Bug deflectors, do they really work?

[runnerfreak]

I replaced my windshield 3 months ago and just got hit with a rock from an 18 wheeler and cracked my new windshield.

Now, the bug / wind deflectors, do they really work?

The guy at the dealer said they are suppose to deflect wind from the nose of the car, thus, making rocks fly over the car, rather than hitting the windshield.

Bug Deflector

 

[phishtaco]

4runners have just about the ugliest bug deflectors made. I would rather replace 20 windshields. of course opinions may vary.

 

[Nuke]

My 3rd gen took a rock to the windshield last winter despite my bug deflector and my 3 month old 4th gen took a rock to the windshield this past weekend so don't feel bad. Prior to that, I've driven over 1,000,000 miles in my lifetime and never before had a windshield crack.

The bug deflectors aren't all that bad looking as they're shaped to match the hoods curves. Because of that, they don't cause enough upward airflow (like the old flat ones that stick straight up) to deflect stones or larger bugs.

IMO, they're better than nothing AND will prevent direct hits on the nose of the hood from stones. The later is the reason I prefer to have one.

 

[alaskaman]

the manufacturer's bug deflector for the 4th gen does a good job of keeping heavy bug off the front of the hood. it does not lift bugs (or rocks) with a "lift" to miss the windshield. I agree it could be much better designed but for keeping the infested millions off the front of the hood...........it works.

 

[R8RRunner]

I'm not a fan of bug deflectors but have been looking for additional ways to protect the front of the T4R from rock dings,etc.

I did find this invisible mask. I have a friend that used a similar product on is IS330 and you couldn't even tell that it was there.

http://www.invisiblemask.com/search.html

Just another alternative to think about. Though it wont protect your windshield it will help with bugs/rocks on the front.

 

[Will816]

The one I have is the really slim and since it is the exact shape of the front of the hood with no "kicker" on the end, I'm sure it does not deflect any air, it only protects the hood

 

[Conspearasea]

While I personally don't expect my shield to stop rocks from hitting me, I installed a Toyota brand bugshield simply for the appearance.

I would be interested in seeing "how fast & how small" a stone would have to be for it to actually help.

I looked at all the ones on the internet, and while the toyota was most expensive, I felt it's appearance was the only one I would even put on my vehicle. The others were too "bulky" and I really didn't like them.

 

[runnerfreak]

While I personally don't expect my shield to stop rocks from hitting me, I installed a Toyota brand bugshield simply for the appearance.

I would be interested in seeing "how fast & how small" a stone would have to be for it to actually help.

I looked at all the ones on the internet, and while the toyota was most expensive, I felt it's appearance was the only one I would even put on my vehicle. The others were too "bulky" and I really didn't like them.

did u get it from the dealer? i think they sell them for 120

 

[T?@\7]

they definitely work. I got a NICE sized rock chip on my hood when the truck was virtually new and then got the CANADIAN OEM bug guard for the 03/04/05 etc and havent gotten a single chip on the hood or windshield since. I initially did NOT want one bc I didnt like the look, but function>form and I do actually LOVE how it looks now. havent seen another one around with it actually

 

[Will816]

they definitely work. I got a NICE sized rock chip on my hood when the truck was virtually new and then got the CANADIAN OEM bug guard for the 03/04/05 etc and havent gotten a single chip on the hood or windshield since. I initially did NOT want one bc I didnt like the look, but function>form and I do actually LOVE how it looks now. havent seen another one around with it actually

I'm about 90% positive that mine is the Canadian one. It is just a big formed piece of polycarbonate that has little screw on clips and rubber bumpers under it, yeah?

 

[runnerfreak]

I'm about 90% positive that mine is the Canadian one. It is just a big formed piece of polycarbonate that has little screw on clips and rubber bumpers under it, yeah?

How can I get one?

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Bug deflectors aren't miracle workers but they keep the edge of the hood from being beat up and at least some of the rocks and bugs stay off the paint and windshield but some deflectors look better than others.

I like my AVS version.

 

[Conspearasea]

bought mine for less than 100 shipped to my door, but is a toyota......don't like the others when I see them.
It's not function for me, just looks.....

 

[Will816]

How can I get one?

Mine was on the vehicle when I bought it, I have tried to find retailers for them, but to no avail.

If you see one though, its the only one that looks really good on the 4th gen. The 4th gen hood has two spots (on each side between the grille and the headlights) where the form of the hood goes all the way down to the bumper. Different brand bug deflectors stay above this, but the canadian one is the exact shape and follows it all the way down.

 

[matroe11]

I like the look of the canadian deflector.

PICS??

Does anyone have the link for that?

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Ha,just this morning coming home from work I'm cruising on the highway and all of a sudden I hear a big crack sound and thought some thing whacked my grill and then noticed this when I got home.

My $40 bugguard just saved me some $$$ and downtime at a paint shop.

I just bought a replacement and will have it on by the weekend.

 

[av8or]

i would have voted but there is no option for " no.. they are ugly"...

 

[matroe11]

Ha,just this morning coming home from work I'm cruising on the highway and all of a sudden I hear a big crack sound and thought some thing whacked my grill and then noticed this when I got home.

My $40 bugguard just saved me some $$$ and downtime at a paint shop.

I just bought a replacement and will have it on by the weekend.

And that, ladies and gents, is why you should rock a bug guard....err "stop that sh!t from hitting my window" guard

 

[blaniac22]

I have the Toyota bugshield on mine - it was thrown in on the deal when I bought it. As for asthetics, some days I like the look, others I don't.

That said, it isn't as effective as I remember the one that stood straight up on my dad's old Chevy pickup, but then I wouldn't want one of those on my 4Runner anyway.

At the same time, after driving from Texas to California and back 3 times, I've noticed that after a 1300 mile trip that there is usually a big bug collection on the bumper and not so much on the windshield.