Vent Visors & Bug Shields Tips

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Why a vent visor?

Ventin' in the rain

Ever notice that when you open your car window on a rainy day, you get wet? Makes ya think, doesn't it? Well, leaving aside the wisdom of opening your window when it is pouring, there is a way to open your window without getting soaked. Just add a vent visor to the window. It's that simple. A vent visor is made from acrylic, so it's pretty tough, and it goes on the leading edge and top edge of your side window. When it's raining cats and dogs outside, you can stay dry as a bone inside. Provided you only open the window a couple of inches. More than that and you're out in the rain again. Oh, one more thing. Vent visors can make your car look cool. If that's your thing.

   
what is a bug shield?

Splat protection

First off, let's get one thing straight. Bug shields have nothing to do with protecting insects from getting tromped by humans. They provide flying insects a convenient (for you) place that is not your vehicle to splatter against. With a bug shield you won't have to spend time half a day trying to get bug's blood and guts off your nice shiny paint job. The bug shield is also known as a bug guard or bug deflector, sometimes a bug wrap shield. But bug splat isn't the only thing that these babies prevent. A good bug shield will keep most any kind of airborne debris from mucking up your hood, fenders and windshield (I wonder why they don't call it “airborne debris shield”?)

   
How is a bug shield installed?

Installing a bug shield

Installing a bug shield is pretty simple and can be done in a matter of minutes if you have someone to give you a hand lining up the bug shield. The first thing you do is wash and dry your vehicle paying special attention to the area where the deflector will be mounted. Wipe away residual debris with an alcohol pad that comes with most deflectors. Then dry the area with a soft cloth.

Congratulations, you are now ready to install the bug deflector. The only tools you will need are a steady hand and a sharp eye. Since most deflectors are fastened with heavy duty double sided 3M tape, you will not need that drill you have been dying to try out since Christmas. Remove the backing of the tape and line up the shield with your hood. Ask your helper to put down the beer and help you center the shield. (If he or she tries to put down the shield and center the beer, get another helper.) A marking pencil will help you determine exact placement. You can wash the marks off after you've finished installing the shield.

Once you have stuck the deflector on to the proper place on your vehicle, you will need to attach two small clear rubber bumpers on the hood behind the bug deflector. Place them where the hood and bug deflector come in contact with each other during high speed driving. There. Your vehicle is ready to take on anything that comes flying its way.

   
How are vent visors installed?

Installing Vent Visors

Installing vent visors to your side windows is relatively simple, though the degree of difficulty may vary from one brand and style to another. Some you can stick on, others you just clip on. In any case, it shouldn't take you more than three or four days to get the job done. Less, if you follow these steps for a vent visor that attach to the window frame using double-sided tape.

1. Before installing, clean the surface of the window frame with alcohol to ensure a good bond.
2. Peel off about an inch of the tape backing to use as a pull-tab during installation.
3. Remove the plastic triangular cap inside the front door at the front edge of the window. Remove the three small mounting bolts underneath the cap that hold the side mirror in place (figure B). This allows the side-view mirror to be angled out of the way during installation.
4. Insert the front-end flange of the deflector between the cap and the window channel and position the deflector against the window frame.
5. With the deflector positioned properly, peel away the tape backing and press firmly to ensure good adhesion.
6. Retighten the mirror mounting-bolts and replace the triangular cap.
7. Step back, admire your work.

Invite your friends to see your newly installed vent visors.

   
what is the best way to protect my hood from road debris

Protection For Your Vehicle

Bugs, rocks, snow, ice and anything the road can throw at you can be deflected by bug shields or hood shields. By installing a bug shield or hood shield you can cut the chances of bugs and road debris doing damage to your windshield and hood by up to 75 percent. Bug shields are inexpensive as well as quick and easy to install. Consult your car's manufacturer for the best bug shield make and model fit. If you need help with installation, talk to your mechanic or deal.

   
How can a vent visor ventilate my car?

Smokin' in the rain

You're driving down the highway, smoking away. Outside, rain is coming down in buckets. Inside the car, your family is up in arms. “We're choking to death. Open the window, for heaven's sake. You calmly explain to them that you would love to, but if you open the window, you will get wet, and your cigarette will go out. Your family screams louder. If only you had thought to install vent visors, like a Ventshade Visor for example, when you had the chance. Life would be much pleasanter for you and your family. When you open your window during a downpour, a vent visor draws the smoke right out of the passenger compartment keeping you dry and your family quiet (for a while). This may not seem like much, but we're talking vent visors here, not Dr. Phil.

   
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