Anyone have experience with a Weathertech bug deflector?

I have a brand new still in the box Weathertech bug deflector that I’ve been hesitant to install. This deflector fastens under the hood and wraps through the front hood gap.

Does anyone have experience with this unit? Does it scrape the grill shell? Does it rub the edge of the hood? Does that tape that they provide hold up in protecting the hood and staying in place? Does it make any wind noise?

I’ve had a deflector on my last 2 Tacoma’s and I loved them, but they were stood off with metal brackets.

 

I have the AVS version, I am not sure how similar they are, but mine doesn't rub anything. I did have to get a few longer connector rivets for the outer holes to pull it up tight to the under side.

 

Does the AVS fit tight like this?

 

Yes, but I have an '06. It looks the same though. It sits ahead of the front of the hood

 

I also have the same style AVS..they're made by the same people ultimately. Zero issues in 8 years.

 

I bought a 45,000 KM truck that had a deflector. Pulled it within the first day to find out it had already caused permanent paint damage to the hood.

Each mounting point had foam but rocks and debris collected / got caught underneath the foam and made a mess.

I would advise against it if you like your paint. Functionally, it probably works.

 

I'd say no way, it will rub the paint where it touches and most importantly they do not work. If they did every vehicle would come with them or a fin to prevent it. If you like the look then rock on. It's your truck, make it what you want it to look like.

 

OEM one removed at 33k miles. Rubbed paint down to the metal. Also deflected rocks straight to windshield.

 

That is not same deflector OP is referring too. That is the OEM which is straight garbage. The Weathertech or AVS one does not rub. I’ve had one on my truck for nearly 100k miles. No issues.

They do work in protecting the leading edge of the hood which is the whole point.

 

I had the AVS one and it did rub the paint... Over 100k. Also when opening the hood it gives a little less space to initially pop the hood. I have fat fingers. Mine was partially removed for me on a job site when some caution tape looped around it and the barrels were moved. Popped it off and wouldn't do it again.

 

did it tube the paint or did the barrels cause it to rub paint?

 

This has been my experience as well, on various trucks and brands of hood deflector.

If you want to protect the hood, look into a "clear bra" instead.

 

I had a bug deflector on my first gen for 17 years. It came with the truck and honestly I don’t think I ever needed it. It only caused damage to the paint where 2 tabs touched the hood for support. My opinion, a bug deflector is a no go. It’s just add on junk people do because they can.

 

It was yanked from just the driver side and broke 2 tabs... The rub was constant and got a little chip in the paint on that side.I assume from it being removed. Either way I drive thru stuff where I don't need anything removable like that but to each their own. I liked mine until I didn't. If anybody is so sure yours didn't hurt the paint go remove it check and report back please. The tape is cheap.

 

I have it on my '14 and put it on a short time after buying the truck new. I love it and would replace it with the same if need be.