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bug sheild

2K views 25 replies 18 participants last post by  Red15WranglerUnLtd 
#1 ·
So while getting my windshield replaced this morning the glass guy recomended that I get a bug shield to help with rocks. I'm no scientist but I do realize there's a large mass difference between a bug and a rock. Any opinions on if he was right or not?
 
#2 ·
Your gonna get a lot of posts saying that it will help or it won't. Just from experience, I had a 94 ford ranger that I had to replace the windshield 3x in one summer because rocks cracking the windshield. I got a bug deflector after that, no issues. I owned a 12 jk sport and 14 Willys, I got a bug deflector right away on both. It might be chance or psychological but no problems so far so good.
 
#5 ·
I've had a weathertec bug shield, on mine since it was new, bought it in July of 2012 and knock on wood I've never cracked the windshield it certainly won't hurt your chances haha.
 
#7 ·
I have the AVE since 08 it dose not do a thing to keep stuff off the windshield it dose not mess with the washer sprayer at all ether. I left it on I think it looks cool on the Jeep.





 
#9 ·
One of my first additions to all my vehicles. *Knock on wood* I haven't had a broken windshield yet and I did notice a minor difference in the amount of bugs on the windshield. It also helps disperse the washer fluid better. The 2013's have dual sprayers. Prior to the bug shield they were almost a straight jet at the window, but now the sprayer covers the whole windshield. :thumb:
 
#12 ·
Does anyone have a bug deflector and takes their Jeep through automatic car washes? Up here they put a ton of salt on the roads and my Jeep gets covered up top and underneath so I take it through the automatic wash to get the salt off. There is a sign with a symbol showing that vehicles with bug deflectors shouldn't go through. I'd like to get a deflector put on but would hate for it to get blown off and maybe damage my Jeep.
 
#13 ·
"I'm no scientist but I do realize there's a large mass difference between a bug and a rock. Any opinions on if he was right or not?"

I'm not a scientist either, but "just my opinion"..Windshield Hits/Nicks/Cracks usually occur from rocks, not bugs and from my experience a bug shield would not help due to the fact the "anti-skid"( put on the roads in my area of PA. in winter) or rocks are too heavy to have them follow the up-draft that the bug shield is designed for..Most of the time, windshield cracks are from a direct hit from a vehicle passing the other direction, or if you would be following too close to another vehicle/truck and the stone being kicked up directly into the windshield. They look nice,but I really feel they would not help most direct hits...Possibly the one's that hit your front of the hood, these prevent some nicks(by the hood latch area).. And also, cleaning snow and ice off is a pain, my wife has one on her's... Again, just my opinion. Bug shield for bugs, not rocks and rode debris...
 
#18 ·
Thanks Nestle, what kind do you have? Just like the OP, I too have heard that the deflectors can help with stone chips. My insurance company doesn't offer specific glass coverage so I have to pay the full deductible to replace a windshield so I'm hoping to avoid that as much as possible.
 
#19 ·
If you look at the approach angles of any rock that's heading from the tires of another vehicle toward your windshield there's almost no chance a deflector is actually going to get in the way. You have to be within about 6 feet of the car in front of you at speeds high enough to fire off a line-drive straight at your windshield. Most rock hits arc well above the hood.
 
#22 ·
I used a drill bit then put srews in . I just don't trust having it on with just the strip. The weather tech are a little high in price but I trust them.
 
#24 ·
Thanks Godholio for chiming in, from my experience, these things really don't help with the "stone" situations for the windshield... And some "bug" deflectors, hood covers, can rub the paint on the hood.. 15Rubie, keep it clean if you're worried about windshield "hits" Nothing you can really do except stay back a little.....
 
#25 ·
Bug deflector might deflect real small pebble size stones but those usually don't cause cracks and deep chips those are usually caused by larger stones and rocks. Also most rocks usually bounce on the pavement and act like a ball in an arc pattern that usually misses the front edge of the hood but comes down just in time to cream your wind shield. Almost every broken wind shield that I have ever sustained the rock bounced on the pavement a few times and almost like slow motion I could see what was going to occur. Always the last thing I say after impact is OH SHIT, F@#K. :jawdrop:
 
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