It is not uncommon for small rocks, sand, and grit to constantly bombard the windshields, engine hoods, and grills of vehicles. If these issues are left unabated, the end results are never encouraging. They might pose permanent and irreversible damages to the parts these vehicles, which in turn can cost you a pretty penny.
Enter the bug deflector, also known as a bug shield. The use of the bug deflector is a sure way of combating this menace. But just what is a bug deflector? If you decide to install one on your truck or vehicle, will it affect your gas mileage. The short answer is yes, it will slightly affect your gas mileage in a positive way. In addition to bugs, wind will also be deflected off your windshield, decreasing the wind resistance that your truck creates while in motion.
What are bug deflectors?
For a start, bug deflectors are special fittings or accessories that are affixed atop the grilles of automobiles. Their role is primarily to redirect the oncoming smaller debris or insects up or over the cars. They are able to do this by altering the flow of air across the hood of the car.
This video shortly describes the benefits of bug deflectors and how a certain one is installed:
How bug deflectors work
As previously mentioned, a bug deflector is a fitting that is attached atop the grill of a vehicle. It is curved in such a way as to be able to channel the flow of air in an upward direction. In light of this curvature, the fixtures are also able to diminish the strength of the oncoming wind to make it less likely to impact the windshield adversely.
As part of its inner workings, the bug deflectors also tend to shred the large particles into smaller bits. They may also scatter the particles in such a way as to make the same of reduced intensity. Thus, when the said particles finally make a landing on the screens of the vehicle, they lose the destructive force they ordinarily have.
In addition, bug shields also absorb some of the impact that the bugs and flying debris potentially make. In doing this, they spare the glass and other delicate portions of the automobiles from the strong force that they are constantly bombarded with.
In regards to bug deflectors channeling the flow of air upwards, they also work to improve the aerodynamics of the cars. Indeed, the cars on which they are attached to tend to take on the incoming winds with a fair degree of efficiency. They also get to attain the top speeds faster without having to expend excess fuel.
Aside from the role of shielding your automobile from the harsh impacts and the damages that potentially come along, these accessories may also boost the aesthetics of your own truck. Trucks tend to appear sleeker and cleaner with bug shields attached.
Why would a bug deflector affect gas mileage?
YES, a bug deflector does affect the gas mileage POSITIVELY. As we have already stated, it scatters the oncoming winds. That results in a reduced drag on the front side of the vehicle. The vehicle, in turn, expends a smaller amount of fuel to travel from one point to the next.
This means that for any amount of fuel, you are sure to travel a comparatively longer distance. Also, this arrangement means that you will do not have to refill your tank every quite often or have to burn so much fuel to be able to make a successful journey.
Are some bug deflectors types better than others for gas mileage?
Yes, some bug deflectors are indeed better than the others for gas mileage but the difference is negligible. The factors below determine the significance of a bug shield on MPG:
Shape
Depending on how they are shaped, these items may also impact the flow of air in certain ways. Those that are more aerodynamically shaped tend to do a better job compared to the ordinary ones. They channel the flow of air much more effectively and hence tend to reduce fuel consumption considerably.
Material Makeup
The type of material that make up bug deflectors also have a role to play in affecting gas mileage. Materials like aluminum, acrylic, and polycarbonate are light and sturdy. They are subsequently better placed to do a better job than their bulkier and rigid counterparts such as stainless steel. Less weight on your truck obviously means better gas mileage in the end.
Method of Manufacture
How the items are manufactured also plays a vital role in determining their efficacy. By far, the ones that are wind-tunnel tested tend to do a better job than the ordinary ones. Yet again, it is in your best interest to prioritize one as it is more likely to yield forth better outcomes.
The bug deflectors are tested in a wind tunnel to determine how it alters the path of the airflow. Keep that in mind when shopping for your specific bug shield. It is usually mentioned in the product description. If not, contact the manufacturer.
Since it almost does not matter what type of bug deflector you choose as far as gas mileage is concerned, decide on one that best suits your needs and looks great on your truck. Avoid those that tend to get damaged easily. Instead, choose a tougher, more aerodynamic bug shield and make sure it has the strength to endure the harshest of impacts.
Benefits of bug deflectors
Economize Fuel Consumption
We have already alluded earlier that these accessories do improve the aerodynamics of most vehicles. They scatter the oncoming winds in many directions. In this way, they reduce the air resistance and the amount of fuel that has to be burned per hour. That, of course, translates to reduced money spent on gas.
Prolongs the Lifespan of the Vehicle
By virtue of reducing the possible damages that the cars may suffer, they inadvertently prolong the lifespan of the cars. Cars that have them affixed on their grilles tend to last longer. It is hence in your best interest to prioritize them in list of modifications to install.
Minimizes Incidences of Repairs and Maintenance
Also connected to the aforementioned point is the fact that the deflectors minimize the incidences of repairs and maintenance. This is somewhat straightforward. They diminish the damages that the delicate parts and components of the cars like the windshields may suffer. That, in turn, leads to reduced operational expenses such as windshield replacements and unnecessary paint jobs.
Reduce Depreciation
Automobiles, as is the case with many other liabilities, tend to depreciate in value over time. The bug deflectors do reduce this pace of depreciation. It does so primarily by reducing the rate at which the various parts and components sustain damages or succumb to the risk of dents.
Alternative ways to get bugs off the windshield
Other than bug deflectors, there are other ways and means of getting rid of bugs off a windshield:
Window Cleaners
Window cleaners like vinegar and Windex have proved to be pretty effective at eliminating the bugs. They have the potency needed to get rid of the stains from surfaces. Just apply the solution to the affected portions of the window and leave to settle. Rinse, then use a micro cloth to wipe it off.
Onion Bags and Baking Soda
Sliced onions, when mixed with baking soda can also do wonders. The mixture contains some strong neutralizing effects. When placed on the splattered bugs, they tend to dissolve them and allow for easier scrubbing and elimination at a later date. This solution does not harm your paint or windshield.
Coca-Cola
Many know Coca-Cola as simply a refreshment or beverage. However, few if any, know it as a potential scrubber or cleansing agent. To utilize it for the job, just shake it thoroughly to create some pressure. Then, spray the affected portions of your car with some generous amounts of the beverage. Make sure to rinse it off thoroughly with water to avoid a windshield full of ants!
Water Repellent
Some water repellent substances also do a good job of preventing splattered bugs from being affixed too well on a windshield. These repellents work by forcing the water to roll off the glass. This way, they reduce the need for you to use the wipers. In doing so, they also make the task of cleansing the substances off the glasses simpler and easier to come by.
Bugwash
The bugwash may also come in handy as suitable alternatives. These, as the name implies, are pre-made solutions used to eliminate the bugs off the windshield. They have the potency and the formulation needed to handle this task exceptionally well. Due to them containing extremely harsh chemicals, we suggest moderate and careful use to avoid problems. Read the bottle directions!
Conclusion
Bug deflectors are a great way to protect your vehicle investment by decreasing the chance of damage to your paint and windshield. They are also not too bad in improving your gas mileage slightly.
Choose a bug shield that is wind tunnel tested, custom fit for your truck, and one that is made of a strong material that will last you a long time. If you have one installed and decide it does not look right on your vehicle, there are alternative ways to get those annoying bugs off your windshield. Also, be sure to get car insurance that allows for windshield repair or replacement. Protect your vehicle in more ways than one!
If you’re thinking of different ways to accessorize your truck or make it more functional, consider checking out my recommended accessories page. I spent a good amount of time picking out mods that can be useful for most pickup trucks.