WeatherTech Side Window Deflectors

[stephenalmanzar]

I am thinking about picking some up because they are the only in-channel-vents that look good while keeping a low profile.

So, to everyone out there who have these on, how do you like them? Have you had any problems with them? Are they worth it? Would you buy them again?

Thanks.

 

[Greydog]

Yup, I have all 4, like em alot, even replaced the front 2 recently.

No problems with them, just make sure they are seated all the way.

 

[stephenalmanzar]

Yup, I have all 4, like em alot, even replaced the front 2 recently.

No problems with them, just make sure they are seated all the way.

Okay, good enough for me. Now why did you replace the front two?

 

[RPC]

I've had WeatherTech deflectors on all four windows for a few years now and love them, though the front two get 95% of the usage. There's plenty of inclimate weather in Minnesota year-round and I prefer to crack the windows vs. using the defroster when possible.

Two issues I've had:

-There was a small piece missing from the window flange of the driver's deflector when received. Installed anyway and a month later it fell off on the freeway when I put my window down. Contacted WT and they sent me a new front pair. Their CS is awesome.
-When using the auto-up feature, the driver window occasionally (every 8 weeks maybe?) will top out and "ricochet" back down- some safety feature of the vehicle. It didn't do this before I installed the deflectors and I have no doubt the add'l material in the window channel is causing the safety feature to 'think' the window is binding on something.

That said, I'd replace them all if they all got stolen tomorrow.

Hope this helps.

 

[gshadow325]

Yup, I have all 4, like em alot, even replaced the front 2 recently.

No problems with them, just make sure they are seated all the way.

Okay, good enough for me. Now why did you replace the front two?

before you click and buy them.

how about an opinion from a retailer. personally i would never ever buy in channel rainguards for my vehicles.

customer comes in wanting in channel, then they get in channel. no need to change their mind.

when they ask for suggestions, i suggest stick on the outside.

why?

it makes the window real tight in the seals. laws of physics here, two objects cant occupy the same space. something has to give.

i have experienced lots of problems with various brands of vehicles. from caddy's to kia's. i would not do it on my own personal cars.

problems include but not limited to
-slow window closing
-windows not going up
-raingueards falling out
-windows stopping and not closing all the way
-premature failure of window motors
-windows stopping when they meet the rain guard

just giving you another point of view

 

[cgv69]

how about an opinion from a retailer. personally i would never ever buy in channel rainguards for my vehicles.

I am not a retailer, just an end user but from my experience (and personal taste) the in channel type are the only ones I'll buy (and I have had the stick on type in the past).

My first set of Weathertechs are on my Silverado. I've had them on for well over 10 years now with no issues at all.

I put a full set on my 4runner about six months ago. When I first put them on, I did have some sporadic (maybe 25% of the time) issues with the Auto-Up on the drivers side (The window would start to go up and seemingly "hit" the visor and go back down). A little annoying but not a show stopper IMO.

2 months ago I had the front windows tinted and the installer asked me to remove the visors so he could cut out the tint using the outside glass as a template. I did and left them off for a week while the tint "dried". After re-installing them the window has worked perfectly 100% of the time since. My theory is, I did not have them seated correctly the first time and now that they are, they work just as perfectly as my other set.

As far as them "occupying" the same space as the glass, the "blade" of the visor (the part that actually goes into the channel) is very thin and those channels are rubber gaskets with plenty of give/wiggle room. This is really a non-issue IMO.

I say get them. They are very well made, they last, you don't have to stick something to the paint or frame of your door. Can be removed and re-installed if/when needed and in my limited experience, as long as they are installed correctly, they will be trouble free.

 

[gshadow325]

You just described every single problem with in channel visors except the channel part. You play that problem down too much.

Your Chevy that is notorious for blowing window regulars for hairs stuck in the window channel was luck. Biggest problems I have are with gm suv. The window roll back down problem or anti pinch as some companies call it is the biggest issue. New Toyotas Lexus and nissans are pita.

I like the look of in channel but hate the problems that come along with them.

I know I have the most experience with them on this site. I am doing a set today, did a set yesteryear on a 14 Subaru outback. In channel matter of fact. It was the only option available for that customer. It did everything I described. It got stuck. Hopefully it will get better, but like others that have chimed in. .. customer feels it's better than nothing. I feel the same way, it's better than nothing if there is no choice. When there is a choice, I'd go stick on

 

[gshadow325]

That's a set going on a 2011 Nissan armada on the outside.

