Bug Deflector: Yes or No?

[Ric]

I’ve never had a bug deflector but I’m considering getting one because of rock chips to the front of my hood and I don’t like bug guts on the windshield. Are they worth putting on? What kind should I look at? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

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[SILK]

I think the AVS models are the best looking, IMO. What I don't like about the deflectors is that you're either required to stick 3M to the paint on the front or drill into your hood. I think what I'm going to do is get some clear bra put on the front 3-4" of the hood and get the 3M AVS. Or just get the clear bra on the 3-4" of the hood and put nothing on LOL

 

[landiscarrier]

I have the AVS Bug deflector and love the look and they really do work! No drilling, no tape. You use existing holes.

 

[Steve23]

I got the AVS one as well because of the chips I noticed. Idk if it gets more chips because of the rake so it may not be as bad once I get my lift on. I think they look the best and the most sturdy. Some of the bug deflectors look a little whimpy and cheap

Edit: I got the matte black looking one

 

[quangdog]

I installed the AVS Bugflector II - it does not require any drilling etc. 100% reversible if you decide you don't want it. I *definitely* recommend adding one, though - they are relatively inexpensive, pretty easy to install, and the front of the hood will quickly become chipped up from road grit/rocks. When I wash the truck, I frequently find impact sites on the deflector that saved the hood from a rock chip.

I did a video all about how to install it:

Good luck!

 

[Walkman]

I’ve never had a bug deflector but I’m considering getting one because of rock chips to the front of my hood and I don’t like bug guts on the windshield. Are they worth putting on? What kind should I look at? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Ordered smoke AVS aeroskin from Advance Auto. Sticks to hood with tape. With 25% off code less than $40 & free shipping. Best price out there.

 

[DanaBovender]

I have the AVS AeroSkin as well but in chrome....
Looks good in my opinion

 

[THLONE]

Why protect the paint by covering it. Like putting floor mats on floor mats.

 

[JoeC]

I had a smoke plastic type bug deflector installed on my Explorer.
Yes, I guess it prevented the front of the hood from getting chipped.
And, it deflected bugs from the center of the windshield to the upper part of the windshield.
And, it created enough turbulence so the windshield washers misted, rather than squirted.
And, I think such turbulence really did interfere with the efficiency of the wipers in rain.
After several years, overall, I didn't like it, and didn't get one for my Ranger.
Just my opinion.

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

I had one on an older Ranger, briefly. It was smoked grey - I thought it looked okay. One trip to the coin-op car wash ended that accessory. The car wash hose got hooked on the end of it while I was trying to swing the overhead boom around and I snapped the driver’s side tip off the deflector.

 

[DanaBovender]

I had a smoke plastic type bug deflector installed on my Explorer.
Yes, I guess it prevented the front of the hood from getting chipped.
And, it deflected bugs from the center of the windshield to the upper part of the windshield.
And, it created enough turbulence so the windshield washers misted, rather than squirted.
And, I think such turbulence really did interfere with the efficiency of the wipers in rain.
After several years, overall, I didn't like it, and didn't get one for my Ranger.
Just my opinion.

The AVS Aero is pretty much just a stuck on protection piece, I will say it’s a very good low profile solution. I haven’t had any issues with mine deflecting stuff negatively, it just stops the road debris from damaging the trailing edge of the hood.

 

[TylerV76]

Why protect the paint by covering it. Like putting floor mats on floor mats.

Because the deflectors, like the stick on matte AVS, dont show rock chips like the paint does. Get enough of those in the paint and the front of the truck looks awful.

Also, seeing how thats an area that see’s alot of rocks, the deflector wont rust like the leading edge of the hood will.

 

[Rock76]

I went with the AVS Bugflector II. It was an easy install, pop out a few fasteners, cruse 10-15 times, attach deflector, realize it's not straight, curse 10-15 more times, re-attach in the correct position, and done.

Couldn't be more happier with the AVS! I highly recommend adding a deflector, it's saved my hood from being chipped several times.

 

[OrangeStreak]

Ric,
Here is the post about my AVS Bugflector II installation:
What did you do to your Ranger today? | Page 445 | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com
The video will give you an idea of the concept and use of a bug deflector.

Hope this helps toward your decision.

 

[OrangeStreak]

I installed the AVS Bugflector II - it does not require any drilling etc. 100% reversible if you decide you don't want it. I *definitely* recommend adding one, though - they are relatively inexpensive, pretty easy to install, and the front of the hood will quickly become chipped up from road grit/rocks. When I wash the truck, I frequently find impact sites on the deflector that saved the hood from a rock chip.

I did a video all about how to install it:

Good luck!

Kimball,
Your video was very impressive...thorough, detailed and professional. I followed it closely and was successful. Your idea of using a blanket spread over the engine compartment prevented me from losing several fasteners! I referred to your video in my post about installing the Bugflector II:
What did you do to your Ranger today? | Page 445 | 2019+ Ford Ranger and Raptor Forum (5th Generation) - Ranger5G.com
Thanks.

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