4 Essential Things to Know About Deflectors (Sun, Vent, and Window)

Adding deflectors to your vehicles is a great way to keep rain, sleet and snow channeled away from open windows and from your sunroof – great for when you want fresh air even in poor weather. They can also help you bring in the great outdoors without getting blown away. Deflectors are also great for keeping wind noise to a minimum and providing you with a more comfortable environment when your windows are down.

Types of Deflectors

While there are technically four types of deflectors - sun, vent, window, and bug – we are only specifically addressing the first three and leaving bugs for another time. Sun, vent, and window deflectors are all used for the same basic functions – to keep sun, air, and liquids such as rain or snow out of your vehicle’s interior.

How Do Deflectors Work?

Deflectors work on a very simple principle of aerodynamics by altering the flow of air and water around your vehicle. They are precisely engineered to change the aerodynamic contour of your vehicle, redirecting air and liquids around the sides of the vehicle while allowing you to retain the ventilation provided by open windows and vents.

What Are Deflectors Made From?

The highest quality wind deflectors are made from acrylic glass, and generally contain a tint to aid in reducing glare. Created specifically for your vehicle’s make and model, they fit the window channels and vents precisely to ensure a seamless installation. Some side window deflectors are made of high-quality 3mm acrylic plastic materials.

Installation Tips

Fortunately, deflectors are very straightforward for anyone to install, requiring no advanced mechanical knowledge or tools beyond a flat head screwdriver. Most deflectors simply clip into the channel in the door or the vent, while a few are built to be installed with a special type of glue to keep them in place. Even if you do use the glue-in type, they are still very simple to install and will only go in one specific way.

Benefits of Side Window Deflectors

  • Sleek, aerodynamic styling
  • Generally installed in the window channel
  • Keeps side windows dry in the rain
  • Offers maximum enjoyment of fresh air
  • Keeps vehicle interior cool when parked

Deflectors that fit in the window channel are so customized that you can rarely tell that they did not come installed at the factory. This relatively inexpensive upgrade can add greatly to your enjoyment of your vehicle.


The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

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