15
Mar
If you’re old enough to remember when air conditioning was still an option even on luxury automobiles – which, really wasn’t that long ago – then you probably remember how refreshing the feel of outdoor air coming through an open wing window was. A dose of fresh air through an open window still feels like … well, like a breath of fresh air; and even though wing windows are very much a thing of the past, air conditioning’s no substitute for the invigorating feel of a gentle breeze circulating through a vehicle.
The problem, however, is that opening the windows – even partially – on almost any modern vehicle while it’s moving, whips up more than just a gentle breeze. Thanks to their aerodynamic exteriors – and some pretty wicked interior airflow physics – the air that’s sucked in through a full-sized window and buffets around inside is tantamount to a cyclone in a box. It’s noisy, and it’s relentless – especially in the back – and if it’s raining, it can be downright miserable. Fortunately, there is a way to have your breeze, and to enjoy it too.
If you love the feeling of fresh air, but don’t like the idea of being blown away (…literally) for want of opening a window, then installing a wind deflector on all your vehicle’s windows is the answer. These low glare, heavy-duty acrylic shields are custom-crafted to fit almost any vehicle on the road; and with their powerful adhesive backing, they install easily with no drilling and no worries about coming off.
Their low-profile design and fit are especially meaningful for SUV and 4WD owners: the drivers of vehicles with large passenger compartments, and a penchant for combining natural ventilation with off-road navigation. For them, not only are window-mounted deflectors a way to let the air in while keeping the mud out, but deflector sets frequently include matching acrylic bonnet protectors, making them perfectly complementary add-ons.
Regardless of the type of vehicle though, at the end of the day, they’re all designed to perform the same job. Instead of allowing air to gush through an open window at velocity, they redirect the airflow around the opening, making it possible to open the windows and enjoy a well-ventilated interior without the occupants receiving a full-on pummeling for having done so.
If you can imagine enjoying a summer breeze without being slapped in the face by it, or rolling down a window enough to demist the other windows without having your whole interior sprayed with rain, then wind deflectors are the right accessory for you.
source: pinterest.com
Aside from reducing wind noise and increasing air circulation, some of the other benefits that can be expected from installing weather shields are:
Leaving car windows slightly open during the summer months can be a regular habit for some people, but that’s also why car break-ins soar during warmer months too. With wind deflectors though, you can leave windows moderate cracked to allow heat and plastic fumes to escape, without presenting an all-too-visible invitation for thieves to reach a prying arm through.
Modern vehicles are aerodynamic – amazingly aerodynamic – and if you’re wondering whether wind deflectors provide the same aerodynamic benefit as you’d expected if they weren’t mounted, the answer is yes. In fact, not only do they reduce drag by providing supplemental airflow redirection around the vehicle, but they also prevent drag- and turbulence-inducing dirt buildup from adhering to windows and quarter glass surfaces when it’s raining.
source: 4x4venhicles.com
Wind deflectors – especially when paired with bonnet protectors – don’t just look good: they resemble OEM accessories. They’re transparent, and their sleek style and dark tint finish round out that smooth appearance everyone wants, regardless of the type of vehicle they’re driving.
Beyond all their apparent advantages though, the most obvious question is, why don’t manufacturers install them if they’re really that beneficial? The truth is, quite a few did – and there’s a small handful, primarily in the luxury sedan sector, that still do. The reason more don’t, however, is economics. With high-quality deflectors and shields being produced by the aftermarket, they simply have no reason to.
For Australian consumers though, it’s a fantastic situation. Not only does it mean that they’re able to buy Australian made visors manufactured specifically for vehicles on the Australian market, but they’re able to take delivery of them with almost no waiting … and that’s a benefit anyone can get behind.
source: 4x4venhicles.com
There’s one other advantage when it comes to deflectors – easy installation – and you’d be hard-pressed to find another enhancement that goes on so quickly and makes such a huge difference. Just:
It’d be difficult to find an install more straightforward than that. You can apply a complete set of carwash safe, UV resistant visors in under 30 minutes; and they’ll remain on the vehicle for years.
They may go by as many names as purposes they serve, but when you consider everything that wind deflectors have to offer, it’s no wonder that they’re one of the most aftermarket automotive industry’s most popular accessories.
And I think most drivers would agree that while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with with having an air conditioned vehicle, there’re plenty of times when it’d be really nice to be able to roll the window down while they’re driving and, without being concerned about invasive airflow, simply enjoy in nature.
If you don’t have deflectors on your vehicle, now’s a great time to think about getting a pair. You’ll be amazed at how good that first deep breath of fresh air will be when you take it.
