I think the heat comes from the sun hitting the interior of the car more then anything. I had a white car with a dark grey interior, and that bitch was HOT in the summer if you parked in the sun.
If you use the AC properly, you can cool the car down in about 2 minutes.

 

I'm with Hitzy on this one. The amount of glass area (sq. inches) is the biggest determining factor in how hot your cars interior is going to get.
But the white roof is not a bad look. (our Mini Cooper had a white roof and we loved it)

 

That's what I was sort of thinking on the look, but because of the way the vehicle is designed with the roof between the sides (instead of the roof sitting on top, if that makes any sense) you really can't see the roof from the side or rear, so from a style standpoint it wouldn't stand out except from the front view...I just can't decide if it would make much difference visually or not. I almost think on a khaki it would look pretty good, but then that would have the black roof rails sitting on a white roof, which might be too much contract when mixed with the different body color.

 

I do got to wonder though. All of our new school buses have white roofs. And even CSX is painting their solid navy blue locomotives with a white roof.

 

Tinting your windows is the best way to cool your car in the summer sun.

 

Yep, tint is the only real solution. I suppose a white roof would help a bit compared to a black roof, but then you'll probably end up having a terrible looking vehicle like this:

 

My patriot is all white and so far I have not noticed it being any cooler. I think as stated above window tint would help keep things cooler.

 

I always leave my windows open 1/2 an inch when I park. It makes a huge difference.

 

Say what you want... I hate ford, but i would trade this patriot on that Flex in a heartbeat if they were priced a little more reasonable... They are a much nicer car inside and much larger.

And they look awesome.

 

Really? I saw it at the auto show and thought it was one of the ugliest things that Ford has produced lately... The only thing I'd consider trading the Patriot in for, is a VW Tiguan (if they were cheaper). I haven't seen the interior of the Flex though.

 

This past winter I saw my Compass with 1/2 inch of snow on the roof and the contrast to the black looked really sharp. Maybe I'll experiment with the vinyl sheeting at some point in the distant future. I'm not sure the Patriot would look good with a white top as there is no demarcation structure on the roof. (Like the seam on the roof of a Mini or the black rails on the Compass.)

 

you might as well plaster a flag n the roof while you are out tryin to look like a mini

 

What about a white belt?

 

Seriously, tho...I think it would keep the vehicle a little cooler. Old Land Rovers could be fitted with a double roof...a good idea for African use pre-AC.

 

I believe most of the heat comes from the sun coming into the interior via the windows/windshield, hence heating up the interior.

If you wanted to do a test you could purchase white water based paint used in preschools. Once completed you can take your Patriot to the car wash and wash the paint off !

 

I would think some folks would think you were an FJ wannabe, but that is there problem.