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I have read posts where those who have put bug shields on their trucks state that they suffered mpg vs driving without the shield. If you are concerned about rock chips in the paint near the grill you may want to consider a AVS Aeroskin. It lays flat on the truck so it doesn't block the wind anymore than the truck does without it and protects the paint that it covers.
There is no way that a bug/hood shield decreases mpg more than a miniscule amount at best. I have driven several of my trucks with and without, and never saw any change in mpg.
There is no way that a bug/hood shield decreases mpg more than a miniscule amount at best. I have driven several of my trucks with and without, and never saw any change in mpg.
Bug deflectors DO work. I make these trips across the state from time to time and while I do get bugs (mostly the large ones) on the windshield the number is nothing like what is on the grill and bumper. A big reason for bug deflectors is, as someone else noted, to keep the paint on the leading edge of the hood.
*I* am special and like my deflector to exactly match my paint or just be clear. My 2017 Plat Screw is going to be white gold. The clear bug deflector is already here.
I go back to those days, and even had a blue one just like that on my 84 Bronco II. I discerned zero mpg difference between driving without it for a couple of years versus after installation. And yes, the taller bug shields did work better than today's at pushing more bugs over the top of the windshield.
After having Lund interceptors on my last 4 vehicles I went almost 2 years without anything on this truck because it just looked so damn good. With the added moisture we had this year I was seeing a ton of bugs, and I had noticed a couple tiny chips on the front of my hood so I ended up installing an AVS Aeroskin II. Looks pretty good and protects the hood well, My windshield isn't completely void of bugs but there was a significant difference. Only knock for me is that the air around the hood and front windows seems to be more turbulent at highway speed. Can't speak to the questions about mpg loss as my bug deflector went on at the same time as wheels tires and level, but going from 32's to 33's, level and big deflector have cost me about 1mpg.
If you're going to get one, get it now. I didn't until I had a rock put a nice "poke" in my hood. It literately looks like someone used a starting punch on my hood but with a jagged raised rim. very small but annoying.
