Everything You Need to Know about Air Curtains in Cars

Air curtains are small vents or slits located at the front corners of a car, underneath the headlights.

They allow air to flow into the wheel wells and around the front wheels. This helps guide the airflow and reduce drag, which makes the car more aerodynamic.

How Do Air Curtains Work?

When a car moves forward, it pushes through the air. This creates wind resistance or “drag” that slows the car down. The front wheels rotating also disrupt the air, creating turbulence and drag.

Air curtains work by channeling air from the front vents along the wheel wells and around the spinning front wheels. This forms a “curtain” of air that stops the turbulent wheel air from mixing with the main airflow over the car. It helps the air pass the wheels smoothly instead of getting disrupted.

This reduces turbulence and drag, allowing the car to slice through the air easier. It’s a simple but clever way to improve aerodynamics.

Benefits of Air Curtains

There are several benefits to having air curtains on a car:

• Improves fuel economy – less drag means using less fuel to maintain speed
• Enhances driving performance and handling
• Reduces wind noise inside the cabin for a quieter ride
• Makes the car more stable at higher speeds
• Gives some models a sportier, more aggressive look

What Cars Have Air Curtains?

While first introduced on high-end sports cars, air curtains are now common on many models including sedans, SUVs and trucks. Manufacturers are adding them to improve efficiency and performance.

Some examples of vehicles with air curtains:

• BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, X5
• Chevrolet Camaro, Silverado, Tahoe
• Ford Mustang, F-150
• Honda Civic
• Porsche 911

So next time you’re looking at cars, keep an eye out for those small vents at the front corners – they make a bigger difference than you might think!