Are bug deflectors stupid? or are all the cool kids doing it?

Whats up with all of the talk about damage, had one on my Tundra no damage have one on my Taco no damage?? Are you guys installing them with a sledge hammer or what?? Is it a brand issue I have only bought AVS use the little rubber stick on protectors, just dont see how that will ruin my paint, the only contact with a painted surface is under the lip of the hood.

 

Ok, so they suck as a BUG deflector. However, they ROCK as far as protecting the front of your hood against rock chips, that is unless you're stuck with the current factory model. What a crap design that is! I have an AVS smoked one on my 2010 strictly to protect against rock ships on the front edge of the hood, and it looks great against the Magnetic Gray paint. I had a factory one on my 2002 for 8 years, with no chips on the front of that hood, so I'm fine with having one on my new truck, and it matches up with my smoked AVS Vent Visors.

 

I think it works on certain occasions. I have one on my 06. I've noticed that my windshield gets less bugs when driving. As far as tiny rocks, my windshield still gets hit once in awhile. But what I've noticed is that most of the time the tiny rocks hit the roof. So I kind of "protected" the windshield but my roof is getting hit (so far no chips yet, knock on wood).

Oh and I didn't see any problem with the paint on the hood.

 

I took mine off. Anybody want one sans the mounting grommets? No shipping.

 

Damn, 3 yr revival. Yeah, I put one on the 08. Don't like it? Don't care..............

 

had one on the truck from new and removed it before a year was up it was a real dirt ,leaf and ice collector

 

My last truck had a bug deflector. Rocks and crap would always get stuck in between it and the hood. Eventually wore it all down to bare metal. Did more damage than it ever would have gotten without a deflector. My new truck will never have one!

 

There aren't any bugs around this time of year in Western PA, but the roads are wet with salt water. I use a lot less windshield washer fluid clearing salt spray. I'd say the bug shield does a good job.