Everything You Need To Know About Car Wind Deflectors
Let’s face it, driving with the windows down can be a noisy and blustery experience. Depending on how aerodynamic your car is and how tight your door seals are, even driving with the windows up can generate a fair amount of wind noise. Luckily, there is a solution - car wind deflectors! Wind deflectors, also called wind visors or rain guards, are designed to redirect wind away from the car, which keeps everything nice and quiet while you drive… but they have some other really clever uses too. In this article , we will arm you with everything you need to know about wind deflectors.
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What are wind deflectors?
Wind deflectors are plastic panels that attach to the exterior of a car, usually above the windows or in the window channel, in order to direct wind away from the car. They are made from plastic and are moulded into a highly aerodynamic shape to allow air to deflect away from your car. They are most commonly used as car side window wind deflectors but you can also purchase bonnet wind deflectors and winglet wind deflectors for some models.
How do wind deflectors work?
Side window deflectors work by redirecting the air flow away from the car. The wind deflector creates an aerodynamic barrier between the air and the car. Once the air comes into contact with the deflector, its aerodynamic shape forces the air to flow around the car instead of directly onto it.
What do wind deflectors do?
Wind deflectors are very useful for several reasons, but the most recognised benefit is the greatly reduced wind noise while travelling at speed. Depending on the quality of your door and window seals, you could expect a 40 - 50% reduction in wind noise while using a wind deflector. This is hugely beneficial during the warmer months when windows are down more often, making a really comfortable and quieter driving experience. This can be especially helpful on long road trips, when you want to be able to enjoy your music or conversation without having to raise your voice.
Wind Deflectors also allow you to keep your windows open a crack, letting fresh air circulate throughout the car. This is probably the most economical benefit, because you’re less reliant on expensive air conditioning or the car fans to clear foggy windows or keep the car cool.
They’re particularly good during rainfall too - keeping your windows slightly open during the rain would result in wet car, but not with a wind deflector. It’s for this reason they’re also commonly known as rain guards or car rain visors. Having the window open during the rain is incredible for keeping your windows condensation free, and it’s great that you won’t have to worry about those pesky rain drops soaking the car interior.
Drivers who love a cigarette absolutely love wind deflectors, because they allow them to keep the window open just enough to let the smoke and ash tip out. They find this particularly useful during the rain, because their cigarette doesn’t get completely soaked while tipping ash out under the deflector!
Finally, wind deflectors are actually a really stylish add-on to your car. They make new cars look sleek, and their smoked / tinted appearance is really stunning. Wind deflectors overall are an economical, practical and highly attractive car accessory!
What Are The Best Wind Deflectors?
The most well known brand of car window deflectors are heko wind deflectors - you can buy them here. They look fantastic, are easy to fit, and have been around for a long time. They also have a really expansive range so you’ll definitely find a set of team heko wind deflectors for your vehicle. G3 wind deflectors and DGA wind deflectors are significantly stronger in their construction but cover less of a range - you can buy them here. Finally, climair wind deflectors and i speed wind deflectors we have found to be a little on the pricey side. In our opinion, the best wind deflectors are heko wind deflectors. The strongest wind deflectors are DGA wind deflectors. The best value wind deflectors are G3 wind deflectors.
Types of Wind deflectors
There are 2 main types of car window deflectors:
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In channel wind deflectors: The most common type of wind deflector is the in channel wind deflector. They snugly slot into the cars window channel and do not require any specialist tools to fit. In some cases, clips are used to secure the deflectors in place, but only when the window channel is too wide for the deflectors to have a snug fit. They are easy to install in just a few minutes and can be removed just as easily.
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Stick on wind deflectors : Stick-on wind deflectors attach to the car door panel with a paintwork safe adhesive and can be easily removed.
For the most secure wind deflectors, we would recommend using in channel wind deflectors as they achieve a really snug, tight fit.
Do Wind Deflectors Create Drag?
The simple answer to this is no, they have the opposite effect! Wind Deflectors actually decrease drag. Their aerodynamic shape deflects air away from your car, increasing the overall aerodynamics of your vehicle. Less drag usually equates to less fuel consumption, too.
