What Are Window Vent Visors (Wind Deflectors) & Do You Need Them?

Have you ever been driving in the rain, but had to open the windows to de-fog them and ended up cold and wet? I have.

Have you ever turned a corner and gotten hit right in the eyes with a ray of sunlight that momentarily blinds you until you can get the sunshade down? As a person with light-sensitive eyes, this happens every time I drive.

Do you wish there was a simple solution to these problems? Well, as it turns out, there is.

What Are Window Vent Visors & Why Use Them

Way back when, when cars were less of a requirement than they are today, some bright spark figured out the solution to everyone’s problem, and window vent visors were born.

You may be wondering if they’re worth it, what they do, or even what they are. More importantly, you may be wondering if you need them.

Well, let me tell you, I got window vent visors for my car and I will never go back.

But what are window vent visors and why do we use them? I’d like to tell you.

They will change your driving forever.

The What

Window vent visors, also known as window wind deflectors, are small plastic devices that fit over your car windows. They sit along the top of the window and fan out at a slight angle.

Some cars come with a smaller built-in version of these, but the ones you attach yourself cover the tops of all four windows completely.

Vent visors have to match the model of your car or else they won’t fit.

The Why

As the name suggests, window vent visors are there to vent air and block light.

By covering the small opening at the top of the window with an angled piece of plastic, you can keep the wind and rain out when the window is cracked. This allows you to vent the car without letting in water or wind.

They also act like the sunshade in your car, keeping the sunlight out of your eyes while you’re driving.

Overall, they make for a more pleasant trip for the driver and passengers alike.

Do You Need Them?

If you are just here for the short answer, then yes, if you want to be able to see and vent your car comfortably, you need window vent visors.

The long answer is, well, longer.

No laws state that window visors are required. If they were instrumental to driving, they would come already installed on the car.

No one is going to force you to get window visors.

However, as we all know, just because you bought something new, doesn’t mean it is perfect as is. This rule applies to cars too.

While it is up to your preferences whether you want visors or not, they do have many advantages and very few drawbacks.

If you recall my earlier example about turning into the sun and not being able to see until you get the shade down, you’ll know there are moments when driving that can be safer.

The momentary blindness you experience when you drive towards the sun is all it takes for a fatal car crash.

Similarly, fogged windows are a hazard when you drive. If you don’t open the window to de-fog them because you don’t want to get wet, then you are limiting your visibility.

I won’t say you need window visors, but for your safety and everyone else’s, I highly recommend them. Also, they make driving more comfortable, and who doesn’t want that?

Types

When it comes to window visors, there are many, many different types. Some are tinted while, others are opaque. There are also different means of attaching visors to cars.

Starting with attachment methods, there are two main types: in-channel and tape-on.

In-channel visors go either in the window track or between the track and the door. They fit snugly in place and are merely pressure fit.

If you would like full instructions on how to install in-channel window visors, I recommend this video here.

Tape-on visors, on the other hand, stick to the frame of the car above the window. These visors are much more permanent than the in-channel ones and may damage the paint when removed.

However, tape-on visors are more secure, get in the way less, and provide more coverage since they are further out from the car. They are also easier to fit as they do not have to be exactly to size like in-channel visors.

For full details on how to install tape-on window visors, give this video a gander.

Many visors you will find are opaque, but there are also tinted ones. The tinted ones offer sun protection without limiting visibility, while the opaque ones have greater sun protection, but reduced visibility.

Benefits

Window visors are one of the best add-ons for any car. They have numerous benefits that will make you wonder how you ever lived without them.

Tinted window vents act as sun shields, preventing bright light from impairing your driving. This is especially true if you have a very curved car with windows that angle forwards. Vent visors help block the light that sunshades cannot reach without getting in the way of your vision.

Secondly, vent visors allow you to open the windows in the rain without worrying about water coming in.

Because of the angle of the visors and their ability to deflect water, you can air out the car without inviting in the rain.

This is especially helpful when your windows begin to fog up as it allows you to de-fog them even in storms.

Lastly, window visors add a layer of aerodynamics to your car that reduces wind noise. While they won’t help your car go any faster, you don’t need to worry about blowing your eardrums out every time you crack the windows on the highway.

Disadvantages

As always, no matter how good something is, it is never without disadvantages.

In the case of window visors, this usually comes in the form of fitting issues. Window visors are not made for every model of car, and not all cars can accommodate them to begin with.

Additionally, some brands have less staying power than others. A window visor will rarely fall off, but it can happen if the fit or attachment is off.

Scroll to Top