Is it necessary to install rain guards on a car?

[LeKiara]

It is not necessary to install rain guards on a car, but if the owner lives in a city with frequent rainy weather, adding rain guards can make driving more convenient. Rain guards are mainly installed on the left and right rearview mirrors and side windows of the car, serving functions such as maintaining clear visibility in the rearview mirrors, avoiding rain, and blocking sunlight. Generally, rain guards can be divided into acrylic rain guards and polyethylene rain guards based on their materials. Advantages of rain guards: 1. They allow the window to be opened slightly for ventilation during rain, preventing rainwater from entering the car interior; 2. They can block direct sunlight from hitting the driver to a certain extent; 3. Installing rain guards on the left rearview mirror can prevent rainwater from blurring the mirror, enabling the driver to better judge the vehicles behind.

[Kate]

I think installing rain guards is quite helpful for daily driving. During the rainy season, I often find them especially practical when the car gets stuffy and the windows fog up. They allow me to crack the window slightly for ventilation without letting rainwater in, which is convenient for smoking or just getting some fresh air. However, the downsides are also noticeable, such as increased wind noise at high speeds, which can be distracting. The added wind resistance also leads to a slight increase in fuel consumption by a few percent, adding up to extra fuel costs over time. The good news is that installation is simple and inexpensive—you can do it yourself in about half an hour, and with the right materials, they won’t easily fall off. In rainy regions, this small investment to improve comfort is worth it. If your car is often parked outdoors and exposed to wind and rain, rain guards are a cost-effective choice. I’d advise against opting for cheap, low-quality products to avoid potential safety hazards later on.

[DelCharlie]

As a safety-conscious experienced driver, I'm quite wary of rain guards. While they offer advantages like rain protection, ventilation, and reduced window fogging, installing them can obstruct the A-pillar visibility and increase blind spots, especially when turning or changing lanes, which can be dangerous. On highways, they increase wind resistance and fuel consumption, and poor-quality products may loosen or fall off, potentially damaging the car or injuring pedestrians. I've also noticed they amplify wind noise, which can be distracting. Using the AC for ventilation in summer is actually more reliable and safer, and if the car has an automatic defogging system, that eliminates another risk factor. I once had a minor accident due to the obscured view from rain guards, which made me extra cautious since then. For short trips in rainy cities, rain guards might offer some utility, but they must be professionally installed to ensure stability. Overall, safety should always come first, and I don’t advocate casually installing such accessories.

[Ursula]

I installed rain guards for my urban commute and they work great. During rainy days in traffic, cracking the window slightly keeps the air fresh without letting rain in, making it comfortable for smoking or ventilation. Window fogging is significantly reduced, decreasing reliance on air conditioning. After installation, there's a slight increase in wind noise, but at low city speeds, the impact is minimal. They're low-cost, easy to DIY, and can be installed for just a few dozen bucks, lasting a long time. During the rainy season, they noticeably enhance the driving experience with strong practicality.