Wind buffeting with windows down

[mtnbyked]

Maybe we can find a solution for this. Since the weather is warmer, driving with both windows down has become the norm. On my other vehicles, both 4 doors, when the front two windows are down I also roll down the rears an inch or so to reduce the air build up (turbulence).
With that being said, my idea is to leave the rear hatch window Un-Hatched to let the air move thru. I haven't tried it yet, but it doesn't seem like a good idea.
Any suggestions?
Maybe a latch extender so the window is secured, but not totally shut to allow the air flow.

[Big Panda]

Originally Posted by mtnbyked

Maybe we can find a solution for this. Since the weather is warmer, driving with both windows down has become the norm. On my other vehicles, both 4 doors, when the front two windows are down I also roll down the rears an inch or so to reduce the air build up (turbulence).
With that being said, my idea is to leave the rear hatch window Un-Hatched to let the air move thru. I haven't tried it yet, but it doesn't seem like a good idea.
Any suggestions?
Maybe a latch extender so the window is secured, but not totally shut to allow the air flow.

i read somewhere on this forum (of course that doesn't make it correct) that the smart will not start with the hatch open. do you know if that is the case or not? i think most manufacturers frown on this as they believe there is a chance for exhaust gases to enter the passenger area....not good.

just running around town i wouldn't think the wind buffeting would be an issue, but at highway speeds i can see that it would. however, it's been said that at highway speeds you're better off with the windows UP and the A/C ON. this reduces the amount of drag on the vehicle, which in turn more than compensates for the HP lost from the A/C.....in other words better MPG's!

[jwight]

It will start with the hatch open.

Here's a vent latch used on Corvettes:



Maybe something similar can be done for the smart.

[dbwill]

On "flat backed" vehicles such as suvs, having the tail gate open allows exhaust to be drawn into the passenger compartment. In have had to drive with this configuration and I was able to smell the exhaust. Not sure what the CO problem might be

[parnami]

Originally Posted by dbwill

On "flat backed" vehicles such as suvs, having the tail gate open allows exhaust to be drawn into the passenger compartment. In have had to drive with this configuration and I was able to smell the exhaust. Not sure what the CO problem might be

In the 60's, we who owned station wagons and NO AC, always left the rear windows open (flipped up like on the smart, or rolled down) in hot weather. I think I survived!! ;)

I've heard the potential for CO to be drawn inside flatback cars too, but, suspect if side windows are open, no vacuum will exist to pull it into the car. In my book, it's almost in line with fearing getting cancer from eating lettuce.

[pabille]

Being the past owner of many a station wagon, I've run across owner's manuals that advise you not to drive with the tailgate window open. Some manuals would also say that if it is necessary to drive with the tailgate window open (hauling two by fours from the lumber yard), keep passenger windows rolled up.

I don't think there are laws against having a tailgate window open, but I'd rather not take health risk.

[pabille]

Originally Posted by pabille

Some manuals would also say that if it is necessary to drive with the tailgate window open (hauling two by fours from the lumber yard), keep passenger windows rolled up.

I believe the manufacturers' considered Bernoulli's principle.