Are rain guards useful?
4 Answers
Rain guards are useful. The main function of rain guards is to block rain during rainy weather. After installing rain guards on rainy days, the protruding part can effectively block rainwater, allowing the windows to be slightly lowered without issue. Opening the windows ensures air circulation inside the car, reducing the likelihood of window fogging, and it also helps dissipate smoke when smoking. Most importantly, there's no need to worry about rainwater getting inside. On sunny days, when the morning or afternoon sun shines obliquely into the car, rain guards can provide some shading effect. Although the coverage is limited, it can still prevent glare from the sun. During hot weather, keeping the windows tightly closed is not conducive to dissipating heat inside the car. With rain guards installed, you can slightly open a small gap for ventilation. Since the rain guards cover the top, the windows still appear tightly closed from the outside.
I've been using rain guards for almost twenty years and genuinely find them quite useful. The most annoying thing when driving in the rain is having to choose between closing the windows and feeling stuffy or opening them and getting wet. With these installed, you can crack the windows slightly for ventilation without letting any rain in, significantly improving the air quality inside the car. They're especially handy in the summer when parked outside—you can get some airflow without using the AC, making it more comfortable to wait in the car, like when picking up kids from school. There is a slight increase in wind noise at highway speeds, but you get used to it, and it doesn’t affect driving. Installation is straightforward—I did it myself—just make sure to choose durable plastic materials that aren’t too thin to avoid them blowing off. Overall, they’re safe and practical, reducing fogging for clearer visibility.
I think rain guards offer great value for money. Spending around a hundred bucks to install a set is totally worth it. They make it convenient to crack the window for ventilation when smoking or dealing with odors during rainy days, saving fuel and electricity by avoiding constant AC use. DIY installation isn't difficult—just opt for branded products to ensure quality and avoid cheap knockoffs that may fall off easily. Maintenance is a breeze, just wipe them clean. In humid weather, they help reduce interior moisture and protect upholstery. Overall, it's a small investment with significant returns.
I don't really like the appearance of rain guards as they affect the car's fashionable look and make it appear outdated. Although they serve some functional purpose like allowing ventilation during rain, they create significant wind noise. Modern car air conditioning systems are good enough to directly regulate fresh air, making this accessory unnecessary. Installing them disrupts the car's streamlined design and adds minor issues.