Here is my set that sticks on the outside. We have black window trim so it hides it very well.

And also I am not trying to tell you what to do. Just showing you what your options are. So you can make a good choice.

Did you know stick on ones are cheaper than the weather techs?

 

[LobstaMobsta]

Oh god, those stick on AVS vent shades look like hell! with such a clean truck why oh why would you ever? Bottom line is, this is a weather tech product and the quality is superior…yes i also had an issue with the auto-up child protection feature within the first week but after that they settled in…these vent shades look great in channel and in my opinion there is no other way to go, the issues listed by the "retailer" are common issues on other models but again, this is toyota and weathertech here people! nuff said

 

[ebg18t]

I am with [MENTION=93434]gshadow325[/MENTION] on this one. I had the weather tech on my last car, rears blew off 2x (WT replaced both times). But the window rolling up and back down was the biggest PIA. Happened probably 1/3 of the time when rolling my driver side windows to scan my access card to get into work parking garage.

I like the look of the 'in channel' but just too annoying for me. I have the stick on style on my 4Runner.

 

[gshadow325]

Issues I listed are common and happen on all makes and models Toyotas are included. It's actually worse on Lexus because those anti pinch tolerance is lower. So a tiny cunt hair will make it drop back down.

Regardless if it was weather tech, putco, stampede, Lund, avs, trail fx, etc they all do it.
[MENTION=93514]LobstaMobsta[/MENTION] good thing this is my truck and I didn't build it to impress you lol. I understand where you are coming from though. I do like in channel look but hate the problems that come along with them. My kids left a window open on my rear window in my volvo a few times and it got soaking wet inside. Since the awesome weather techs stopped the window from going up all the way. It was a rear window so I didn't notice it wasn't closed all the way.

If you asked my kids right now if they are allowed to open a window. They would tell you "in the truck we can but not in the Volvo"

 

[cgv69]

You play that problem down too much.

I didn't down play anything. I simply related my exact experience.

Your Chevy that is notorious for blowing window regulars for hairs stuck in the window channel was luck. Biggest problems I have are with gm suv. The window roll back down problem or anti pinch as some companies call it is the biggest issue. New Toyotas Lexus and nissans are pita.

My Chevy is a '99 (00-02 style) that I've had since it was 1 year old. I did have to replace the driver side regulator 3-4 years ago. When it went, it was the cable. The passenger side still has the original factory installed unit.

 

[kimboy]

Adhesion over time will fade from the double sided sticky tape.
If you leave your SUV outdoors, dust and dirt accumulate making washing a bit difficult.
That same dirt ends up etching the top of the glass as in-channel visors weren't originally designed when windows are rolled up.
I would get clear next time over tinted. A-pillar becomes 'thicker' and cornering will take a little time getting used to. I don't notice it now.
Great for car camping. Keeping the windows slightly cracked open when it rains is awesome.
My WT's were made in Germany. I'd consider the pros and cons to these and external adhesion (not as ascetic) versions.
I probably started an old thread somewhere with a review.

 

[stephenalmanzar]

Hah, alright. I really don't like the "stick-on" look and have had bad experiences with them in the past. I was thinking that in-channel seems like a good work around for all the problems that come with "stick-on" vents. On top of that, WT seems to make the only set that looks good and sleek, almost "OEM-like". Thanks for all the input guys, I think I will take a chance with the weathertech and if they don't work out I'm sure I can just sell them. Wish me luck, I'll get back with my experience when they come in.

 

[SnowyPeaks543]

WT's all day.

Thanks for the info guys!

I was kind-of on the fence, both sides had really good points. Ultimately, I went with the in-channel design. Someone had a great point about dirt, and grime, and UV degradation over time for the stick ons- which put the nail in the coffin for me, since I frequent Moab. That red sand is relentless, and I can see being in the sand for 3 minutes before the edges of the sticky tape are loaded with sand.

Washing the car is a huge plus. Having the permeant set would get in the way of all sorts of stuff.

The negatives to the in channel- which seem to be falling out and tripping the auto-roll safety- seem to be easily fixed with WT's great warranty. As far as the window issues, whatever- no biggie IMO.

Thanks again!

Um, also this company is out of Illinois and supports the Chicago Blackhawks-so I had no choice.

BP

 

[Gatafly]

I had WT in channel and ripped tgem out. Personally don't like deflectors, but hate in-channel. It ruins the weather seal. My windows are loose and rattle when shutting the doors. Only choice is new seals or put deflectors back in. Im afraid it would eventually wreck the window motor though.