Everything You Need to Know About Window Visors

From common replacement parts to the most performance-oriented upgrades, the aftermarket makes for the commonplace for car enthusiasts. That's not to say that the aftermarket is unreachable for everyday commuters as it can be the place to get some practical accessories that aren't offered by the official manufacturer.

In fact, with aftermarket parts and accessories you can spend a lot less and still get what you need as long as you do some research on your own. While you can get parts that are of bad quality, if you know what to look for you can get something even better than an OEM accessory.

Benefits of Window Visors

Rain

The same exact thing can be said for window visors or rain guards as they're also known. As their name suggests, they are able to protect your car's interior from getting soaked when you open the window a bit to let some fresh air in. Durable auto window visors will do so no matter if it's lashing it down or not.

Visibility

Despite being primarily a protective accessory, a window visor is also a great addition if you want to prevent the sun from blinding you from the side windows. With these slightly tinted pieces of plastic, you can easily cover your eyes from the sun's harsh rays and make driving especially on the motorway much more relaxing and convenient. 

Style

While some cars look ugly with wind deflectors, they are quite rare as you can make your car look even more appealing with visors on. The design of the visors can change a whole lot although they are just small accessories. Sometimes the details can make the biggest difference appearance-wise and window visors are one of them. Just make sure you choose the right ones for this any set of rain guards won't do the trick.

Fresh Air

Despite being called wind deflectors, rain guards can also help you get some fresh air in at high speeds without getting that fluttering sound. This is due to their aerodynamic profile which also helps reduce the drag coefficient of your car making it more fuel efficient. This is noticeable on longer trips rather than when going to get groceries.

Noise

A piece of plastic may not come to mind when you want to get NVH levels down but rain guards are exactly that and they help reduce wind noise. Again, this may not make a drastic difference but it will add to the pile of other sound insulation solutions you have on your car such as carpets, new tyres as well as some added insulation material.

Types of Window Visors

In-Channel

The easiest to install window visors are in-channel visors. They are installed by sliding them into the channel where the window is seated when it's fully closed. You essentially need to jam the guard in so that it gets stuck in there.

Don't worry this design still works with your window as it will still get closed when. Remember to clean the window channel from any dirt and debris before you install the guard as it also relies on an adhesive that helps it stay there.

Stick-On

Also called, tape-on deflectors, stick-on deflectors are installed on the frame of the window also with the help of an adhesive. The adhesive on a stick-on is much stronger than that on an in-channel guard since it's the only thing the guard is secured onto the upper frame.

What to Consider

Shape

The design of a rain guard is what determines its shape and its shape is what determines how aerodynamic and appealing it is. The sleeker the design of auto window visors the more they blend in with the existing design of your vehicles and the more aerodynamic they are. They are an overall better solution than visors that stand out like a sore thumb and are not necessarily aerodynamic or visually appealing.

Compatibility

One thing is for sure and that is that visors need to be made for the make and model of vehicle you have. While there are universal rain guards, they are not going to be as fitting and as sleek as some custom-made or rain guards that can be fitted only on a handful of cars. The latter are more expensive but definitely longer-lasting and more visually appealing.

Material

While plastic is the only material rain guards come made of, the type of plastic they are actually made of is a determining factor. For instance, guards made of ABS plastic are much stronger than those made of high-grade acrylic but they are not as easy to install nor are they as good at improving your vehicle's curb appeal. 

Adhesive

No matter which type of window visor you purchase, make sure you go for one with a long-lasting adhesive. If you're unsure which to choose you're always better off with wind deflectors that use 3M adhesives as they are tied-and-true products that you know will last for years to come.