Let’s face it: it can be a very messy and noisy experience to drive with your windows down. Even keeping the windows up while driving can produce some wind noise depending on the door seals and how aerodynamic a car is. Thankfully, a solution was developed, none other than the air deflector.
Air deflectors, also known as wind deflectors, rain guards, or wind visors, are designed and meant to redirect the air away from the vehicle to keep things quiet and nice during your drive. But more than this, wind deflectors also have many other clever uses.
Continue reading below to learn more about air deflectors.
What are Air Deflectors?
Air deflectors are the plastic panels attached to a car’s exterior, typically in the window channel or on top of the window. As their name suggests, wind deflectors deflect the wind away from the vehicle.
Window deflectors are made from plastic material and molded into a highly aerodynamic shape to let the air deflect away from the car. These panels are most frequently used as side window wind deflectors although you can also buy winglet wind deflectors and bonnet wind deflectors for several models.
How Do Air Deflectors Work?
Side air deflectors work by redirecting the flow of air away from the vehicle. Wind deflectors form an aerodynamic barrier between the car and the air. The moment the wind has come into contact with the wind deflector, the aerodynamic shape will force the air to flow around the vehicle rather than directly on it.
What Do Air Deflectors Do?
Air deflectors are extremely useful and handy for many reasons. However, the most recognized advantage they offer is the significantly reduced wind noise when traveling at speed. You can expect a wind noise reduction of 40% to 50% when using an air deflector depending on the quality of the window and door seals.
This reduction is greatly beneficial during warmer times of the year when windows are often kept down, making the driving experience quieter and more comfortable. It is also very useful during long road trips when you want to engage in conversations without shouting at top of your lungs or enjoy listening to your favorite music.
A wind deflector also lets you keep the windows open a crack to allow fresh air to circulate inside the car. It is undoubtedly the most economical advantage of wind deflectors since you will rely less on the car fans or expensive air conditioning to clear those foggy windows and keep the vehicle’s interior cool.
Wind deflectors are also handy during rainy months. With a wind deflector, you no longer have to worry that your car will get wet even if you keep the windows slightly open while driving in the rain. It is the very reason why wind deflectors are also often called car rain visors or rain guards.
Opening your car windows when raining can help keep them free from condensation, not to mention that it will also help you free from worries about your car’s interior getting soaked by pesky raindrops.
If you often smoke, you will also surely appreciate a wind deflector as it will let you keep your window open just enough to allow the ash and smoke to tip outside. It is specifically useful when it is raining since you can be sure that your cigarette won’t get soaked every time you tip out the ash under a deflector.
Last, but not least, air deflectors can also add a touch of style to your vehicle. These accessories can make your new car look sleeker, thanks to their stunning tinted or smoked appearance. All in all, wind deflectors are highly attractive, practical, and economical car accessories you would surely love.
Main Types of Air Deflectors
Car air deflectors have two main types, and these are stick-on and in-channel wind deflectors:
In Channel Wind Deflectors
The in-channel air deflectors are the most common and popular type of wind deflector you can find and use today. These deflectors slot snugly in the vehicle’s window channel. You also don’t need to use specialist tools just to fit them.
There are instances when clips can be used for securing these deflectors into place. However, it is only necessary if the window channel is too wide that the deflectors can’t fit snugly. You can install them easily in a matter of minutes and remove them just as easily and quickly.
Stick On Wind Deflectors
A stick-on wind deflector attaches to the car door panel using a paintwork-safe adhesive. These deflectors can also be removed with ease.
If you are looking for the most secure air deflector, you might want to opt for in-channel wind deflectors because these ensure a tight and snug fit.
How to Choose the Right Air Deflectors
Air deflectors are available in sets. Some of your options include rear door wind deflectors, front door wind deflectors, and a complete set of wind deflectors for rear and front doors.
Front air deflectors are molded to the shape of the door of your car and are often arched. Rear wind deflectors, on the other hand, are more rectangular. All cars need a unique set of air deflectors since every vehicle has distinct window shapes.
After you have chosen the car that you like, don’t forget to check and confirm that the deflectors that come with it are also compatible with how many doors your car has. This is because car models with three doors differ in window sizes from that of five-door models.
Where to Buy Air Deflectors
It can be very tricky to find the right set of air deflectors. This is why it is highly recommended that you only buy them from a reliable retailer who is familiar with the product. You might want to check their website first to find the right set of air deflectors for your car in just a matter of clicks.
Some websites also let you enter your car model, and specify how many doors your car has, and from there, you will learn what air deflector will fit.