For size and sensor-clearance planning before storage, use the existing sunshade fit worksheet ; a storage method cannot compensate for the wrong application.
Store a windshield sunshade by its model’s documented method. Foam construction alone does not tell you whether it should fold, roll or stay flat. Do not invent a new crease or bend a rigid corner to make a storage container fit.
Two manufacturer examples, two different methods
| Exact product family | Documented storage | Limits to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Covercraft UVS100 Custom Sunscreen | Reverse installation, fold the unit and store under a seat or in the trunk | The instructions warn against bending corners because the inner insulator can be damaged |
| WeatherTech SunShade | Roll the shade and secure it with its integrated hook-and-loop strap | Use the correct vehicle/sensor application; do not treat a different shade’s folding instructions as interchangeable |
The Covercraft UVS100 instructions and installation support apply to that folding design. WeatherTech’s SunShade documentation describes its foam-core rolling design. These examples contradict a blanket rule that all foam-core shades should remain flat.
Prepare a seasonal storage record
Record the brand/model, permitted folding or rolling method, supplied strap or sleeve, and the storage location. Inspect for split laminate, damaged frame, grit and dampness before packing. Follow the maker’s cleaning and drying instructions; a generic solvent or improvised rolling core is not a verified care method.
Choose a location where other items cannot crush the shade, and where it will not obstruct vehicle controls if kept in the car. For long periods, a dry supported indoor location is a practical editorial precaution, not a manufacturer-tested temperature threshold. We have no universal 90°F limit, three-inch core specification or measured lifespan to recommend.
Check fit when bringing it back into use
Open the shade without forcing distorted corners. Confirm the vehicle application and any mirror/sensor clearance before putting it in the windshield. A gap permitted by the maker may be intentional; do not bend the shade to eliminate it.
Find the existing sunshade fit and measurement guides before choosing a replacement. A storage problem alone does not prove you need to buy another shade. Manufacturer references checked 1 October 2026; this comparison is researched guidance, not a durability test.