What to look for before you buy — so the shade you get actually fits and lasts.
Full-size shades run about 57 x 32 inches and suit most sedans and SUVs. Compact cars do better with 47-inch models. When in doubt, go slightly larger — small gaps leak surprising amounts of heat.
The silver reflective layer does the real work, bouncing sunlight before it becomes cabin heat. Multi-layer and "ice rib" fabrics add insulation but cost more.
Look for sturdy ribs and a smooth open/close action. A 360° rotating handle helps the shade sit flush against raked windshields.
The whole point of the umbrella design is compact storage — most collapse to umbrella size and fit in a glove box or door pocket. Check the folded length if your storage is tight.
In our roundup, the ratings gap between a $9 shade and a $29 shade is smaller than the price gap. Our Best Budget pick has the most reviews of any shade we list.