Rain Blinders on the Car Door: Why You Need and How to Install

Car owners often face a dilemma: whether to install additional elements on the body or leave everything in the factory version. One of the most talked-about topics in motorist communities is deflectors, or as they are often called, rain visors. These small plastic linings are attached to the top of the window frames and are designed to improve the microclimate in the cabin when driving.

Some drivers consider them an obligatory attribute that protects from dirt and moisture, while others see them only as a source of whistles at high speeds and unnecessary fuel consumption. To understand whether the game is worth a candle, it is necessary to analyze in detail the functional purpose, design features and nuances of the operation of these accessories. In this article, we will weigh the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.

The market of the automotive periphery offers hundreds of models that differ not only in price, but also in quality of execution. Cheap options can get cloudy in a month, and expensive ones perfectly repeat the geometry of the body. It is important to understand that flux-deflector It should not disrupt the aerodynamics of the vehicle in a critical way if it is chosen correctly.

Functional purpose and working principle

The main task that the visors perform from the rain is already laid in their name. However, the functionality of modern products goes far beyond simple protection from precipitation. When opening the window during rain, water flows down the outside of the glass, without getting into the cabin, which allows you to ventilate the car even in a shower. This is especially true for smokers, although smoking is prohibited in modern cars, but the principle remains the same for the rapid removal of steam or odors.

In addition to protection from moisture, these elements create a kind of air pocket. When moving at speed, the airflow is directed in such a way that there is no strong draft in the cabin, characteristic of open windows. This reduces noise and makes the trip more comfortable. It is also worth noting the protective function from the ingress of small stones and sand, flying from under the wheels in front of the cars, which is especially important on the track.

⚠️ Warning: Installing too wide or incorrectly selected deflectors can lead to visibility disturbance and the appearance of strong aerodynamic noise (whistle) at speeds above 90 km / h.

Another important aspect is the protection of the window frame from mechanical damage. Plastic takes on the blows of branches or accidental touches, while maintaining the paintwork of the door. However, do not forget that under the visors themselves, moisture and dirt can accumulate, if you do not monitor the purity of the joints. Therefore joint-hygiene Between the body and the accessory requires periodic monitoring.

In summer, the visors allow you to leave windows ajar for ventilation, even if short-term rain is expected. This helps to avoid the greenhouse effect in the parking lot, keeping the cabin cool. Thus, the functionality of these elements is multifaceted and goes beyond simple decoration.

Main types and materials of manufacture

Choosing deflectors is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also of safety. On the market are products made of various materials, each of which has its own performance characteristics. The most common material is acrylic glass or polycarbonate. These materials have high transparency, resistance to ultraviolet light and mechanical strength.

Quality phosphore It is able to withstand temperature changes from -40 to +80 degrees Celsius without losing shape and color. Cheap analogues made of secondary plastic often have a murky shade and can deform in the sun in the first season of operation. When choosing, you should pay attention to the thickness of the material and the quality of processing edges.

There are two main types of attachment that are dictated by the design of the car and the owner's preferences:

• 🔹 Fold-in models: are installed in the upper slot of the window frame, require accurate selection for a specific model of the car.
• 🔹 Overhead models: are attached to a double-sided tape to the outside of the door, are versatile, but may require degreasing of the surface.
• 🔹 Combined options: combine elements of insertion and adhesive fastening for maximum reliability.

Separately, it is worth mentioning deflectors with chrome edging. They perform a decorative function, emphasizing the lines of the body. However, chromium can oxidize over time, so additional care is needed for such elements. The choice between matte, transparent or chrome is a matter of taste, but technically transparent models are less noticeable and more versatile.

Why do some deflectors turn yellow?

Cheap plastic under the influence of ultraviolet light changes its molecular structure. No special UV filters are added to the material, which leads to rapid burnout and the appearance of yellowness. High-quality acrylic contains stabilizers that prevent this process for years.

Advantages and disadvantages of installation

Before you go to the store for accessories, you need to objectively assess the pros and cons. Like any technical solution, deflectors have their supporters and opponents. Understanding all aspects will help you avoid disappointment after buying.

Among the undeniable advantages can be distinguished:

• 💧 The ability to air the cabin in rainy weather without water getting inside.
• ☀️ Reduced heating of the cabin in the parking lot due to the ability to keep the windows ajar.
• 🛡️ Protection of side windows from mechanical damage and dirt on the door frame.
• 🌬️ Elimination of the effect of "cotton" when opening doors on the move due to normalization of pressure.

However, there are also shortcomings that the sellers are silent about. First of all, this air-resistance. Even the minimum protrusion of the element changes the air flow, which can lead to an increase in fuel consumption, albeit insignificant, and the appearance of extraneous noise. At high speeds, whistles can be an annoying factor, especially on long journeys.

Another disadvantage is related to the car wash. In winter, snow and ice can be filled in the gap between the deflector and the glass, making it difficult to open the windows. Regular cleaning of this space is required. In addition, with poor-quality installation on the glue, over time, the sticky layer can dry out, and the element will have to be glued, which does not always pass without a trace for paint coating.

The legal aspect should also be taken into account. In some countries, overly wide deflectors may be regarded as a design change that limits visibility, although this is rarely tested in practice. The main thing is that the accessory does not cover the working surface of the glass in a lowered state.

Comparison table for anchorage types

To systematize the information and help you choose the best option, we give a comparative table of the main characteristics of different methods of installation. This will allow you to quickly assess the complexity and reliability of each method.

