OEM Bug Deflector Experience?

[Rogomania]

Hello,

First of all I'd like to thank all the posters on this board for the useful information. I've been visiting this board silently for about 6 months now for useful info.

So on to my question... I would like to know if anyone here tried installing the OEM bug deflector and what users experiences were with the installation, effectiveness at keeping bugs away from windshield, and more importantly, if it works at protecting the hood from rocks that cause paint chips.

I live in a city where there is no bylaw on trucks carrying loads of uncovered rock chips and gravel etc.. After looking closely at the hood of my car yesterday, I was shocked to see many paint chips in my hood with rust beginning to form underneath the chipped areas Not to mention that in 6 months of driving my rogue I also cracked my windshield due to rock chips on the highway.

Any info/pics about bug deflectors would be appreciated. Has anyone had experience using OEM touch up paint to coverup chips and prevent further corrosion?

[casperfun]

This is probably one of the accessories I got early on. I feel it does deflect the smaller mosquito/gnat type of smaller insects but the juicy bigger ones tend to splat on your windshield.

As for protecting from pebbles and rocks, I feel at least the area under the shield protects as so.

As for installation, there are 3 main larger center plastic brackets that concerned me because I thought they would mar my paint. I always wonder why they did not come with protective tape like for the 4 smaller corner metal brackets/clips that hold the shield. So I took the protective tape for the smaller shields and cut pieces just enough to cover the smaller brackets and made some for the bigger ones. Someday I want to replace the protective tape for the bigger ones again.

My concerns were justified because some of the members here have said the bigger brackets have damaged their paint. So if you ever do get the deflectors, you need to put protective tape under the 3 large center plastic brackets.

I also used small rubber washers between the deflector and screws that I got at the hardware store so I won't mar the plastic part of the deflector even though these washers are deteriorating and looked smashed up. But they still holding tight. Should have got metal but they are really not needed though.

As years progress, the deflector will get a few scratches here and there, no biggie. Mine been on rock solid for over 3 and half years.

As for paint chips, I just dab and repair, nothing special for me personally. Nissan used crappy paint so it scratches easily. Personally, even though my side doors have the usually paint chip. It is not that bad, I might have 1-2 hits from rocks but the doors look great in my opinion. I feel as long as you clean and wax it you be fine. I also park in the boonies to the frustration of my passengers.





This plastic rubber part did not even touch the deflector unless I pushed the shield down( I positioned it as per diagram), I repositioned it but then it fell off long ago. As you can see in picture, I didn't even notice it then. Perhaps it was there to catch it during pressure moments.

[Qashqai]

I have that deflector and as Casperfun mentioned, don't forget to put protective stickers under the three plastic clips. They ruined my paint...Other than that, it is a good investment, protects the paint from chips. I already have 4-5 stone marks on the protector, it could be my hood!!!