Bug deflectors are also called bug shields or hood deflectors. They are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Their main function is to deflect bugs and other debris from your hood and windshield. In addition to deflecting bugs, the bug deflectors protect the leading edge of your hood from rock chips and other road objects that may shoot up as you drive down the road. This buying guide will assist you to understand bug deflectors, their importance, types, and benefits, and help you in purchasing the correct bug deflectors as per your vehicle’s requirement.
In this article:
1. What Does A Bug Deflector Do In A Car?
2. What Are The Factors To Be Considered Before Buying A Bug Deflector?
3. What Type of Bug Deflector Should I Choose?
- OE Vs Aftermarket
- Screw-On Vs. Self-Adhesive Bug Deflector
- Universal Vs. Vehicle-Specific Bug Deflectors
4. Which Brand Bug Deflector Should I Choose?
5. What Are The Advantages Of A Bug Deflector?
6. How Much Will It Cost Me For A New Bug Deflector?
1 What Does A Bug Deflector Do In A Car?
The bug deflectors are thin plastic strips attached to the vehicle’s front hood. The car bug deflectors are designed to channel the direction of airflow to the front of the car. . Though this does not guarantee zero bug strikes, the possibilities are slim.
The two main functions of a bug deflector are to prevent the bugs by changing the direction of the airflow and to protect the vehicle from small rocks, dirt, and mud.
The key to selecting a suitable bug deflector for your vehicle depends on several factors including shape, size, and most importantly the type of vehicle. The bug deflectors are manufactured using premium-grade plastic material that makes them durable.
The bug deflectors for cars are crafted with the computational fluid dynamics software and then tested in a wind tunnel. Though this is a time-consuming and costly procedure, there are no shortcuts to manufacturing a high-quality product.
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2 What Are The Factors To Be Considered Before Buying A Bug Deflector?
Design
You must choose a bug deflector according to the vehicle fitment and design. Selecting a bug deflector with a sleek design improves the vehicle’s aerodynamics, reducing drag. Drag is a force that acts parallel to and in the same direction as the wind. Choosing a non-aerodynamic design bug deflector may cause insufficient airflow over the hood. This may cause small debris and bugs to hit the hood instead of getting diverted, thus damaging the vehicle’s paint. In addition to all these, choosing a suitable aerodynamic design ensures fuel efficiency.
Colour
Bug deflectors for cars are manufactured using plastic and are available in a variety of colours. However, most of them are translucent black and you can buy one that matches your vehicle’s color.
3 What Type of Bug Deflector Should I Choose?
When looking for good quality bug deflectors for cars, always consider the following points:
OE Vs Aftermarket
OE bug deflectors offer superior performance and reliability. However, they are expensive and have no warranty on the product. On the other hand, aftermarket bug deflectors are robust and compatible with most vehicles. They can also be customized as per customer requirements. In other words, the user has plenty of options to select as per their vehicle’s requirements.
Screw-On Vs. Self-Adhesive Bug Deflector
Based on the installation type there are two types of bug deflectors available in the market: screw-on and self-adhesive. The screw-on bug deflectors include installation screws. This means, if the holes on your vehicle do not correspond to the screws on the bug deflector then you will have to drill holes to complete the hood deflector installation.
Self-adhesive bug deflectors are bug deflectors that are attached to the vehicle by high-quality adhesives that ensure that they never come off.
Universal Vs. Vehicle-Specific Bug Deflectors
The universal bug deflectors are designed for different types of vehicles and do not require any modifications during the installation process. On the other hand, vehicle-specific bug deflectors are designed and manufactured only for distinct vehicle types and models. When purchasing a bug or a hood deflector, it is advisable to check its compatibility with your vehicle model.
4 Which Brand Bug Deflector Should I Choose?
Auto Ventshade Bug Deflectors
Auto Ventshade is one of the top manufacturers of aftermarket automotive components, and their products are precision-engineered. They have a quite good reputation in the automotive aftermarket and offer products like bug deflectors, window protection, and lighting.
Features
- Provides deflection to protect hood, fenders, and windshield.
- Off-the-hood design enables easy cleaning.
- Aesthetically appealing high-profile design.
- Precision engineered to fit your vehicle.
- The product is available in dark smoke impact-resistant acrylic.
For more products, please refer to our Auto Ventshade Bug Deflectors section.
Stampede Bug Deflectors
Stampede offers a complete range of plastic accessory products for your vehicles, including bug deflectors, sidewind deflectors, fender flares, and bed rail caps. Stampede products are crafted by industry professionals who have years of expertise in manufacturing automotive aftermarket products. Their products are rigorously tested under real conditions using top-notch quality and customer satisfaction.
Features
- Designed and engineered to fit the hood of the vehicle.
- UV and scratch resistance enhances product life.
- Do not require screws and fasteners for installation.
- Stand-away design enables easy cleaning.
- Safe Car-wash.
- Attached with 3M™ automotive-grade adhesive or mechanical fasteners.
For more products, please refer to our Stampede Bug Deflectors section.
Westin Bug Deflectors
Westin Automotive Products, Inc. is a premium truck accessory manufacturer. The Westin goods are designed with a simple principle: make them right and last. They have a well-established business in the automotive aftermarket owing to their rich experience in automotive accessories manufacturing.
Features
- Manufactured from high-impact acrylic that provides durability.
- Robust single-piece construction for added strength.
- Precision engineered and designed to resist flexing and vibrations at highway speeds.
- Do not require drilling operation during the installation process.
- Made in the USA.
For more products, please refer to our Westin Bug Deflectors section.
5 What Are The Advantages Of A Bug Deflector?
Bug shields deflect flying insects away from your vehicle’s hood, front end, and windshield. The three main advantages of bug deflectors are:
Provides Protection
The bug deflectors protect against insects and small debris. Without this, your car’s paint may get damaged, particularly on off-road adventures. Therefore, bug deflectors protect your vehicle from this by shifting the direction of airflow.
Enhances Aerodynamics
The bug deflectors are precisely engineered and wind tunnel tested to ensure a change in the airflow, which minimizes the drag while driving. This ensures optimal speed by decreasing fuel consumption.
Improves Appearance
The hood edges are covered by precisely designed and well-fitted bug deflectors. Some of these deflectors have eye-catching finishes, such as matte black, dark smoke, or chrome. This enhances the aesthetics of your vehicle.
6 How Much Will It Cost Me For A New Bug Deflector?
You can select different types of bug deflectors based on different brands and vehicle types on PartsAvatar. The price range for bug deflectors varies from $CAD 63 to $CAD 280 on the PartsAvatar website.
