sun visor

A sun visor is a rigid or semi-rigid panel, typically 200 to 300 millimetres wide and 80 to 120 millimetres tall, mounted on a pivot rod along the interior headliner of a vehicle just above the windshield opening. It swings downward to block direct sunlight from reaching the driver's or passenger's eyes, and rotates laterally to address light coming from either side of the vehicle. The panel itself is usually a lightweight ABS or polycarbonate core wrapped in fabric or vinyl facing that matches the cabin interior.

Modern sun visors perform a secondary function: a small mirror, typically 100 by 80 millimetres, is fitted to the underside of the panel and is accessed by flipping the visor down. This mirror includes integrated illumination in many current designs, powered by the vehicle's 12-volt system, to allow occupants to check appearance without relying on exterior light. Some visors also accommodate ticket or document storage, and in commercial vehicles or taxis the visor may include a small advertising or information card holder.

Mounting and pivot mechanics

The visor attaches to a horizontal rod or pin that is friction-fit or spring-loaded into sockets in the headliner structure. The friction joint must be stiff enough to hold the visor in position during normal vehicle motion and braking, but loose enough that a passenger can move it without excessive force. In higher-specification vehicles, some visors feature a ratcheting or detent mechanism to hold intermediate positions, preventing sagging when the vehicle is parked in bright sunlight. The pivot rod is usually steel or aluminium, and corrosion or wear at the socket interface is a common cause of visor rattle or drooping.

Damage to sun visors typically occurs through impact by tall passengers getting into the vehicle, detachment of the mirror backing, tearing of the facing fabric, or failure of the pivot assembly. Because the visor assembly sits in the direct line of sight for front occupants, aesthetics matter as much as function; replacement panels must match the colour and texture of the cabin trim. The assembly is one of the few interior components a vehicle owner can usually replace without specialized tools, as the pivot sockets often permit manual removal and reinstallation.

Sun visors are required equipment in most automotive markets due to driver vision and safety regulations. The positioning just above the windshield ensures that the visor does not obstruct the forward view when flipped upward, and regulations in the United States and Europe specify minimum shade coverage and mirror area. In high-sun climates or commercial fleet vehicles, some manufacturers offer visor extensions or supplementary side shades, though these are less common than they were in earlier decades.