4Runner - Stone chip magnet?

[Giskarded]

This question has probably been discussed many a time, and I've seen people go back and forth on it.

Should I invest in a bug deflector. I've driven mostly old and low profile cars (coming from a 99 Accord Coupe), and some old Dodge vans. Maybe I'm just paranoid, now that I've bought a much nicer vehicle.

But I'm noticing that the 4runner (no lift) seems to attract stones and other crap that pings off the surface way more than any other car I've driven. Is this something fairly common with this vehicle?

Luckily, no obvious paint chips yet, but havent really driven it that much.

I'm considering getting a weathertech bug deflector at this point through amazon, which should help cover for the shipping, but does anyone have other recommendations?

 

[Larry77]

I've had T4R's both ways and it seems like I've had a lot less damage to my hood and windshield without a bug deflector. My newest rig doesn't have one and I haven't missed it at all.

 

[chaz]

if you've ever driven the interstates for long periods of time during the summer , you'll know why its called a bug deflector, that juice ruins paint too.

 

[Maz]

I'm having the smallest size clear film kit installed today. The kits are specifically cut for model and year of vehicle. This size kit covers the front bumper, a relatively small portion of the hood at the very front, and just a little of the sides at the very front right at the headlights. I don't like the idea of doing it, but hope it will protect what seems to be easily chipped paint. The installer (who primarily works on Porsches) says this material almost disappears to the eye on silver vehicles like mine.

 

[audiqtr]

I have the 3M bra installed on the Hood, Grill, Bumper, Side Mirrors, Door Handles, Under the door wells. Came with a 7 year warranty.
I am keeping the car for 10 years, so it was well worth the investment. I highly recommend it.

 

[b.abe825]

I have the 3M bra installed on the Hood, Grill, Bumper, Side Mirrors, Door Handles, Under the door wells. Came with a 7 year warranty.
I am keeping the car for 10 years, so it was well worth the investment. I highly recommend it.

Where did you get that 3M bra? Cost?

 

[audiqtr]

Where did you get that 3M bra? Cost?

Window Tinting | Autos-Residential-Commercial | Redwood City, CA 650-366-8468

I had the bra done together with the tint on the 4R. The bra portion cost $495 installed and that actually included the "Extended" hood film that covers up to the Hood Scoop.

They are by me here in NorCal. They tinted and installed the bras on my last three cars. If anybody is interested, I can get you a guys a small discount as well. I highly recommend them.

 

[Maz]

I have the 3M bra installed on the Hood, Grill, Bumper, Side Mirrors, Door Handles, Under the door wells. Came with a 7 year warranty.
I am keeping the car for 10 years, so it was well worth the investment. I highly recommend it.

I didn't get the kit with the under the door well coverage since I thought the Sport model tube bar effectively protects that area. With the chrome grill I also skipped that part. However I was remiss in mentioning the kit I'm getting has protection for the mirrors also.

I didn't hear anything about a warranty, but I didn't ask. I'll make sure to get the manufacturer name and price posted. I'll also try to put up some pictures, but don't count on that since I've never posted photos before.

 

[Jed]

No problems with chips here. I don't think I have a single chip anywhere, even without a bug deflector of protective film. I've had plenty of chips on my other vehicles, so I just naturally thought that the 4Runner had harder paint or was somehow less susceptible to chipping.

 

[audiqtr]

It's got a lot to do with how and where you drive too.

 

[chaz]

i wish i had done the 3m film at least on the lights when they were new.

 

[audiqtr]

i wish i had done the 3m film at least on the lights when they were new.

How bad are they? Just Sand them down and Polish. Looks as good as new. here is my work form a recent client. I am not trying to jack the thread; so PM me if you'd like DIY instructions:
BEFORE:

AFTER:

 

[chaz]

yea, thanks. i was just saying that had i put the film on when i bought it, they wouldnt of gotten scratched in the first place. people always rub up against them in parking lots also, anyway it gave me the excuse to buy new ones & have em blacked out. by the way, nicely done.

 

[Giskarded]

Thanks for the replys folks. I'm considering the 3m kit as well, but just seems a bit pricey. I mostly drive in daily traffic in/around city (Milwaukee). The salt part is fine, its the random trucker going by and then launching some pebble right at my windshield.

My old black Accord had its share of small pings that had started to grow, but it still held out remarkably well for a 99 car.

 

[MikesToy]

I have the "Form Fit" deflector and full Grille Guard and i don't have any rock chips on my hood but i have minute ones on my windshield. I guess these little pebbles bounce off the deflector and grille guard to my windshield.

 

[Giskarded]

How bad are they? Just Sand them down and Polish. Looks as good as new. here is my work form a recent client. I am not trying to jack the thread; so PM me if you'd like DIY instructions:
BEFORE:

AFTER:

thats quite amazing. Looks like new