Characteristics	Folders (in the groove)	Invoices (on scotch)	Combined
Complexity of installation	Medium	Low.	Tall.
Reliability of fixation	Tall.	Medium (depending on glue)	Maximum
Impact on LCP	Minimum	Risk of glue traces	Average.
Risk of loss at speed	Low.	Medium (with bad glue)	Very low.

As can be seen from the table, insert models require more accuracy when installing, but provide a more natural fit. Overhead options are easier to install, but require perfect surface preparation. Combined models combine the advantages of both methods, but also cost, as a rule, more.

When choosing, you should focus not only on the price, but also on the reviews of the owners of your car model. The geometry of window frames from different manufacturers can differ even within the same class of cars, so there are no universal solutions.

Step-by-step installation instructions

The process of installing deflectors requires patience and compliance with the temperature regime. It is best to carry out the procedure in a warm garage or box at a temperature not lower than +15 degrees Celsius. The cold plastic becomes brittle and the adhesive base loses its properties, which can lead to a defect when installed.

First, you need to thoroughly wash and degrease the installation sites. Use a special degreasing or isopropyl alcohol. Do not use acetone or aggressive chemicals that can damage the paintwork or plastic parts of the door. After degreasing, the surface should dry naturally.

Then comes the fitting stage. Without removing the protective film from the tape, apply the deflector in place. Make sure it does not cover the view and does not interfere with the course of the glass. For insert models, it is important to carefully insert the edge into the groove, without putting excessive effort to avoid breaking the locks or the plastic itself.

When the fitting is successful, you can move on to the final fixation. Remove the protective film from the tape (or open the valve if it is provided by the design). Some masters recommend heating the adhesive surface with a building hair dryer to a warm state - this significantly improves adhesion. Tightly press the element along the entire length, paying special attention to the edges.

Do not wash your car or open windows for 24-48 hours. The adhesive layer takes time to polymerize and gain final strength. If you ignore this step, the deflector can unstuck at the first wash under pressure.

⚠️ Warning: Never pull the deflector over the edges when installing. The pressure should be distributed evenly throughout the area of the adjoining, otherwise deformations and gaps are possible.

For insert models, there is a nuance: sometimes the factory seal is too tight. In this case, you can slightly bend it or use a plastic spatula for a gently inserted. The main thing is to act without fanaticism, so as not to damage the window lifting mechanism.

Care and operation in winter

Winter is the most severe test for any external elements of the car. The rain canopies are no exception. The main problem of the cold season is icing. Ice can fetter the opening mechanism of a window or create pressure on the glass, which in rare cases leads to microcracks.

Before opening the window in winter, be sure to clean the edge of the deflector from the naledi. Use a glass defroster or warm (not hot!) air. Mechanical scraping of ice with a knife or scraper is strictly prohibited, as you can scratch both the deflector and the glass. Scratches on plastic Over time, they become cloudy and spoil the appearance.

In automatic washings, you should be careful. Powerful jets of water under pressure can rip off poorly glued elements or drive water under them. If you use insert models, the risk is lower, but checking the reliability of the attachment before each winter will not be superfluous.

To care for the surface of the deflectors, use the same means as for plastic elements of the cabin or polishing the headlights. Special plastic polishes will help restore transparency and protect the material from ultraviolet light, which is especially aggressive in winter when combined with light reflected from snow.

What to do if the deflector starts to whistle?

Often, the whistle occurs due to a gap between the deflector and the body. Try to stick a thin strip of antiscript or seal in the place of loose fit. Also check if the back edge of the element has moved away.

Legal and security aspects

Many drivers are concerned about the legality of the installation of deflectors. According to the technical regulations of the Customs Union, the installation of additional equipment should not worsen the visibility conditions for the driver. This means that the deflector should not overlap the working area of wipers or significantly limit the view through the side windows.

In practice, certified deflectors specifically designed for your vehicle model fully meet these requirements. They pass the tests and have the necessary documents. Problems can only arise when installing artisanal products of "universal" size that climb outside the glass or have a mirror coating that blinds other drivers.

It is also worth remembering about safety. In case of accident, the incorrectly installed deflector can become a source of additional fragments. Therefore, choose products made of impact-resistant materials that do not form sharp edges when destroyed. The quality of the material here directly affects your safety and the safety of passengers.

In conclusion, the visors from the rain is a useful accessory, which, when selected and installed correctly, significantly increases the comfort of the car. They allow you to enjoy fresh air in any weather and protect the cabin from dirt. However, the approach to buying them should be balanced: savings on quality can lead to unnecessary costs and problems in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I wash my car with automatic deflectors?

Yes, it is possible if the deflectors are installed qualitatively and correctly selected. However, it is recommended to alert the wash operator or choose a mode with less aggressive water pressure in window areas to avoid the risk of peeling off or leaking water under the plastic.

How do you get the scratches off the deflector?

Small scratches can be tried to polish with special plastic polymer or GOI paste. Deep damage is almost impossible to eliminate, in this case, the element is easier to replace, as polishing can violate its transparency.

Do deflectors affect fuel consumption?

Theoretically, any aerodynamic disturbance increases the flow rate. However, for modern deflectors designed with wind tunnels in mind, this effect is minimal and is less than 0.1-0.2 liters per 100 km, which in real conditions is imperceptible.

Why do windows with deflectors installed fogging?

The deflectors themselves do not cause fogging. Instead, they allow you to keep the window ajar for ventilation. If the windows are sweating, the problem is with the car's ventilation system or the need to replace the cabin filter, not the accessories.

Do I need to remove deflectors in winter?

You don't have to take them off. Quality products are designed to operate in a wide temperature range. The main thing is to be careful when opening windows in the cold and clean the edges of ice.