Do Wind Deflectors Save Fuel?
Yes and no. If you’re a heavy Air Con user, then installing wind deflectors and laying off the air con will have a massive reduction in your fuel costs. If you’re installing wind deflectors solely to decrease fuel consumption through better aerodynamics, the saving will be so slight.
What Are Wind Deflector Clips?
Wind deflector clips are sometimes used to fill the excess space between the wind deflector and the window channel, giving them a tight fit. Most wind deflectors fit snugly into the window channel and don't actually need clips at all. Only about 20% of vehicles actually need to use wind deflector clips, so if you receive no clips, don't worry, they're mostly not needed. They secure the deflectors in, but only when the window channel is too wide for the deflectors to have a snug fit.
Wind Deflector Clips are used to fill out any excess space between the wind deflector and the window channel. In most cases, they're not needed at all.
Can wind deflectors be stolen?
No, it's not possible to steal in channel wind deflectors. Attempting to remove these wind deflectors without the window being open will not result in a clean removal - it will more likely result in the wind deflector snapping. But rest assured - it is very uncommon for someone to attempt to steal a set of wind deflectors, after all, they're pieces of plastic. You might think they're highly desirable, but there's a lot more effort involved in stealing these (much more than it's worth). Stick on wind deflectors could of course be removed, however this is also extremely uncommon.
Can wind deflectors fall off?
In short, no. Once fitted securely, the in channel wind deflectors are extremely secure and will not easily fall off.
Do wind deflectors block sun?
Wind deflectors are tinted and so effectively act as a sun visor.
How to pick the right wind deflectors
Wind deflectors come in sets - you can get front door wind deflectors, rear door wind deflectors, or a full set of wind deflectors for front and rear doors. Cheat - we’ve made it really easy for you to buy the correct wind deflectors right here.
Front wind deflectors are moulded to the shape of your car door and are typically arched, while rear wind deflectors are more rectangular. Each vehicle requires a unique set of wind deflectors because they all have different window shapes. When you’ve selected your car, remember to check that the deflectors are compatible with the number of doors on your car. (That’s because 3 door models have a different window size to 5 door models).
Where to buy wind deflectors
Finding the correct set of wind deflectors can be tricky, so we would recommend buying them from a retailer who knows the product very well (ahem - MicksGarage.com for example!) On our website, you will be able to find the correct set of wind deflectors for your vehicle in just a few clicks. After entering your car model, simply select the number of doors of the car and we’ll show you exactly what’ll fit. It's THAT simple!
How to fit wind deflectors
Don’t have time to read? No problem - watch our video: how to install wind deflectors
Installing wind deflectors is very easy and takes just a few minutes.
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Open the car window fully.
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Clean the frame and channel where the wind deflector will be inserted and ensure it’s dry and well prepped.
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Door frame rubbers might harden and decay over time. If you notice that the rubber is dry, cracked or very hard, use Gummi Pflege. This is a great little product that conditions, restores and softens worn rubber. This will make installing wind deflectors much easier.
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Start at a corner and place the edge of the wind deflector into the window channel first, and then work your way back by gently slotting the deflector into place along the channel. If fitted properly the wind deflectors will be secure and have a snug fit. If you receive wind deflector clips, then use them only when the deflectors are not already in a tight fit (they are not needed on every car). Firmly fasten each clip between the deflector and door frame by pushing it up with a screwdriver until the deflector and clip is secure.
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Finally, check that the window opens and closes properly and that the wind deflectors are not catching in it. When you’ve fully closed the window, leave it to rest for 24 to 48 hours to give the channel rubber time to mould around the wind deflector.
And that’s it! We hope that reading this will help you understand the ins and outs of wind deflectors a little more. We think they’re a really cool car accessory that actually enhances driving. They’re hugely popular in the summer but also during the winter, because of their ability to block rain while ventilating the car. Better yet, they’re pretty inexpensive and simple to fit, so why not have a go? You can check them out right here.
Thanks for reading!
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