Open window aerodynamics? Spoilers? Cooler driving when you have no AC?

[morkys]

Honestly, I don't know what you call them, but some cars have those trim spoilers on the windows. It looks like they are designed so you can open the window a few inches in the rain and you won't get wet. I was wondering if these are ok for people who don't have AC and want to have a little bit of extra air-flow on hot days.

[cfg83]

morkys -

Originally Posted by morkys

Honestly, I don't know what you call them, but some cars have those trim spoilers on the windows. It looks like they are designed so you can open the window a few inches in the rain and you won't get wet. I was wondering if these are ok for people who don't have AC and want to have a little bit of extra air-flow on hot days.

Weathertech calls them "side window deflectors" :

WeatherTech - WeatherTech Side Window Deflectors, Vents, Rain Guards, Wind Deflectors


In general we discourage them because they hurt aero (when the window is closed, not sure when window is slightly open). On my 4-door, I used to have one for each front window. I have since removed the passenger one and keep one on my driver's side. I use it for the same reasons that you are stating, to not get wet on rainy days and for a little bit of extra air flow. It also hides the fact the I leave my window slightly open in the parking lot on hot days.

I don't think you can buy just one. You can only buy them in sets of 2 or 4.

CarloSW2

[morkys]

Ok, fair enough. I guess like most things, it's a personal choice and the affect it has on my vehicle would have to be tested.

[cfg83]

morkys -

Yup. Just to muddy the waters a bit (and agree with your statement of testing), side window deflectors did improve aero on this car :



As shown here :



Hwoever, this is an improvement to a 1981-era car. You have a modern Corolla, so you may already be optimized in the A-Pillar department.

CarloSW2

[myrefugeisintheLord]

I'm considering MAKING one of these for my RAV4. As it's a HUGE pain and distraction to put the window up and down all the time for USPS Mail delivery. The passenger window doesn't go up and down automatically, like the driver's side does. And I drive and deliver from the passenger seat.

I think it may help. What do you guys think?

[2000mc]

morkys - i always thought those things were just used by people smoking in their car, i imagine they cost you less fuel than windows all the way down, or running ac if you had it. i think i would be ahead just putting my windows down more when i wanted to, and then not having them attached when the windows are up

[euromodder]

You can keep your windows slightly open, without fear of a rain squall turing the car into an aquarium ...

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

I had some experiences with weathershields a few years ago, when my parents had an Opel Corsa which my mother kept after they got divorced. Since it didn't have A/C, occasionally the windows could get frosted in a rainy day if there wasn't some less restricted air flow, therefore weathershields really helped for that matter.

[Frank Lee]

It can potentially help in your situation. I did rural delivery for several years too; that was a long time ago but I can remember my frozen right hand from the winter route like it was yesterday.