Driving with the windows down can be quite a loud and windy experience. The level of noise and gustiness mainly depends on the aerodynamics of your car and the tightness of your door seals. Even driving with the windows up can still result in a considerable amount of wind noise. You can now prevent this with a car window rain protector. Here are the basic things to know.
What Are Wind Deflectors?
Wind deflectors are plastic panels that you can attach to your car’s exterior. They’re usually placed above the windows or in the window channel, and their purpose is to redirect the wind away from your car. Car wind deflectors are made from plastic and shaped in a way that allows the air to smoothly glide past your car. While they’re commonly used as side window wind deflectors, you can also find options for bonnets and winglets for certain car models.
How Do They Work?
A car window rain protector does its magic by cleverly redirecting the airflow away from your car. By creating a nifty aerodynamic barrier, these deflectors make sure that when the air hits them, it gracefully glides around your car instead of smacking right into it.
Types of Wind Deflectors
There are two main types of wind deflectors for car windows: channel and stick-on deflectors.
- Channel wind deflectors – These are the most common type and are designed to fit snugly into the window channel of the car. They don’t require any special tools for installation and can be easily fitted in just a few minutes. In some cases, clips may be used to secure them if the window channel is too wide. They can also be removed without any hassle.
- Stick-on wind deflectors: These deflectors are attached to the car door panel using a paintwork-safe adhesive. They can be easily removed whenever needed. If you’re looking for the most secure option, go for channel wind deflectors as they provide a tight and snug fit.
What Are Wind Deflector Clips?
Wind deflector clips serve the purpose of filling the extra space between the wind deflector and the window channel, ensuring a secure and snug fit. Typically, wind deflectors fit perfectly into the window channel without the need for clips. In fact, only around 20% of vehicles require the use of wind deflector clips. So, if you don’t get any clips, there’s no cause for concern as they are generally unnecessary.
Benefits of Use
Noise Decrease
Wind deflectors have several advantages, with the most noticeable one being the significant reduction in wind noise while driving at high speeds. Depending on the quality of your door and window seals, using a wind deflector can result in a 40 – 50% decrease in wind noise. This is especially beneficial during the warmer months when you often have your windows down, providing a more comfortable and quieter driving experience. It’s particularly useful during long road trips, allowing you to enjoy your music or have conversations without having to raise your voice.
Airflow
Another benefit of wind deflectors is that they enable you to keep your windows slightly open, allowing fresh air to circulate inside the car. This is a cost-effective advantage as it reduces the reliance on expensive air conditioning or car fans to clear foggy windows or keep the car cool.
Rain Protection
Wind deflectors also come in handy during rainfall. By keeping your windows slightly open, you can prevent your car from getting wet, unlike if you had the windows fully open. That’s why they are often referred to as rain guards or car rain visors. Having the window open during the rain helps prevent condensation on the windows, and you don’t have to worry about raindrops soaking the car interior.
Great for Smokers
For smokers, wind deflectors are a favourite accessory. They allow smokers to keep the window open just enough to let the smoke and ash out without it getting completely soaked in the rain. This feature is especially appreciated by smokers during rainy weather.
Stylish
Lastly, wind deflectors add a stylish touch to your car. They give new cars a sleek look, and their smoked or tinted appearance is visually appealing. Overall, wind deflectors are a practical, economical, and attractive addition to any car.
Potential Fuel Save
Wind deflectors can save you fuel, but it depends on how you use your air conditioning. If you rely heavily on the air con, then installing wind deflectors and using them less can significantly reduce your fuel costs. However, if you’re only installing wind deflectors for better aerodynamics and fuel efficiency, the savings will be minimal.
Can Someone Steal Them?
Nope, you can’t just snatch wind deflectors off. Trying to take them off without opening the window will probably just break them. But don’t worry, it’s pretty rare for someone to even try stealing wind deflectors since they’re just plastic pieces. They might seem cool, but it’s not worth the trouble to steal them. And even if they’re the stick-on kind, it’s still super unlikely for anyone to bother taking them.
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