Bug deflectors and gas mileage

ChrisM
06-12-2006, 05:08 AM
I am considering purchasing a bug deflector and am curious as to the difference in gas mileage with and without the bug deflector mounted. I know before someone mentions it that I shouldn't be worried about gas mileage since I knew I bought a $30k truck and knew it would only get 21 mpg on the freeway but I am. I am enjoying about 23.5 mpg on the freeway right now and don't want to "undo" the extra little bit of mileage I am getting now.

Has anyone actually done a before vs. after comparison? If you have, please list the brand of deflector you have and how well does it actually deflect bugs. I would hate to purchase an accessory that actually didn't deflect bugs and make me lose 3 or 4 mpg. If you could post a pic of your specific deflector on the Ridge, it would be helpful as well.

Thanks.

honda318dx
06-12-2006, 03:42 PM
I seriously would doubt the deflector would hurt milage more than maybe .5 a mpg..

Aloha
06-13-2006, 03:21 PM
I have not done a before/after, but I know that one good rock ding on the hood or a new windshield will pay for a lot of gas... But expect there to be little change in gas mileage either way.

I have the hood deflector, and don't have solid data on how well it deflects (I never had The Ridge without it), but I do know that the way in which rain moves across the windshield (drops I mean) - that is they do not move nearly as much as on any other vehicle I have owned - indicates to me that the deflector does alter the flow of air up and over the vehicle.

Sorry I could not be of more assistance. If you do take the plunge, I would be interested in your "perception" of gas mileage affect, and deflection.