Bug guard - do they really work?

hjsimpson · #1 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 12:52 PM

Hey folks,

I've been running my Expedition with a bug guard ever since I got it and its starting to look a bit weathered when I wash it compared to the shiny hood.

When the guard was new you could barely notice it against the black but now its more prevalent without its luster....

I'm contemplating getting rid of it, what are your thoughts?

Do they really work?

thanks for the inputs!

rjd75 · #2 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 12:55 PM

I drove without one on a black truck for 3 yrs doing on avg 150miles highway a week.. In those 3 yrs I had a few minor chips in the front of the hood. I will run without one on my new one as well..

berry1234 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 01:33 PM

I think for this hood design they don't work well. The majority of the bugs hit the area below the front grill and under the head lights.

welfarewagon · #4 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 04:11 PM

Next time you wax your truck wax the bug guard as well it will shine up like new again, the plastic tends to fade pretty quickly so you may need to keep on it more often, I also noticed that car wash bug and tar removers that they use in the summer months can do a number on them as well.

I opted for the 3M clear bra on my new expy cost a lot more but looks a lot better.

chuck s · #5 (**permalink**) 06-09-2010, 05:48 PM

Bug guards remind me of those clear plastic sofa covers your weird aunt put on her furniture. Who ya saving the paint finish for, the second owner?

-- Chuck

glruff · #6 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 12:00 PM

I bought one to make a trip to Florida, plan to take it off when we get back.

Also looked into having it painted to match the finish. The jury's still out on that thought.

berry1234 · #7 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glruff

I bought one to make a trip to Florida, plan to take it off when we get back.

Also looked into having it painted to match the finish. The jury's still out on that thought.

I wouldn't paint it. It will chip. The dark smoked low profile looks the best IMO.

glruff · #8 (**permalink**) 06-10-2010, 12:21 PM

Yes, the price to paint with clear coating $150, lol

tiresmokindad · #9 (**permalink**) 06-12-2010, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hjsimpson

Hey folks,

I've been running my Expedition with a bug guard ever since I got it and its starting to look a bit weathered when I wash it compared to the shiny hood.

When the guard was new you could barely notice it against the black but now its more prevalent without its luster....

I'm contemplating getting rid of it, what are your thoughts?

Do they really work?

thanks for the inputs!

I think they are really working. I used mine and until now they are working. Bug guard are really cool.

eddiemoney · #10 (**permalink**) 06-12-2010, 07:59 AM

I think mine works pretty well. . . .

Also, my wife's Subaru Legacy we opted for the 3M shield on the entire front end. . .. I did this because I think bug deflectors only belong on trucks. I put a full 24" on the hood of the subaru (all the way up to the scoop for the intercooler). Even with this I still get rock chips on the back edge of the hood because it doesn't deflecthings up like the bug deflector, only protects what is covered.

fordboy67 · #11 (**permalink**) 06-12-2010, 08:38 AM

I'm not a big fan of the looks, but wish I'd have had one, as I have a spot on my hood where the clearcoat is starting to peel from a chip!

Tylus · #12 (**permalink**) 06-13-2010, 02:51 AM

they really work up to a point. on the smaller insects, they do get deflected.

the bigger guys zoom straight through though to their death.

a bug guard is really best for rock chips IMO. I've had them before, and would buy one again most likely for the Expy. But haven't seen one locally.

hanklin · #13 (**permalink**) 06-13-2010, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck s

Bug guards remind me of those clear plastic sofa covers your weird aunt put on her furniture. Who ya saving the paint finish for, the second owner?

-- Chuck

That is hilarious pal,,rep sent
When I was little my grandparents had that crap everywhere, down the walkways, lampshades,furniture and even in the car! Hated it!!

ArdWrknTrk · #14 (**permalink**) 06-13-2010, 05:37 PM

My Sicilian grandfather had clear plastic slip covers in his Fairlane wagon.
I can remember being 'glued' to the back seat.

wogdiml · #15 (**permalink**) 07-14-2010, 06:00 PM

I originally got our Auto Ventshade low profile smoke due to 5 or 6 pretty deep paint chips. Colorado has gravel on the roads 12 months a year in one way or another so I felt like the $45 would help protect the paint. I bought it when ours was only a couple of weeks old. Also, my truck (actually the wife's) is white, so the smoke really stands out. It is garaged so I don't have any fading at this point, but could see how the fading might contrast with yours. I just ordered a new AVS bug guard and a set of 4 in-channel rain deflectors for my parents' 2010 expedition on amazon for $89. Best price I could find anywhere plus free budget shipping. Both arrived in a few days.