Does installing rain guards on a car cause significant wind noise at high speeds?
3 Answers
Installing rain guards on a car can result in very noticeable wind noise at high speeds. Introduction and functions of rain guards: 1. Rain guards are automotive accessories, which are protruding rain visors made of synthetic resin or engineering plastic material located at the top edge of car windows. 2. In rainy conditions, they help maintain fresh air circulation inside the vehicle, ensuring a comfortable environment for passengers. 3. By promoting fresh air flow, they prevent window fogging under any circumstances, thereby enhancing visibility and driving safety. 4. They can block glaring side light and UV rays, reducing interior temperature; they also prevent rain, snow, and dust from entering the cabin while maintaining external air exchange.
I previously installed rain guards on my car, and they were pretty quiet when driving slowly in the city—hardly any extra noise. But once I hit the highway and sped up over 100 km/h, the whooshing wind noise became really noticeable. This is mainly because the rain guards protrude from the top of the windows, and high-speed airflow hits them, creating turbulence and extra noise. The faster the speed, the more annoying the noise gets. Sometimes, opening the windows for ventilation actually makes it even noisier. I’ve tried rain guards from different brands—the ones that fit tightly are a bit better, but if there are gaps or the material is thin and flimsy, the noise gets worse. If you frequently drive long distances, I’d recommend not skimping on quality. Go for thicker, well-fitting ones and make sure they’re installed tightly to minimize issues. For city driving, though, they’re totally worth it—great for cracking the window open on rainy days.
Rain guards do indeed increase wind noise at high speeds, which I've personally experienced. The principle is that they disrupt the vehicle's aerodynamics, causing turbulence and vibrations as air flows over the protruding edges, generating noise. Once speeds exceed 80 km/h, the noise becomes quite bothersome, especially on windy days. Having driven several vehicles, I've noticed that sleeker sedan designs produce less wind noise compared to boxy SUVs. On the upside, their rain protection and ventilation features are highly practical during rain or snow. When installing, opt for premium materials like acrylic and avoid cheap adhesives – improper installation or misalignment can amplify noise issues. If the noise becomes too intrusive, regular inspection and cleaning can slightly mitigate the problem, as balancing functionality and comfort is key. Playing music to mask the noise is also a handy trick while driving.
