle so the battery will remain powered. 

The energy from charging will set the temperature you want and leave the battery to power other tasks.

You’ll find this feature under the charging option on the car’s touchscreen. Also, the ‘Schedule’ option in the Tesla app will help you set this feature.

#4. Precooling Using the App

The Tesla app also comes in handy when precooling your car. With the app, you can remotely enable climate to cool the car ahead of you. 

To do this, open the app and go to the home screen. Here, you’ll see a fan image, tap on it, and regulate your car’s temperature to your liking. 

You can direct the vents to cool the seats before you step into the car.

Note that the climate regulating system uses power from the battery when your car isn’t charging.

So if you use these features over a long period, the battery’s percentage will drop.

Are Model 3 Glass Roof Sun Shades Any Good?

Model 3 glass roof sunshade is a featherweight mesh material. The sunshade lessens heat conduction into the car’s cabin by obstructing 66% of light transmittance.  

Some quality glass roof sunshades for Tesla model 3 include;

#1. Basenor Roof Sunshade

The 2022 Basenor sunroof sunshade has an improved encrypted lattice fabric. Due to the highly rigid design, its shielding and heat protection are the best you can get. 

The sunshade features a net, a collapsible frame, and a cloth with high reflective ability. The collapsible frame is a manganese steel product with a storage bag for saving.  

The Basenor sunshade fits all models from previous years; you can buy it here.

#2. SUMK Sunroof Shade

This sunshade fits securely on all Model 3s. In addition, unlike most sunshades that use elastic straps, this one uses buckles. The sunshade keeps away UV rays as well as heat. 

This sunshade’s design features a mesh lattice in the center, giving it a sleek look.

Also, the product has a one-year warranty and guarantees protection from fading cabin components. You can buy the SUMK sunshade here.