For those who have the wind deflectors

[nw_4Runner]

I've never given them much thought, but there are two issues I'm wondering if they'll help with:
1) Opening windows when raining - do they keep water off the auto-up/down window controls, and in general out of the cab? Any difference in function at speed v. being parked?
2) Opening doors when car is covered in snow - do they help direct some of the snow out of the cab, or is there no difference?

Any other benefits for those who have them? Am considering more for #1 than anything as it seems the 4Runner lets in a lot of water compared to past vehicles.

Thanks in advance.

 

[1engineer]

I've never given them much thought, but there are two issues I'm wondering if they'll help with:
1) Opening windows when raining - do they keep water off the auto-up/down window controls, and in general out of the cab? Any difference in function at speed v. being parked?
2) Opening doors when car is covered in snow - do they help direct some of the snow out of the cab, or is there no difference?

Any other benefits for those who have them? Am considering more for #1 than anything as it seems the 4Runner lets in a lot of water compared to past vehicles.

Thanks in advance.

Here is something from a pm with [MENTION=68273]Ukie[/MENTION] on this subject:

There are two reasons I always install vent visors:
1. Whenever there is high humidity and high temperature variance between inside windshield/outside windshield. Where I live in the late spring through late fall we will get hot weather with high humidity (or rain lol) and the windshield will start to fog up. Cracking your windows will immediately cause the windshield to clear. Unfortunately cracking your window at 75 mph in the rain results in unwanted moisture in the vehicle. Vent visors keep the water out and your windows defogged.

2. Instant temperature control in all weather. Too hot in vehicle and raining when it's cold outside? Crack your windows for 30 seconds. Lets fresh air in for a short time and instantly cools the interior down.

They only keep the rain out when the window is cracked. Not when the window is 1/2 or fully down. Hope this helps.

 

[TevisAaron]

I've never given them much thought, but there are two issues I'm wondering if they'll help with:
1) Opening windows when raining - do they keep water off the auto-up/down window controls, and in general out of the cab? Any difference in function at speed v. being parked?
2) Opening doors when car is covered in snow - do they help direct some of the snow out of the cab, or is there no difference?

Any other benefits for those who have them? Am considering more for #1 than anything as it seems the 4Runner lets in a lot of water compared to past vehicles.

Thanks in advance.

IMO, wind/rain guards are mainly for looks. I have them on my '13 TE and normally put them on all of my vehicles. As far as rain goes, they do keep water out but you're limited to how far you can roll the window down without water getting in. The main time I find myself using the guards is if I am in a drive-thru, although you can only roll the window down enough to talk out of, it still gets the job done. As you stated, I've noticed that 4Runner's do let water in at a higher height than most vehicles.
As far as snow, I can tell you that there is no difference than when you don't have them. It has snowed a few times over the past month or so since I purchased my 4Runner and, forgetting to brush the snow off, it falls inside the vehicle (on my floor and seat) EVERY TIME!

Hope this helps. . .

 

[nw_4Runner]

Thanks for the insights, guys. Good to know - can set expectations accordingly.

 

[G8RB8_12SR5]

I bought mine after the first rain in WA state this year because we have two hunting dogs that get very hot after they exercise and the vent visors allows me to vent them and cool them off while running other errands without letting rain in. I usually only open them to just below the bottom of the visors and have no issues. Like others have said its useful about half way down when ordering fast food but don't count on it for anything beyond that. I bought mine for specific purpose though and they function great for it. 1E brought up a good point about venting to defrost the windows though I haven't used mine for that, defroster works fine for what I seem to encounter weather-wise

 

[jspagna1]

I bought them for my 11, but waiting for the warm weather before I install them. I was not going to buy them for this truck, but I have changed my mind. I have have them on my 3rd gen and have had them on other cars as well. As someone mentioned previously they are mainly for keeping the rain from getting in and being able to crack the window to let some air in.
At this point I also fine that without them I have to close my windows completely because I am concerned about theft. Where with them installed you can keep the window cracked and it would be more work for someone to break in. Just a thought?

 

[PGRunner]

I agree with just being able to open the windows a tad when it's raining. I have had them on the previous couple of trucks I have owned. I also like the way they look. The wife doesn't like the way they look though.