Some of the best ideas come from someone staring at a problem long enough to say, "I’ll fix it myself." Tesla's panoramic glass roof is stunning, but for many of those who have driven a Model Y through a hot summer, they know how quickly that beauty turns into what feels like a greenhouse. That’s why tonight, while scrolling through the “Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club” on Facebook, a post by Vasilii Bykov stood out to me. Vasilii shared that after trying several sunshade options for his Tesla and still dealing with extreme cabin heat, he decided to build his own custom exterior cover. His DIY solution spans from the windshield to the rear glass, attaches with suction cups, and keeps the car noticeably cooler without blocking the signature glass roof view. Here's what Vasilii wrote in his post:
"Hey everyone! My name is Vasilii and I have had my Model Y for over a year now and, like many of you, I was looking for a real sun protection solution and honestly, I couldn’t find one that made sense. A windshield sunshade? Doesn’t help much as the car still gets crazy hot. An interior roof cover? No way. I love the glass roof as it’s part of what makes a Tesla feel special. Covering it from the inside just kills the vibe. So I ended up making my own cover from the outside. It goes from the windshield all the way to the rear glass.
Super easy to put on with suction cups (they hold for weeks), no damage, and no mess. I even cut out space for the front camera, so everything still works. Doors and trunk, everything is accessible. I have a dog and with shade on top of my Tesla, Dog Mode is a dream. The battery doesn’t drain fast and the cabin stays cool. I made it just for myself but honestly, it works so well that I had to share. Please let me know what you think. Do you think you need it as much as I do, and how can we make it better?"
Why This DIY Sunshade Stands Out
Many Tesla owners love the expansive glass roof for its sleek aesthetics and airy interior feel, but that design seems to come with a trade-off. In hot weather, the cabin quickly becomes an oven, especially when parked under the sun. While Tesla offers Dog Mode to help keep pets safe, and third-party companies sell various sunshades, none seem to truly address the core problem without compromising the Tesla experience according to Vasilii
His idea stands out because it tackles the issue at its source from the outside, where the sun's heat enters in the first place. Unlike typical inside sunshades that trap heat between the glass and cover, his design reflects sunlight before it even enters the cabin. That alone gives it a significant advantage.
What Other Owners Are Saying
Several Tesla owners jumped into the comments to support the concept or share their own variations. One user, Wilson Tsai, said, “I recently did the same thing with my work truck using aluminum bubble wrap. Between reflecting sunlight, being on the exterior of the vehicle, and air bubbles, it did wonders in keeping the interior much cooler than using inside sun shades!” Wilson’s comment reinforces Vasilii’s observation that blocking the heat from the outside is simply more effective.
Brian Lovelady added, “Always better to block it from the outside than the inside. Pretty sweet as long as it doesn't get blown away.” It’s a practical concern, and one that Vasilii already addressed using suction cups. This kind of DIY ingenuity resonates with owners who are passionate about both functionality and preserving the design intent of their vehicles.
Is There a Market for This Idea?
The excitement continued with Crystal Castellanos writing, “I want one. How much?” and Karl Yik chiming in with, “Start of a new business?” These reactions hint at a bigger question: is there a real market for an exterior Tesla sunshade? It’s not hard to imagine something like Vasilii’s invention becoming a popular aftermarket product, much like the ventilated seats retrofit for the 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance, which took off because it solved a comfort issue Tesla didn’t address directly.
This story also speaks to the creativity within the Tesla community. For every owner who trades in their Tesla and shares candid advice for new buyers, there are others who dig in, modify, and make the experience better for themselves and others. Vasilii didn’t just solve a heat problem because he also preserved what makes the Model Y unique to him, all the while enhancing its livability.
And let’s talk about pet owners, it’s a key reason to drive a Tesla in the first place. But when the interior is scorching before cooling even begins, Dog Mode becomes less effective and can drain the battery quickly. Vasilii’s solution allows the car to start cooler, making this feature more viable in real-world scenarios. This can be especially helpful during long stops, summer errands, or road trips.
It reminds me of another story where a Tesla Model Y owner needed warranty repairs and was impressed when service came to their driveway. Tesla has built a brand around convenience and innovation, but when it comes to heat management, many owners still have to get creative on their own.
The Broader EV Ownership Conversation
Even those who recently switched to Tesla are discovering nuances. One Tesla owner admitted they regretted not making the switch earlier, while another shared their struggle between loving the Tesla experience and being tempted by Rivian. In fact, some Model Y owners are now considering Rivian largely because of differences in practicality, design, and ease of use, all things touched on in Vasilii’s story.
What fascinates me most about this story isn’t just the clever DIY solution as it’s the bigger picture it represents. Tesla has designed some of the most forward-thinking vehicles on the market, but owners like Vasilii are constantly stepping in to finish the job. It shows that innovation doesn’t stop at the factory. Some of the most meaningful upgrades are born from real-life frustrations and not corporate boardrooms. This community-driven improvement is exactly what makes EV ownership so dynamic. It’s not just about driving an electric car, it’s about participating in an evolving ecosystem, and in many ways, helping shape it.
Key Takeaways for Tesla Owners and DIY Enthusiasts
Blocking heat from the outside works better than from the inside: Vasilii’s solution shows that preventing sun from entering the cabin in the first place is more effective than trying to contain it afterward.
DIY doesn’t mean low quality: Custom-built to his needs, Vasilii’s cover addresses problems most store-bought sunshades don’t, including maintaining full access to doors and cameras.
Tesla owners continue to fill the gaps: Just like ventilated seat retrofits or third-party screen protectors, this story highlights how the aftermarket plays a crucial role in enhancing the Tesla experience.
Community feedback helps shape what’s next: Comments from fellow owners suggest there’s demand and maybe even a business opportunity for well-designed exterior sunshades.
Pet safety gets a major boost: With Dog Mode becoming more efficient under this shade, Vasilii’s design doesn’t just offer comfort as it supports one of Tesla’s most beloved features.
What Do You Think About This Idea?
Have you struggled with heat buildup in your Tesla? If so, what steps did you take to tackle this problem?
And would you consider buying an exterior sunshade like Vasilii’s, or have you already built your own creative solution?
Let me know what worked for you in the comments below.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Image Sources: Tesla Gallery and the "Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club" public Facebook group.
