Bug guard - do they really work?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
Bug guard - do they really work?
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'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!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
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.
I opted for the 3M clear bra on my new expy cost a lot more but looks a lot better.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 47,280
Likes: 172
From: DELAWARE, The First State
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.
Also looked into having it painted to match the finish. The jury's still out on that thought.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,157
Likes: 3
I wouldn't paint it. It will chip. The dark smoked low profile looks the best IMO.
Trending Topics
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 47,280
Likes: 172
From: DELAWARE, The First State
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
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'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!
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
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.
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.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,598
Likes: 145
From: SE Georgia
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.
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.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 13,011
Likes: 742
From: Here in No. Calif
When I was little my grandparents had that crap everywhere, down the walkways, lampshades,furniture and even in the car! Hated it!!
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
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.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SCFlareside
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
May 21, 2018 11:19 AM
Forest
Excursion - King of SUVs
19
Nov 14, 2012 04:31 PM
