Everything You Need To Know About Car Bug Deflector

Bug deflectors are important exterior parts that protect the car’s hood and windshield from getting smashed by the insects. In addition to this, the bug deflectors play another major role. They protect fenders, hoods and windshields from small rocks and debris impacts, that may damage various sensitive components of the vehicle.

Bug deflectors are made from very rugged materials as they are mounted on the leading edge of the car’s hood and has to withstand extreme conditions. Bug deflectors always remain exposed to harsh weather conditions while performing their job accurately, and thus, have to be made from strong materials.

The bug deflectors are made from acrylic mould strip and is attached to the front of the hood. The mechanism of a bug deflector is very simple. When installed at the front of the hood, a bug deflector creates enough upstream of air when the car is in motion to avoid windshield from any splatter. This can be of great help while driving at high speeds of highways and avoid drivability issues.

However, do not mistake this as the ultimate solution. One may expect their fare share of splatter as it is unavoidable. The primary function of the bug deflector is to keep the vision of driving clear. In such a case, the deflectors work miracles. Bug deflectors change the aerodynamics of the wind flow as the air passes over it. These bug shields are tested in big artificial air tunnels and are designed to manage the air flow properly. Since there’s a lot of science involved behind the making of these deflectors, it is always recommended to buy one made by reputed and recognized brand to ensure product quality, backed up by quality research. It is also important to understand that every vehicle model is different in design and will behave differently according to its aerodynamic factors. Thus, there is no universal bug deflector that will fit all the vehicles. These deflectors are from various manufacturers are vary from model to model. So, installing the correct one, specific to your make and model is necessary.

It is completely normal to be sceptical about the effectiveness of a bug deflector. One can question if a small piece of plastic attached to the front of the car can protect the hood, windshield and fender from bugs and debris or not. This is because, bug deflectors don’t cover any part directly and anyone can be in doubts about its functionality.

Well, the answer to all the above questions will be in favor of the deflectors. These bug and stone deflectors work by manipulating the car’s aerodynamics. When a bug deflector is installed to the front of the car and the car is in motion, it creates an air upstream in front of the vehicle. This helps to deflect the bugs and debris away from the car windshield, hood and fender. Although, the deflectors don’t deflect the bugs hundred percent, but a majority of them get away easily, without making any contact with the vehicle.

As the name suggests, the bug deflector deflects the bugs and other debris from the car windshield and hood. It also provides added protection to big trucks and SUVs. The bug shields work by deflecting air slightly above the hood’s surface. This helps in deflecting the bugs and small rocks away from the windshield. Deflectors also protect the front end of the hood from small rocks damaging and chipping of the paint from the hood while driving.

Although the bug deflector itself doesn’t do any mechanical movement, it just plays around with air. The functionality of a big deflector depends upon the shape and formation. As the vehicle moves, it passes through air, handling air resistance. Ad the vehicle is cutting through the air, the change in pressure causes the bugs and debris to crash on the car’s body. The deflectors become a part of the car body and change the direction of air away from the hood and windshield as the vehicle passes through it. This protects the car from bug splatters.

When it comes to vehicle owner’s choice, the brands really matter a lot. You might pay a premium for a specific car part brand, over time, as it has created a perception of quality, stability as well as trust. There are some leading car parts brands which are more than just products or services as they give rise to memories and emotions related with the quality. So have a look at some of the top brands for Bug Deflectors.

The easiest and most convenient way to install new bug deflector is by visiting an auto service center and getting them installed from a skilled technician. Another option is to do it yourself. One must follow step by step installation process to do it correctly.

Note that the process mentioned below works for the installation of the most common types of deflectors used. However, since they vary in design, different deflectors may have different types of fasteners and screws to attach it to the front hood.

Step 1 – Clean And Prep Car Hood

Inspect and clean the front edge of the car hood, before installing the defector. Also remove any dings and scratches using a touch-up paint as it will be difficult to do afterwards. Cleaning the hood surface will help adhesive tape to stick properly on the hood.

Step 2 – Read Installation Instructions

Read the installation instructions carefully and see that there’s no part missing before you start the process. Also check the type of fasteners you are getting with the deflector. Normally, screws with rubber or plastic grommets that fit into existing holes or high intensity adhesive tape are used as fasteners.

Step 3 – Size Up The Fit Of The Deflector On The Hood

If the deflector uses screws, pop open the hood and align the deflector against the edge of the hood to make sure that the holes are aligned with the holes underneath the hood. Then, prepare for installation.

If the deflector in tape-on, install the clamps on the deflector ends using the bottom holes. Align the deflector with the hood and mark the spots where the clips will attach on the hood. Once you know the location of the clips, you are ready to begin installation.

Step 4 – Preparation For Deflector Installation

Screw in: All the screws are threaded halfway into the holes on the shield. Fit the grommets firmly onto the screws to avoid the risk of dropping them in the engine compartment.

Tape on: Pull the ends on the tape backing off of the tape strip. Make them stick out to the top edge of the shield at a 90-degree angle. Perform the similar step with all the tape strips of the deflector. Have about 2-inch tab sticking up on each of all the tape strips. Avoid any contact with the exposed ends of the tape when lifting the shield.

Step 5 – Attach Deflector To Hood

Screw in: Lift and place the deflector onto the hood in the correct place by ensuring all the screws and grommets slip into the correct holes underneath the hood. Start from the center, all the way out to tighten the screws. Tighten the screws only till they snug or the shield may crack.

Tape on: Lift and position the shield and snap the clips on the hood where you covered it with anti-scuff squares. Reach down behind the shield and close the hood. The tape end that was left sticking out will allow you to pull the backing strips off the tape strips. Once all the backings are removed, run your hand along the back side of the bug deflector to ensure all the tapes are sticking properly to the hood.

Step 6 – Install The Bump-Ons

Bump-ons are installed to protect the hood in case the hood gets damaged from the bending of the shield if it gets hit by the debris. To install them, simply find out the four major spots along the hood where the shield can bend back and touch the hood. Always clean the surface properly before installation.