To Dot or Not To Dot. Bug/Stone Deflector Question

Hi all. I've ordered a Weathertech Bug and Stone Deflector for my truck which should be here in a couple of days. As many of you are aware the deflector comes with some silicone dots that the instructions say to adhere to the hood at certain points to prevent the bug shield from making contact with the paint when it flexes. I'm not wild about sticking something like that to my paint, and even if I did I wonder how long it would stay on given that my truck is parked outside in the Florida heat all the time. For those of you with bug/stone deflectors, did you use the dots, and if so did you stick them to the hood or the deflector itself? If you didn't use them, have you had any scratching of your clearcoat from the deflector? Thanks!

 

I have the Weathertech deflector, didn't use the dots doesn't look to be making any contact. I installed 2 moths ago and plan on pulling it in a few weeks to look closer for contact. Just make sure to get your wash mitt as far down behind it when cleaning the truck.

 

I've always used the dots on the two outside corners. Never had an issue with them falling off with about a dozen vehicles.
You definitely need to attach them to the hood paint if you're going to use them. The idea is that the deflector will rub on them instead of the paint.
If you put them on the deflector, and then it does contact the hood, the dots will rub the paint off.

EDIT: In addition to the dots, I started installing 3M paint protection film where the deflector touches the underside of the hood. I also bought a narrow roll of door edge protector film and put it on the hood edge so that the deflector doesn't wear the paint. Might not be necessary, but it helps with my OCD...