Bug Deflector or Clear Bra?

[Chris C]

I've never been much of a fan of bug deflectors. I asked the salesman, Saturday, when I bought my new Ridge how effective they really are in protecting the windshield from rock chips. He said it would cost less over the lifetime of the vehicle to repair rock chips than to buy the bug deflector, in all but the most unusual cases. He recommended the clear bra material to protect the front end from rock chips. I've read all I can about both, but it seems the clear bra is too complicated for the average bear to apply to the whole front end, though it looks as if it's a really good solution to the problem. Any comments which might help me in my decision?

[GeNeRaL]

I have glass coverage with $0 deducible from my insurance company as long as it's only one claim per calendar year. If you carry glass coverage insurance, I would probably lean towards the clear bra to protect the paint. If not, I would add glass coverage to your policy. It's probably cheaper for a year of coverage with no deductible than to get a bug deflector.

In either case, I would go for the bug deflector anyhow, as they ...well...deflect bugs lol

My two copper coins!

[Chris C]

Do they really deflect bugs? I asked the same question of an F-150owner while he was scraping bugs off his windshield.........."supposedly" protected by a bug shield!

[KE5TCG]

You also have to consider the change in gas MPG with the increased aerodynamic drag of the bug deflector. It does redirect the windstream and will cause turbulence, and turbulence means $$$$. Over a few 10,000 miles that can be a LOT of money at today's prices.

If it weren't for the likelyhood of reduced gas mpg, I'd have a bug deflector.

[Chris C]

Thanks. That's something to think about.

[SRQRIDGE]

i went with the deflector. I like the look better. Several people I spoke with that had bras, did more damage to the paint. Dirt, sand, etc gets between the bra and paint causing damage over time.

[Chris C]

Originally Posted by SRQRIDGE

i went with the deflector. I like the look better. Several people I spoke with that had bras, did more damage to the paint. Dirt, sand, etc gets between the bra and paint causing damage over time.

Do you mean the black bras or the clear bras? I've never heard of anything getting between the clear bra and the paint.............after all, it's just a big clear decal!!!!!

[shamrockshooter]

Originally Posted by KE5TCG

You also have to consider the change in gas MPG with the increased aerodynamic drag of the bug deflector. It does redirect the windstream and will cause turbulence, and turbulence means $$$$. Over a few 10,000 miles that can be a LOT of money at today's prices.

If it weren't for the likelyhood of reduced gas mpg, I'd have a bug deflector.

When i put a high profile bug deflector on my last truck (chevy colorado), I noticed and immediate 2 MPG decrease gas milleage, and a 0% decrease in bugs deflected

[Chris C]

I found a 3-M certified installer of the clear bra material in my area. He quoted me $745 for the entire front-end, headlights, and mirrors. Sounds pricey, but he guarantees it for as long as I own the vehicle. Is that a fair price?

[LionelLines]

Originally Posted by KE5TCG

personally, i like the black lace bras with a plunging reveal, and the teeney tiny little ribbon bow right between the cups. how does Victoria tie them so small? what is her secret?

but a clear bra? who can argue with that???

Makes much sense to me....