Rock deflectors...why?

[Mlemos89]

Mainly got it for chips from rocks, but I also like how it looks haha to each their own. Now I don't care about chips enough to put a bra on my truck lol

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[Carl_Sj]

It is not clear to me from your post that you understand how these work. They do not simply protect the area directly under the deflector, but are supposed to help protect the hood entirely.

For me, it was windshield. Dealing with repairing chips is a pain.

You are correct. I didn't realize they were supposed to protect the hood too, although based on some of the other responses that protection appears to be minimal. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[maxbottomtime]

Mainly got it for chips from rocks, but I also like how it looks haha to each their own. Now I don't care about chips enough to put a bra on my truck lol

Oddly, I didn't buy mine for aesthetics, but I have had it on so long I do feel like rangers without them seem... naked? I don't know.

 

[got3fords]

Rocks or bugs, what are they really for? For people who go all out to protect from rock or bug damage, do you also use a headlight protector?

 

[DukeCanBuildit]

Rocks or bugs, what are they really for? For people who go all out to protect from rock or bug damage, do you also use a headlight protector?

Flashback to my youth - they were a must in Calgary - pea gravel and sand for icy roads instead of salt or brine.

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Rocks or bugs, what are they really for? For people who go all out to protect from rock or bug damage, do you also use a headlight protector?

I have a AVS deflector and the entire front end is PPF’d including headlights. Also had A pillars and leading edge of roof PPF’d.

 

[got3fords]

I have a AVS deflector and the entire front end is PPF’d including headlights. Also had A pillars and leading edge of roof PPF’d.

Ok, dumb question, what is PPF?

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Ok, dumb question, what is PPF?

Paint protection film

 

[got3fords]

Paint protection film

Ah! ok.

 

[got3fords]

Paint protection film

Is this stuff designed for easy removal if they get buggered up?

 

[Stevedbvik1]

Is this stuff designed for easy removal if they get buggered up?

It’s removable. Depends on one’s definition of easy. Not like peeling off a sticker.

 

[Canadian Ranger]

I put them on my vehicles to eliminate paint chips from the front of the hood. Even tough they call them bug deflectors, they never have deflected any lol.
I think the name and their purpose have evolved from people putting those vinyl bras on their cars in the early 80's when towing them behind their motorhome, then those became fashionable to people just wanting to protect the front of their car. Once they realized they did more harm than good in the long run, companies developed what we currently use.

 

[mtbikernate]

Mainly got it for chips from rocks, but I also like how it looks haha to each their own. Now I don't care about chips enough to put a bra on my truck lol

bruh, it's a bro, not a bra

 

[34TL34D]

I'm curious and I'm not trying to give anyone a hard time, but what is your goal in installing one of these? Obviously you want to protect the paint on the front of the hood. But why? With the deflector installed you can't even see that part of your truck. Do you think the truck looks better with the deflector? Are you trying to enhance the resale value, and will therefore remove the deflector when you sell it? Or is your goal to keep the paint as pristine as possible?

For the record, once in a while I get out the touchup paint and dab it on any rock chips on my vehicles. That's good enough for me. Maybe I'm the oddball here...

I have never liked the look of deflectors, but I’ve seen lots of vehicles appearance deteriorate over time starting with the paint in that part of the vehicle. Also, a friend recommended I get one to maintain the finish and, therefore, value of the vehicle. My wife opted for the extra clear layer on her new Honda recently and I was planning to go with that for my 23 XLT, but I couldn’t find a kit and getting it done professionally was pretty expensive. I kind of decided to wait, but then I started noticing some minor chips in the clear coat after merging behind a cement truck on the freeway (I had just hit about 1000miles).
Looking online again I found a guard that I like and I think it adds to the appearance of my truck. It’s the Ford OEM ABS rock guard. It really is just a cap that covers that vulnerable part of the hood at the front. It’s applied with monster tape and primer. And I didn’t have to pay for it since I could use my points online at Ford!

 

[ppfd]

Last time I had one on a truck was early 2000s.
I let them go along with all the chrome accessories. ?

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