Exactly, I asked Injen a while back about a by-pass valve and they said they were working on it. Nothing so far and I see nothing in the future with their heat sheild taking it's place. I've driven in almost a foot of snow and torrential downpours with my CAI and no problems other than getting stuck, THANK GOD. Am I still worried about the winter and rain living in the east coast of Jersey? YES!!! There are ways to help us. Duct tape the holes in the plastic, heat shield, remove it entirely for the winter, or any of the above. It's your call.