The dealer installed door guards on the vehicle. They're basically little pvc covers over the edge of the doors and wheel wells... I actually don't really like them. They're kinda ugly IMHO and honestly they're more for me digging someone else's door(s) which I never do so they're almost pointless to me. I'm thinking because the side body of the vehicle is smooth except for the door handles and mirrors...they're actually decreasing mpg because they're disturbing airflow.. Do you think that's the case?
I'm also considering what the effect of the splash guards and front fake grill. Since I've seen pictures of the insight before in came out in 2019 I've wanted to fab up a fiberglass insert to the front grill where the license plate goes...Id think making that area similar to say a model 3's smooth front would certainly decrease drag..
I have the door edge guards (and body side molding) as well. I think the MPG impact is negligible... but then again I've had them on since day one and only know the fuel efficiency with them on. I've gotten at/above average MPG so far, so I think the door guards are doing okay.
The door guards may introduce a disruption to the aerodynamic flow, but I think the other aerodynamics helps on the Insight are bigger factors for MPG. -
https://www.gen3insight.com/forum/2...ipment/3728-vortex-generators-headlights.html
If you want to remove the door edge guards, see comments above by
@Mr. Natural regarding trimming, touch up, and heat-aided removal.
I learned some aerodynamics notes in these videos that the driver side grille in 'fog lamp' / lower area is functional to cool the electric motors... so there are a few 'functional' features to parts of the front grille. And the Insight's rim design intentionally cuts thru air to direct flow behind the wheels for brake cooling.
1:18 to 5:00 - Raiti's Rides -
youtu.be/8kKqRHfD_8Q?t=78
0:49 to 1:15 - Rick Case Honda -
youtu.be/d-BzwWjMPzw?t=49