In the Patriot EOM Accessories (http://www.jeeppatriot.com/forum/showthread.php?t=650) thread, richie5120 (thanks!) posted a link to an accessories website which lists, among others items, front and rear air deflectors for the Patriot. I'm curious about the rear air deflector (http://www.autotrucktoys.com/jeep_patriot/Mopar-OEM-Jeep-Patriot-Rear-Air-Deflector-P17703C5315.aspx) option. Here's the description:
Mopar's Rear Air Deflector mounts on the rear liftgate to help keep the rear window cleaner. By directing a steady stream of air across the back of the vehicle while in motion, dirt and grime flows past the glass without settling.


Sounds nice. My question is, do these things really work? At first, I dismissed this as another way for Mopar/Jeep to score some cash off of gullible buyers, but on second thought, I've noticed that a lot of dirt seems to accumulate on the rear windshield of the pool vehicle Cherokees that we have at work. Maybe that's just the nature of the SUV beast, but on the other hand, maybe a little rear deflector would help with that? On the third hand, $95??? A wet wash cloth and 1 minute of work sound much more practical.

I have the same question about the sunroof air deflector (http://www.autotrucktoys.com/jeep_patriot/Mopar-OEM-Jeep-Patriot-Tinted-Sunroof-Air-Deflector-P17705C5315.aspx) pictured on that site. Do these really have a noticeable impact upon the cabin noise level?

Thanks in advance for any comments.

If you are familiar with air flow than you'll know that the flatter the back end of something, the more vacuum that section of the object creates when moving at higher rates of speed. Thus the accumulation of dirt.

In therory one of these would work to keep some directed air moving across the rear windshield. But at what speed do you need to travel in order for it to work? That is the question....

I had one on my Liberty. The back window was almost never dirty.

I would say that they work well.

Thanks for the replies. As far as the sunroof goes, my current car has a sunroof and the wind noise never annoyed me enough to add a deflector. If I decide to buy a Patriot, I'll probably live without any add-ons for a while just to see what happens for myself before plunking down the additional change for either deflector.

I had the opportunity to sit in a Limited Patriot w/ sunroof earlier this week during my lunch hour and the actual sunroof/glass opening seemed small! I'll pay more attention to it whenever I get a chance to spend more than 4 minutes inside the car, but "small!" was the overriding impression...at least compared to what it looks like from outside and also compared to my car's sunroof. I had expected the two to be very similar since they're part of the same family (Dodge, Jeep). Has any Patriot owner/test driver out there noticed this, or do I need to get my eyes checked?

I had the opportunity to sit in a Limited Patriot w/ sunroof earlier this week during my lunch hour and the actual sunroof/glass opening seemed small! I'll pay more attention to it whenever I get a chance to spend more than 4 minutes inside the car, but "small!" was the overriding impression...at least compared to what it looks like from outside and also compared to my car's sunroof. I had expected the two to be very similar since they're part of the same family (Dodge, Jeep). Has any Patriot owner/test driver out there noticed this, or do I need to get my eyes checked?[/QUOTE]

I have the limited with sunroof. It may be smaller than some other cars. I have never really spent time in other cars with them as my husband hates them. When your looking at it you want eaither two things. As big as you can get it, of for it to fit the space. I think it fits the space well. Any farther back and your getting in the way if your using the roof rack. It could be a little farther frontward by maybe a hair but the size fits the space. I can take more pics if you.

...When you're looking at it you want either two things. As big as you can get it, or for it to fit the space. I think it fits the space well.

I like your description of the sunroof, which basically fits my attitude regarding the Patriot: it has the features that I need without being chock full of unnecessary options, gadgetry, and their associated costs. And by that logic, the sunroof doesn’t have to be a “Vista Roof." I found the pictures that you posted on another thread -- you’re probably right about the size of the sunroof, however, I’d be happier if the actual opening were a little bigger…it would be perfect if it were increased by the same dimension as that last bit of glass (see attachment/your pic).