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Sun Visors in Cars: Common Names and Parts

What are the sun visors called in a car?

In most cars, the fold-down panels above the windshield are simply called sun visors or sunshades. In manuals and parts catalogs, they’re often listed as a sun visor assembly, since the “visor” can include multiple pieces like the padded panel, hinge, swivel arm, mounting bracket, and the clip or hook that holds the free end in place.

You may also hear more specific names depending on the feature:

Driver-side sun visor and passenger-side sun visor (the most common naming)
Illuminated sun visor (includes a lighted vanity mirror)
Vanity sun visor (includes a mirror, sometimes with a cover)
Extendable or sliding sun visor (has a pull-out extension for extra coverage)

Related parts people confuse with “sun visor”

Because the visor is made up of small components, people often refer to the pieces by the wrong name when ordering replacements. If the visor won’t stay up or keeps falling, the issue is frequently with the hardware rather than the visor panel itself. Common related part names include:

Visor clip or sun visor retainer clip (the small clip near the rearview mirror that the visor snaps into)
Visor bracket (the mounting base at the roof/headliner)
Visor hinge or pivot (the joint that lets it swing down and rotate to the side window)

If you’re trying to secure sunglasses, cards, tickets, or similar items on the visor, it also helps to know the difference between the visor itself and the clip that holds accessories. For practical tips on visor clips and organizing small essentials, visit this guide on visor clips for sunglasses, cards, and tickets.

Why the naming matters when buying parts

“Sun visor” is usually enough for general conversation, but parts listings can be picky. When shopping, match your car’s year/make/model and look for details like mirror/lighting, color, and whether it’s the left (driver) or right (passenger) side. If the panel is fine but the visor won’t latch or sags, searching for a visor clip or retainer can save money versus replacing the full assembly.

FAQ

What is a visor clip in a car?

A visor clip is the small retainer mounted on the headliner that the free end of the sun visor snaps into, helping it stay folded up when not in use. If it cracks or loosens, the visor may droop or won’t stay secured.