How Bug Deflectors Protect Your Windshield and Improve Aerodynamics

Anyone who’s ever been on a road trip knows that it doesn’t take long for the windshield to get caked in bugs. When driving on the highway, bugs can easily get swept up in the airflow of your vehicle and end up right on your windshield. This means you’ll have to spend a lot of time at the gas station cleaning your windshield and making sure you have the visibility you need. Bug deflectors are a great way to keep your windshield clean and make sure all the little critters on the highway don’t end up smashed on the glass. Knowing how bug deflectors can not only protect your windshield but also improve your vehicle’s aerodynamics will help you decide if you need one.

What Are Bug Deflectors?

Bug deflectors are mounted on the front of your vehicle’s hood, right above the grille. They have a wing shape that redirects the flow of air and ensures that there is a protective air wall between the front of the grill and your windshield. In addition to protecting your windshield from bugs, these deflectors can also prevent things like chips and cracks in the glass due to road debris and gravel. They are usually made of acrylic or polycarbonate and are built to be incredibly durable so they can withstand the high wind speeds of the freeway and any debris that might get kicked up by the cars ahead of you.

How Bug Deflectors Work

As your vehicle moves, it cuts through the air, which is usually directed at the windshield, and then moves over the roof. While this can be a great way to punch a hole in the wind resistance, anything caught up in the airstream ends up smashed all over the glass. Bug deflectors work by redirecting that flow of air upward and pushing it away from the windshield. While this may seem like it would be a hindrance to the vehicle’s aerodynamics, it can actually be a big help since it reduces drag and directs air over the windshield instead of into it. For vehicles with a square body, such as pickups or SUVs, this can be a big improvement in their overall efficiency.

Benefits of Bug Deflectors

Windshield Protection

The most obvious and essential benefit of a bug deflector for your car, truck, or SUV is the windshield protection it offers. Having to constantly wash your windshield is inconvenient and if you neglect it for too long, the debris and smashed bugs can even damage the glass over time. Bug deflectors also form a protective wind barrier that pushes away heavier road hazards like gravel and dirt, which can chip and crack the windshield. If you want to make sure that your car’s glass lasts as long as possible, a bug deflector is a great option.

Improved Visibility

Visibility on the road is essential, especially on road trips. Unfortunately, you’re much more likely to get a buildup of dead bugs on long trips, which can limit your visibility in situations when you might be driving for long periods. These factors can all compound and create a dangerous driving situation that a bug deflector can help eliminate. By keeping bugs off your windshield, you can always have a clear view of the road and keep yourself and your passengers safe on the highway.

Enhanced Aerodynamics

It may seem like a wind wall is bad for aerodynamics but there are many vehicles that can benefit from it. If you have a vehicle like a pickup or a larger SUV, the body may not have been designed to cut through the air like a small vehicle does. With a bug deflector, though, the air is pushed up and over the roof instead of hitting the windshield, which can reduce drag and make your car a lot more aerodynamic. In some cases, it can even help with fuel efficiency.

Added Style

Bug deflectors are available in a wide range of styles and colors with transparent, matte, and glossy options. If you’ve been looking for a unique way to make your vehicle stand out from the crowd, a bug deflector can be a great option. Not only will it protect your windshield and help keep it looking great, but it will also add an overall aesthetic boost that can be incredibly effective. If you want the best bug deflectors and hood protectors for your vehicle, ExtremeTerrain has you covered. With all kinds of colors, materials, and designs, you can find the perfect choice for your style and needs. Plus, with fast shipping, you can get what you need and get out on the highway in no time.