[nomad06]

Hey has anybody put any of that 3M paint protective film on the front hood and grill area.Or any thing like that.What about the headlights,I have seen some kits and wondered if anyone has tried them.I know winter is a long way off,but would like to put something on to protect the front grill area.we get lots of sand on the roads here.What about bug deflectors? Is there some nice ones out there?

 

[scottyyyc]

You might want to do a quick search, as this has been discussed and length here.

Some people like the film, others don't. I'm in the "don't" category. I find it's impossible to keep clean, and on my last car, didn't even do its job.

 

[grometsc]

Hey has anybody put any of that 3M paint protective film on the front hood and grill area.Or any thing like that.What about the headlights,I have seen some kits and wondered if anyone has tried them.I know winter is a long way off,but would like to put something on to protect the front grill area.we get lots of sand on the roads here.What about bug deflectors? Is there some nice ones out there?

I have it on mine...And I'm of the I will not own a car that doesnt have it, I've been using since my first new car, a 2001 Audi A4....The dealer installed it for me, and I've had on all cars since.

On my dark car, the line is noticeable, but thats all you can see. For keeping them clean...that is another VERY simple process. I was told when I purchased it to use "plexus" and I have ever since (going back to 01). This gives the clear bra a polish and and an extremely smooth feel (beads water better than my car atm). If I have something on the bra I cannot remove from regular washing and using plexus, mequiers plastix works wonders. Just never wax it especially with a cleaner based wax.

I have only used 3m products...They have two different products, 3M (this is the regular film, and comes w/ a 5year warranty) or Ventureshield (aslo owned by 3M, and comes wtih lifetime against yellowing). Some of the first versions of 3M tape would "yellow" over time, orange peel effect, but I've never had that issue in mine (01 Audi, 03 Audi 09 Cobalt SS so not much time for it to yellow). Ventureshield is designed not to do this. I went w/ Ventureshield this time around due to having a dark car. The regular 3m tape is 7mm while venture is 5mm IIRC. Just do a google on it, its the best "protection" you can purchase for your car (if you have an installer do it expect around 500.00). If your a master at doing things yourself, you can get pre-cut kits (do not use clear defender unless they have fixed the layout, I had to trim some in the middle of the bumper) or purchase bulk film and do it yourself. I like the kits personally, easier to work with. There are some video's on youtube showing install, just do not expect it to "be" that easy

 

[Narg]

Why wouldn't you cover the whole car with this?

 

[nomad06]

Thanks for your replies.Ventureshield sounds good.I really hate to rock chip the front end.My wife has a commute of about 100ks a day and I am really dreading winter roads.