Love Your Roof Rack, But Hate the Roar? Here’s the Solution.
Hey everyone, it’s Darman. A roof rack is an amazing accessory that unlocks a new level of adventure for your vehicle, allowing you to carry bikes, kayaks, cargo boxes, and more. But as soon as you hit highway speeds, you discover the one major downside: the loud, often unbearable wind noise. That constant roaring or whistling sound is caused by wind hitting the flat, un-aerodynamic surface of your front crossbar.
Thankfully, there’s a simple and elegant solution: a car rack wind deflector, also known as a fairing. This is an aerodynamic shield that mounts to your front crossbar, directing airflow smoothly over the rack instead of through it. The result is a dramatically quieter ride and even a slight improvement in fuel economy. In this guide, I’ll break down the best wind deflectors on the market to help you bring peace and quiet back to your drives.
How to Choose the Right Wind Deflector
Before you buy, there are a few key things to consider to ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance.
Size Matters: Getting the Right Width
The golden rule is to choose a fairing that is as wide as, or slightly wider than, your roof rack’s crossbars. Measure the distance between your rack’s towers. If your rack is 40 inches wide, you’ll want a fairing in the 40-44 inch range. A fairing that is too narrow won’t be effective, and one that is significantly wider than your car’s roof will look out of place.
Mounting System & Compatibility
Most modern wind deflectors come with universal mounting hardware designed to fit a variety of crossbar shapes, including round, square, and aerodynamic (aero) bars. However, a fairing made by the same brand as your roof rack (e.g., a Thule fairing on a Thule rack) will often provide the most seamless and secure fit.
Top 5 Wind Deflectors for a Quieter Journey
I’ve selected the best options from the most trusted brands in the industry, as well as a great budget-friendly choice.
1. Thule AirScreen XT
Best For: The Ultimate in Aerodynamics & Integration
Thule is a titan in the roof rack world, and their AirScreen XT is a testament to their engineering. This fairing features a textured, wind-diffusing surface that is exceptionally effective at managing airflow for a quiet ride. Its “SecureClick” clamps attach effortlessly to Thule’s own aero and square bars, but universal hardware is also included. If you already own a Thule rack, this is the most integrated and best-looking option you can get. For everyone else, it’s still a top-tier choice for its superior aerodynamic performance.
- Pros: Best-in-class aerodynamics, easy and secure mounting on Thule racks, sleek and modern design.
- Cons: Premium pricing, especially compared to budget options.
2. Yakima WindShield Wind Fairing
Best For: A Sleek & Silent Premium Option
Yakima is another top-tier brand that competes directly with Thule, and their WindShield fairing is a fan favorite. It’s known for its incredibly secure mounting system that holds tight at any speed, eliminating rattles and vibration. The sleek, gloss black finish looks fantastic on any vehicle, and its aerodynamic shape is highly effective at cutting down wind noise. Available in multiple sizes, the Yakima WindShield is a premium, reliable choice for any user looking to silence their rack system.
- Pros: Very secure and rattle-free mounting system, highly effective at noise reduction, premium look and feel.
- Cons: Sits at a higher price point, similar to Thule.
3. Rhino-Rack Wind Fairing
Best For: The Rugged, All-Round Performer
Rhino-Rack is known for its tough, durable, and no-nonsense gear, and their wind fairing is no exception. Made from a high-impact acrylic, it’s built to withstand years of highway driving and harsh weather. The universal mounting hardware is robust and designed to fit nearly any crossbar on the market, making it one of the most versatile options available. It provides a significant reduction in wind noise and has a classic, rugged look that pairs well with any vehicle, especially trucks and SUVs.
- Pros: Durable and robust construction, truly universal mounting system, great value for a premium brand.
- Cons: The look is more functional than sleek compared to Thule or Yakima.
4. INNO Racks Fairing
Best For: The Innovative Value Choice
INNO is a respected Japanese brand that consistently delivers high-quality and innovative products at a competitive price. Their wind fairing is known for its strong 3-point mounting system that provides excellent stability. It effectively reduces wind noise and has a clean, simple aesthetic. For those who want a product from a reputable, quality brand without paying the premium for the biggest names, the INNO fairing represents an outstanding balance of performance, quality, and value.
- Pros: Excellent build quality for the price, stable mounting system, great value.
- Cons: May not be as widely available in all sizes as other brands.
5. Leader Accessories Roof Rack Wind Fairing
Best For: The Best Budget-Friendly Option
If you have a basic or unbranded roof rack and simply want to solve the wind noise problem without spending a lot, this fairing from Leader Accessories is the perfect choice. It features a simple, universal mounting system and a straightforward design that effectively deflects wind. While it may not have the same premium finish or robust hardware as the more expensive options, it absolutely gets the core job done at a fraction of the price. It’s a practical and effective solution for the budget-conscious adventurer.
- Pros: Very affordable, universal fit works with most crossbars, effectively reduces wind noise.
- Cons: Simpler construction and hardware compared to premium brands.
Your Wind Deflector Questions Answered
Will a wind deflector really improve my gas mileage?
Yes, but only slightly. By making your roof rack more aerodynamic, a fairing reduces drag, which can lead to a small improvement in fuel economy, typically around 1-2 MPG on the highway. The primary benefit, however, is a massive reduction in noise.
How do I stop my fairing from rattling or vibrating?
A rattling sound is almost always caused by loose mounting hardware. After installation, and again after your first drive, go back and re-tighten all the clamps and screws. Ensuring the fairing is firmly pressed against the roof (most have rubber bumpers) also helps eliminate vibration.
Can I take a wind deflector through an automatic car wash?
It is highly recommended that you do not. The large rotating brushes of an automatic car wash can easily snag, damage, or completely rip a wind deflector from your roof rack. It’s best to either remove it before washing or use a touchless car wash instead.
Darman’s Final Word: Bring Silence to Your Drive
Choosing the right wind deflector is a simple decision once you match it to your needs and budget. Here’s a quick guide to making the perfect choice for your setup.
Your Quick Guide to a Quieter Ride:
- For Premium Systems: If you already have a rack from a top brand, matching it with a fairing from Thule, Yakima, or Rhino-Rack will provide the best integrated look and performance.
- For the Best Value: For an excellent balance of high quality and a great price, the INNO fairing is a very smart choice.
- For the Budget-Conscious Buyer: If your main goal is simply to stop the noise without spending a lot, the Leader Accessories fairing gets the job done effectively.
Pick the right fairing for your setup, ensure it’s installed tightly, and get ready to enjoy the sound of silence on your next road trip.