Pulled my spare carrier off today and saw this vent type thing on the tailgate. It looks like it's there to let excess air pressure out from the inside. Just seems unusual since I've never noticed anything like that on other vehicles. Anyone know the story?

 

You're' correct. It allows the pressure to equalize. Usually cars just rely on the air intake to flow both ways.

 

Since it will be 115 in the shade in Tucson soon...It's a good thing they are there!

 

They are there in other vehicles. Usually in the trunk area, between the carpet and the outer fenders so you can't see them.

 

It's funny, now that I'm in AZ I don't want to take the top off the Jeep in the summer because I'll bake. In the midwest the top situation was easier to deal with - off for the summer, on the rest of the time.

 

The rear vent in vehicles is to provide for flow-thru ventilation; in the front vents, and out the rear vents.

 

You will find them on pick up trucks on the rear of the cab between the cad and the truck bed. Look down in that small space while closing the door.......you will see one of the reasons they are there.

 

I have had water get in to mine..

I wonder why??? LOL

 

They are called air extractors. I think it does help with the ventilation but the main function is to release the pressure in the vehicle when the doors are being closed. Otherwise they may not latch properly. It effects the door closing efforts.

 

The front vents alone would relieve pressure when closing the door, if that's what it was all about.

In order for air to come in the front, it has to escape somewhere, and the low pressure area behind the vehicle is ideal for that.