03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
Do the bug deflectors do any good and can they be easily removed? I would like to have one for long road trips several times a year if they work and take it off the rest of the time.
Do those hood mounted bug deflectors work?
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DesertCanyons
New member
Bug Deflector
There was a recent thread about installing these bug deflectors on the hood. It looked fairly easy and removable. Look back about 7 to 10 days for the thread.
WeatherTech also makes a decent bug deflector for under $100. Also do an Amazon or eBay search for the part.
Bug deflectors help to reduce nicks and chips in the paint on the leading edge of the hood from bugs, flying debris and rocks.
To keep bugs off the windshield you'd need a much larger, clear glass deflector. But it's easy enough to just wash the windshield once in a while.
There was a recent thread about installing these bug deflectors on the hood. It looked fairly easy and removable. Look back about 7 to 10 days for the thread.
WeatherTech also makes a decent bug deflector for under $100. Also do an Amazon or eBay search for the part.
Bug deflectors help to reduce nicks and chips in the paint on the leading edge of the hood from bugs, flying debris and rocks.
To keep bugs off the windshield you'd need a much larger, clear glass deflector. But it's easy enough to just wash the windshield once in a while.
Antman
Elite Member
Sounds like old school Stifler right there...sure do miss that guy.
It protects bugs from hitting the part of your hood directly under the bug shield and it looks really, really cool. Bugs and (numerous) rocks will still hit your windshield.
Installed weathertech last week - about 5 minute job - insert 6 plastic anchors into holes already in the hood and screw the deflector on. Easy on, easy off. They are too small to really help with bugs but do protect that front lip on hood from paint chips. Also, I like it because I can easily see front corners better and know vehicle is only about 8-10 inches beyond the deflector. And I think they tone down the bug headlights a little.
Jetboy
New member
I do get a crazy amount of bugs on the highway in the 5th gen. My 3rd gen had an OEM bug deflector and it probably cut the bugs 95%. Of course it looked more fitting on the 3rd gen. I have a clear bra so I'm not worried about rock chips so much, but I really would like a bug deflector.
JayceeP
New member
Toyota calls them hood protectors as in, they are intended to protect your hood from road debris, rock chips (rust spots), bug etching etc. Yes they work and my hood is pristine after 2+ years of ownership.
I take the protector off after each winter to re-apply the mylar strips that go under the mounting brackets and also to wash and wax the covered area of the hood.
I take the protector off after each winter to re-apply the mylar strips that go under the mounting brackets and also to wash and wax the covered area of the hood.
barryhiram
New member
Agreed, think it also cuts down on the amount of air getting under hood at highway speed reducing hood flex. Now if it would only cut down on hood flex at the car wash :dammit:
that guy was the coolest! I can't believe they perma banned him
Hellamatic
New member
IMO, bug deflectors look silly and cheap. As in, "1992 called, they want their bug deflector back."
Sure, it will protect the leading edge of your hood. But to me it's the same as putting a giant otter box/screen protector/clunky case on your phone; all it does is keep it looking nice so you can throw a pristine phone in the garbage when you're done with it in two years.
Ps, I miss Stifler too
Sure, it will protect the leading edge of your hood. But to me it's the same as putting a giant otter box/screen protector/clunky case on your phone; all it does is keep it looking nice so you can throw a pristine phone in the garbage when you're done with it in two years.
Ps, I miss Stifler too
STX4Runner
New member
Not to get off topic, but the Otter Box has saved my iPhone from having a broken screen several times due to me dropping it. That's why I have it. Anyway, back to the bug deflector discussion. I agree...what's the point of having a big piece of plastic protecting the paint? It looks bad and you can protect the paint with a clear bra almost invisibly.
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DesertCanyons
New member
Hood protector
Now I miss Stifler too, and I didn't even know the guy. I'm just a newbie here.
It's true, it is a bit ugly and a cheap plastic piece that detracts from the clean lines of the hood. It's not like an iPhone that will be obsolete or replaced for the latest gismo in a short time. The T4R will hold it's value.
But I own a 20 year old Jeep GC with nicks galore on the leading edge of the hood. My green Orvis Jeep has a tough 3 layer, lacquered and metallic paint that costs a bunch to repaint, so I am stuck with the nicks. So I wish I had put a deflector on it years ago. I'm about to sell it when my new T4R comes in and it would be nice if the hood didn't have hundreds of tiny paint nicks in it.
The choice is, add the plastic deflector or repaint the hood later. The clear bra sounds like a good option, if it can be replaced later without having to repaint.
Now I miss Stifler too, and I didn't even know the guy. I'm just a newbie here.
It's true, it is a bit ugly and a cheap plastic piece that detracts from the clean lines of the hood. It's not like an iPhone that will be obsolete or replaced for the latest gismo in a short time. The T4R will hold it's value.
But I own a 20 year old Jeep GC with nicks galore on the leading edge of the hood. My green Orvis Jeep has a tough 3 layer, lacquered and metallic paint that costs a bunch to repaint, so I am stuck with the nicks. So I wish I had put a deflector on it years ago. I'm about to sell it when my new T4R comes in and it would be nice if the hood didn't have hundreds of tiny paint nicks in it.
The choice is, add the plastic deflector or repaint the hood later. The clear bra sounds like a good option, if it can be replaced later without having to repaint.
I would not have made the same choices as you have with your lighting up front, but i am not going to tell you it looks silly or cheap. Respect other's builds.
We all have different styles - that's why I love seeing everyone's takes on things and what they do with their trucks.
Cheers!
We all have different styles - that's why I love seeing everyone's takes on things and what they do with their trucks.
Cheers!
mc813
New member
I'd nicks and chips are what you're trying to protect from, look into a clear bra. I had one put on mine so I can avoid all those eyesores. 7-year warranty and can't tell it's there unless you're looking for it. Cost was about $600 for the full front bumper, partial hood and fenders, and mirrors. Well worth it imho.
I removed the deflector after having it on for a couple weeks (installed before it hit the dealer lot). I agree with another member's comment that it is a good parking assist, but that was more so when I was still adjusting to the vehicle's dimensions. Ultimately, removing the deflector amounted to personal taste. I'm not too concerned about rock chips with a vehicle that sits much higher than my (since sold) M3. Driving style and road conditions also should be taken into consideration. The 4Runner is a bit of a pig, so I tend to drive less aggressively. Road debris tends to be better in Chicago than in other places I've lived (Minneapolis and Phoenix were pretty awful).
Regarding hood flex, I haven't noticed a difference with or without the deflector.
Clear bras are a nice alternative (what I had on the M3). Note though, you'll easily spend a few hundred dollars, and they typically have a lifespan of 3-4 years.
Regarding hood flex, I haven't noticed a difference with or without the deflector.
Clear bras are a nice alternative (what I had on the M3). Note though, you'll easily spend a few hundred dollars, and they typically have a lifespan of 3-4 years.
Hellamatic
New member
Sorry, officer. Good thing you came along.
The OP is looking for advice on purchasing/not purchasing a bug deflector - I provided some. I'm sure I'd get similar advice if I was considering a Hello Kitty exhaust tip.
No worries - no offense taken. Just glad you didn't ask any opinions on your awesome orange and green lights!
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