Should You Install Car Rain Guards?

[NoraAnn]

If the area you live in frequently experiences rain, installing rain guards is advisable. Conversely, there's no need to install them if not. Below is an introduction to car rain guards: Functions of Car Rain Guards: In rainy conditions, they help maintain fresh air circulation inside the vehicle, meeting human needs; prevent window fogging that could impair driver visibility and operation, enhancing driving safety; block glaring side light and UV rays, reducing interior temperature; shield against rain, snow, and windblown sand entering the vehicle while not hindering external air exchange. Precautions for Using Car Rain Guards: Purchase from authorized dealers to ensure the quality of the rain guards; before installation, clean the window area where the rain guards will be applied with a cloth, as excessive sand and dust can affect the adhesive strength of the rain guards.

[MacEleanor]

I've been driving for almost a decade and have always been torn about whether to install rain guards. The benefits are great: they allow for ventilation during rainy days without letting raindrops in, keeping the air inside the car much fresher. Especially during the hot and stuffy summer, you can stay cool without using the air conditioning. The downsides are that they can be a bit noisy at high speeds, making it sound like there's always wind hissing around the wheels, and they might increase fuel consumption slightly, by about half a liter per 100 kilometers. I installed one myself, a plastic one bought from an auto parts store for less than 50 yuan, following a video tutorial. It was easy to install, but you need to make sure the car body is completely dry before sticking them on firmly. Overall, I think it's worth it, especially for those who frequently drive long distances or live in rainy areas. But if you mainly drive slowly in the city, they're not really necessary.

[LaOlivia]

I usually enjoy studying automotive accessory details. When it comes to rain guards, material selection requires careful consideration: standard ones are made of ABS plastic, which is lightweight and affordable but prone to aging and deformation; higher-end aluminum alloy versions are more durable but costlier. The key to installation is thoroughly cleaning the window frame, wiping off grease with alcohol before applying adhesive tape, and pressing firmly for at least three minutes to ensure a secure fit. Once installed, they effectively provide ventilation and prevent fogging during rainy days, but may increase wind resistance, raising fuel consumption by around 3%. Additionally, wind noise at high speeds is a notable concern, so opting for designs with honeycomb patterns for noise reduction is recommended. Maintenance involves regularly checking the adhesive tape for looseness or cracks to prevent detachment and air leaks. From a practical standpoint, they are indeed useful, especially for those who prefer driving with windows open for ventilation but dislike being confined to air conditioning, offering a low-cost investment with high returns.

[KiaraAnn]

I don't think rain guards are necessary to install. First, cracking the window slightly for ventilation is a minor issue, and during light rain, at most a few drops may come in, which isn't a big deal; installing them actually makes the car look bulky and less cool. Besides, after a couple of years, the adhesive strips age and fall off, making reinstallation a hassle. At high speeds, the wind noise buzzes annoyingly, driving you crazy. I regretted it after trying once—wasted money and it affected my driving mood. Now, driving without them feels refreshing; just be a bit careful when opening windows in the rain—why bother with this hassle?