Many people prefer to install rain guards to protect themselves from the cold air in winters. It is an affordable way of protecting yourself from weather changes.
Can You Put Rain Guards On in the Cold? You can put the rain guards On in the cold weather to protect yourself from the snow, rain, and dirt. You can install rain guards by cleaning the windows and removing the dirt, oil, and grease. Remove tape from at least one inch of the deflector and apply it to the window channel or the exterior. Remove the taping slowly; otherwise, it can reduce the adherence ability of these window visors. Secure these by fixing clips on the rear ends. Then, close the windows and let them dry for 4 to 5 hours.
You need to put on the rain guards on your vehicle when you travel in the cold weather. These deflectors are present a few inches below the window top.
You can easily install window guards on windows in the winter season. However, you have to make more effort to apply adhesives on the surface as they get hard at low temperatures.
What are rain guards?
The rain guards protect the vehicles from rain, wind, and dirt. They are present on front and rear windows, particularly on the upper channel.
Based on their location on the window, there are two types of rain guards; in-channel and out-channel or exterior rain guards.
In-channel type is present inside the window channel, while out-channel attach on the exterior side of the windows.
Exterior window visors are easy to install and do not risk damage to window regulators. In comparison, in-channel rain guards attach firmly to the window top and do not fall.
How to install rain guards in the cold?
A cold temperature is not suitable for the installation process of these deflectors because they do not stick to the surface correctly.
Similarly, the presence of moisture can also affect the adherence property of the window rain guards. Therefore, it is essential to maintain a warm temperature using a heat source like a heating machine.
Make sure to provide a temperature of more than 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat melts the glue and allows it to adhere firmly to the surface.
It is easy to install window guards in the winter season, but you need to know the process carefully.
Window preparation
First, prepare the windows by cleaning the dirt and debris from their surface. It is better to remove oil and grease; otherwise, the tape does not adhere to it correctly.
Use a clean and dry cloth and remove the dirt stains from the windows. You can also spray a vinegar solution and warm water on the windows and then wipe it off.
It is better to measure the size of the window before purchasing a set of rain guards.
First, you need to find out the perfect deflector for your truck’s window from many available sizes. So, get deflectors that fit correctly into the window channel.
Put these in the window channel without removing its tape. Then, fix it temporarily with masking tape to determine the correct fitting.
Remove taping
The rains guards have tape all over the surface that maintains their stickiness. You need to remove the tape from it to apply it to the window corners.
Do not remove the whole tape at once as it can reduce adherence efficiency. Moreover, do not touch the glue because your fingers can contaminate the window guards.
Add the rain guard
In addition, be careful while attaching the rain guard to the window surface. An improper attachment or applying it to the other location can lead to its removal.
You need to put extra effort into applying it in cold weather because the glue does not adhere properly to the surface. So, use a heat machine and melt the glue while applying it to the window.
When you pull it out with force, it can cause stress in the tape. Start fixing them from one end and proceed along with the channel.
Press both ends with pressure to secure them at their place. So, apply the rain guards on the front windows to protect the truck.
Fix clips on the edges
Some manufacturers provide clips to fasten the deflectors on the window channels firmly.
Furthermore, the kits contain 3 to 4 clips for each set. You need to attach the clips to both ends using a screwdriver.
In addition, attach one clip in the center of the rain guard present on the window.
After fixing these deflectors on the upper part of the window, close the window to check that there is no interference in its operation. Close it slowly so that these do not fall out.
Close windows for drying
Keep the windows close for some time so that it attaches to the window correctly. The drying time of the glue needs to be almost 4 to 5 hours.
If you open and close windows repeatedly during the drying period, it can affect their durability, and scratches can appear.
Furthermore, it is an acrylic material that can get a break by applying pressure on it. So, it is better to give a proper time for drying and avoid driving.
Why would you put rain guards On in the cold?
The rain guards provide many benefits, making them suitable to be put on in cold weather. Moreover, they are suitable to use all around the year.
In their absence, rainwater can drip into the truck when you open the windows. So, these deflectors allow you to enjoy the rainy weather without any fear of getting wet.
Protect from snow and dirt
The snow falling in the winter season affects many truck drivers as they cannot drive swiftly. In addition, the snow can come inside the truck from the truck’s roof.
So, the snow falls on the ground when you provide a channel by adding window deflectors.
It is good to install these in both humid and non-humid conditions. It protects the truck’s internal environment from dirt by acting as a barrier to elements of air.
Act as windshield
The rain guards become a windshield during bad weather or a storm. You can enjoy the weather by keeping the wind away from you.
These deflectors allow you to open the window a few inches down so that you can enjoy the weather.
Restrict entry of rainwater
As the name of rain guards depicts, its practical use is to stop the rainwater from entering the truck directly.
Instead, the curved shape of these window guards allows water to drip down the road.
So, the rainy weather cannot restrict you from going out anymore. A summer rainstorm and cold air in winter cannot bound you to stay at home.
Sleek and unique appearance
In addition, their presence on the truck gives it a unique appearance. You can add it for practical purposes, but it provides a sleek look.
I have installed these on my truck cab windows, and it looks distinguishing from others on the road.
Reduce wind noise
The driver can feel lesser wind noise while driving if the wind deflectors are present on the windows. The guards produce a slight sound themselves when they catch air.
One of my friends installed rain guards on the truck windows to reduce the wind noise and found a significant reduction.
Keep your truck warm
In addition, the window guard protects you from the cold air by maintaining the temperature inside.
It keeps the trucks cooler in the summers and maintains warmth in winter. It restricts the cold air entry and reduces the flow of warm air from inside to outside.
Reduces gas mileage
Many truck drivers said that these deflectors reduce gas mileage by almost 2 to 2.5 %.
In addition, just because of their aerodynamics, they minimize the fuel economy of pickups and other automobiles.
Suppose the average fuel economy of a truck is 28 miles per gallon (mpg). A reduction of 2.5% in the gas mileage results in consumption of only 27.3 mpg, which is not noticeable.
How long do rain guards last in the cold?
The rain guards are made of acrylic material hard enough to break. In addition, the cold weather or low temperature makes the glue stiff, making it difficult to remove.
The low temperature does not affect its durability, but it plays a role in reducing adhesiveness. These can last for almost 9 to 12 years, but it depends on maintenance.
Furthermore, they are resistant to water and do not quickly get off the window. Only physical pressure can break or create temporary scratches on them.
Can you remove rain guards from your vehicle?
You can remove the rain guards by pulling them out with smooth hands. In addition, you can use a scraper and a fishing line to remove it steadily.
In the winter, it sticks to the surface firmly, and you have to apply heat to melt the glue so that it comes out easily.
Moreover, it can leave stains of adhesives behind on the window surface. You can remove the stains by applying adhesive removers on the stains carefully.
What are the disadvantages of using rain guards in the cold?
Rain guards provide many benefits to the pickup owners, but there are some disadvantages.
Cold weather can make them hard, which increases the glue’s solidity.
In addition, permanent scratches can appear on them quickly when you close the window.
These window guards can get loose with time and even fall out of the window channels.
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