White roof & modern aircon & Pumas

[JamesH]

Iwas wondering about a white roof on a dark painted Puma. How much difference in interior temp would a white roof make on a warm day? Would any difference be increased by lack of vent flaps? Would the difference be negated by the superior aircon ie just a matter of, ahem, degrees?

[JDNSW]

I can only go on experience. Quite a few years ago my father got the roof on his mid grey car painted off white. It made a very noticeable difference to the temperature of the car when parked in the sun, about five degrees I would guess. A white roof on a Defender would make a lot bigger difference because of the relatively smaller and more vertical glass on the Defender.

The difference will be mainly when parked, as once under way the aircon will pretty much mask the effect. I don't think the lack of vents makes much difference, as the vents do not allow a through breeze unless you leave something else open as well.

John

[dmdigital]

A white roof will make a big difference as John mentions, the Zermat Silver colour is also good as it is very reflective.

That said the best option is a twin skinned roof (e.g. the old "safari" roof) or a full length roof rack as this provides an air gap over the roof.

The slab sides and vertical glass of the Defender actually aid in keeping the heat down, especially the small steep windscreen (even more so when driving as you're not in the direct sun) as there is far less direct sunlight entering the vehicle. The alpine windows are another mater:(