Driving with the Tailgate window open - Safe or Not?

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willinot

New Member
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30
Hi,

While out driving on warm days Ive on occasion opened the Tailgate window.

However while out today with a few friends one commented that he could smell exhaust fumes after opening the window.

My question is basically, Is it safe to drive with the rear tailgate window open or is it only for access etc when stopped due to the possibility of exhaust gasses being drawn in if moving?

Paul.
 
willinot said:
Hi,

While out driving on warm days Ive on occasion opened the Tailgate window.

However while out today with a few friends one commented that he could smell exhaust fumes after opening the window.

My question is basically, Is it safe to drive with the rear tailgate window open or is it only for access etc when stopped due to the possibility of exhaust gasses being drawn in if moving?

Paul.
Click to expand...

Good question, something I've also wondered myself. Keep in mind that some poisonous gasses like carbon monoxide don't have an odour.

I think it's designed so that you can access the boot without having to open the door. I've also used it while reversing in tight lanes. It made it easier to communicate with people who were stood behind guiding me.

I'm not sure if it's safe to keep it open while driving for prolonged periods. Would be interesting to know though.
 
I drive with it open to in hot weather, and with one of the front windows open gives good air flow from front to back of hippo, with minumum wind noise.

So far so smell of exhaust gas`s etc. I think the air flow around the back is ok, i.e. it does not vortex back into the car, as the back of the hippo always seems clean.

My golf for example always has a dirty rear end, I can only presume because of the way the air flows across the back, it must vortex back towards the rear, as thats where most of the dirt and grime is... 5 miles of driving and the rear is dirty again a real pain.
 
think the main thing you need to watch for is sumone grabbing your shopping at the lights!!...

i have mine open in hot weather.....but have no aricon....

if your bothered about fumes??......id keep all your windows shut!...they are everywhere!
 
Aerodynamics....

The flat back of the 5 door produces a significant recircultion of air at a slightly lower pressure behind the vehicle which travels with it. Air flowing under the floor will lift the exhaust gases up into that area and a percentage will enter through the back window.

Opening the door windows will allow air to flow through from front to back redicing the depression and prevent exhaust laden air coming in. The sun roof should be fully opened (if you have one) not tilted up at the back. In this position the slope produces a venturi also causing a depression at the back edge of the roof window and will actually draw air out of the car so without the door windows open would make the situation worse by pulling air in the back door.

Carbon monoxide poisening affects the brains ability to concentrate quite significantly and this can occur long before you are aware of it.
 
If you open any window in a city center you will smell fumes I would not worry about it really....... In my honest opinion leaving the rear hippo window open is ok......apart from the security risk of course........ even when shut it wont offer much protection in the event of an accident I wound think..........I think that rear window is a great idea, especially when on the motorway doing 70Mph no wind noise at all, and fresh air.
 
jedi said:
If you open any window in a city center you will smell fumes I would not worry about it really....... In my honest opinion leaving the rear hippo window open is ok......apart from the security risk of course........ even when shut it wont offer much protection in the event of an accident I wound think..........I think that rear window is a great idea, especially when on the motorway doing 70Mph no wind noise at all, and fresh air.
Click to expand...

Plus the opportunity to shoot tailgaters with water pistols!! :D
 
Missing Link said:
Aerodynamics....

The flat back of the 5 door produces a significant recircultion of air at a slightly lower pressure behind the vehicle which travels with it. Air flowing under the floor will lift the exhaust gases up into that area and a percentage will enter through the back window.

Opening the door windows will allow air to flow through from front to back redicing the depression and prevent exhaust laden air coming in. The sun roof should be fully opened (if you have one) not tilted up at the back. In this position the slope produces a venturi also causing a depression at the back edge of the roof window and will actually draw air out of the car so without the door windows open would make the situation worse by pulling air in the back door.

Carbon monoxide [FONT=&quot]poisoning[/FONT] affects the brains ability to concentrate quite significantly and this can occur long before you are aware of it.
Click to expand...


Well I`ve driven mine for a few thousand K with the back window open, and I love it.....:) If this is carbon monoxide poisening................Bring it on:D


I think you`ll get more [FONT=&quot]poisoning[/FONT] from sitting behind a bus at the lights for 30 seconds..... or a stella fart:doh:
 
Drive with mine open when the weather is hot. I have the rear window gaurd on mine so no worries of anyone stealing my shopping.....lol especially when the dogs are in there
 
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