Do bug/rock deflectors actually work?

[danrhiggins]

When I go on long road trips one of the biggest pains is bugs. Especially on the windshield. We also had a case recently where a couple of rocks appear to have taken a chunk out of the hood of my wife's Honda CRV. So I was investigating those bug/rock deflector things you attach to the front of the hood. They claim to redirect the flow of air so that less bugs and stuff will hit the hood and windshield.

Any of you have any experience with these things? Do they work?

 

[Finlayforprez]

I can't speak for after market options (if there are any), but I have known 2 people who had the OEM hood deflector (see: http://photos.ecarlist.com/28/Q1/2J/8b/XJ/1L/VJ/V1/KR/F6/RQ_640.jpg) and both had them rattle at speeds above 65mph and even blow off in heavier winds during mountain trips. Even the parts guy at the LR dealer told me the fit is not that strong and he doesn't recommend the OEM one.

I am not sure if others have had the same problem? I don't think they help much.

 

[Lone Star landy]

I personally can't stand the way they look on any vehicle and I'm not sure how much they actually help. Bugs are a PITA!

 

[Finlayforprez]

I personally can't stand the way they look on any vehicle and I'm not sure how much they actually help. Bugs are a PITA!

That is the one thing about being in Northern CA that I love - very, very few bugs!

 

[rovernut]

Wax on the bumper, hood and roof and Rain-X on the glass! That will at least make taking the bugs off an easier task. A little Collinite 845 goes on and comes off easy and barely anything will stick to it, only downside is it has lots of silicone in it and streaks on dark colors and has some ramifications if a re-spray is needed. For the rocks, well 3M stone guard or similar wrap will help, but there is no real solution for that.

 

[NASdiesel]

The 3M paint protection film is well worth the cost. i have it on mine and wish they made it for the doors and roof glass.

 

[BznLR4]

If bug deflectors actually worked, then in a light rain you should notice fewer raindrops on the lower part of the windshield (if it deflects bugs, it should similarly deflect raindrops). I tested this pretty carefully some years ago, and absolutely could not find any evidence to support keeping the rattly ugly bug deflector.

After experimenting and failing to see any benefit in the bug deflector, I researched and found a few articles similarly debunking any value in bud deflectors. I'm convinced they are a waste of plastic.

As previous poster noted, the 3M film seems to work very well.

 

[danrhiggins]

Ha! Great point. I don't care for the way they look either. But if they really worked I would put up with the look to get rid of the bugs! We don't have a lot here in Denver. But when I drive to other states is can get insane. Some have commented about how often you need to stop for gas on long road trips. No worries for me. I'll be stopping to clear the windshield.

And I don't know what it is but the biggest bugs seem to be wanting to hit me in the face. Which means the often seem to splat directly in my line of sight.

I'll be doing the 3M film stuff on the front and at least part of the hood. I use a company nearby who the high end luxury dealers use but I'll go to them directly. I've never tried RainX. If it helps keep the windows clean I'll give it a shot.

 

[mbw]

3m film is great for paint protection, but be aware the a nasty yellow bug can actually stain it if you dont clean it up. I had the entire front of my g35 done with 3m film to protect from rocks, but its actually hard to keep the bugs off it.

On the LR4 I am taking a different approach. I have Laminx protect film on the headlights, since those are not easy to replace or fix rock chips, but the hood and the rest is bare. I wax it (Zaino) but I dont worry about rocks. The cost to repaint my Fuji hood is less than the cost of 3m film. Its also hard to 3m film around the hood letters and its not as easy to get clean and shine up.

Yet another advantage of Fuji White, its just base clear with no metallic or flake, much cheaper to repair or fully repaint panels. Also easier to match or blend.

 

[rovernut]

I agree with mbw and the other issue with the 3m and white is that you can really see the film and any discoloration over time. Even lots of wax on the film on my cars does not allow stuff to slide or bead up like on paint. With the lettering you'd have to commit to removing and re-installing new letters if you wanted the letters on the hood. I also wrap the entire hood, bumper and front quarter panels so there are no visible seams. My last car came with a "bra" of it from the dealer and it looks terrible. The cost for a good install is definitely close to that of a re-spray.

Rain-X is great when applied correctly, though I do know people who don't like it. Personally I rain-x any glass that I come in contact with (including the sliders, shower doors and windows on my house).

You need to make sure glass is clean, apply with a clean cloth or paper towel, re-apply over the first coat, and I use a damp towel to remove the residue. I use it on all my windows and glass roof... water, bugs and junk just slide off when they hit the clean glass...re-apply as needed - it does wear off with wipers and side window movement.