Thoughts on this WeatherTech hood protector? ...

Getting ready to lease a new 4R. Don't want to do anything too permanent, and this claims it goes on with tape and won't mess up paint? Thoughts? Or too good to be true?

https://www.weathertech.com/toyota/2021/4runner/hood-protector/

Thanks in advance!

 

I would opt for the traditional bug deflector that screws in, in existing mounting points underneath the hood. I’d be worried the tape would damage the paint and/or be difficult to remove.

 

I live near them and tried the stickon one to see how it looked, no tape just set it down in the lot. The edges did not line up with the hood so went back in and bought the one that sticks up. screws in, been on 3 4runners now and through 100s of car washes.. does not contact paint at all and I didnt even use the bump stops. The oem uses metal clips that would wear right through the paint in no time
Pics on all 3 runners--

 

Hey ForRun, Just curious with the bug shield on how do you wax your hood underneath? Or do you remove it to be able to buff that area. Thanks.

 

It comes off very easy with 6 screws for wax. Normal cleaning just gets flushed. It is open at the base so no water gets trapped

 

This a the one I put on mine. It is an AVS. 25053 Bugflector II. Got it on Ebay. No drilling required Uses holes that are already in the hood.

 

I was looking at clear bra, but I understand that Clear Bra is very expensive and deflector is more economical solution. not sure which way I will go to yet...

 

XPEL clear bra

 

I had clear material added to my car. It was nice, but over time it gets scuffed up. After many years it will spider and need to be removed. I went with the AVS deflector on my 2020 4R and really like it. Can be easily removed at anytime for sealing and waxing. The AVS includes some small rubber stick on stops. However the clearance is fine and I left them off. No issue what so ever.

 

Is this the weather tech or the AVS?

 

I got this on mine, any deflector couple of years that part of the paint will look off after you take it off. I don't even think that much so I install this.

$90 Auto Ventshade [AVS] 322025 Aeroskin Hood Protector | 2010 - 2020 Toyota 4Runner, Low Profile/Flush - Smoke | Custom Fitment

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0046R3X7A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

How are the Grabber ATX holding up? What size are you running and any lift?

 

I don't drive 4R that much. I only have them for a few weeks, of course, they look brand new. . Every time I drive it, make me smile tho, I don't even think they are AT tires, so quiet and comfy. I running stock, 1" space lift front only.

 

Interested in knowing this as well.

Have to agree, pretty nice ride quality for an AT, at least in stock size with ~2.5-3” lift.

 

Sorry I missed that post!

It's weather tech. I'm told its probably made by AVS

 

Just installed AVS bug deflector, super easy and fits great.

 

I went with the OEM one. I like it. There are metal clips that you screw into the factory mounting holes that would screw the paint up if you didn’t use the clear strips that you put on first. It is the same/similar material used for clear bras. I have no issues with mine other than it got scratched up pretty good running it through a car wash with brushes.

I guess it makes my truck look mean lol.

 

Those metal clips cut right through the Mylar strips. One car wash I learned the hard way. I threw mine out for that reason. Give it a firm grip and move it around and see how the clips rub. Good luck

 

I put a set on mine in late December. Stock size, P rated. They ride great and are quiet, though they did introduce a kid of growl to the drivetrain that's noticeable at highway speeds. Kind of reminds me of when a wheel bearing just starts to go bad. It doesn't bother me, I just notice it. The wind noise from the rain guards is more objectionable honestly.

They're fine in wet weather, and good in the snow. I recently did a road trip back from the mountains, we were on the highway before the plows, and at speeds ranging from 40-50mph felt very planted in the snow.

Be warned though, they took a bigger bite out of my mileage than I was expecting. I was expecting around a 1mpg loss, in reality it's closer to 3. Yes we don't buy these for the mpg, however I did enjoy being able to go over 400 miles between fill-ups. That's not gonna happen now unless I run it down to fumes.

 

I got the AVS off Amazon and happy I did. Under $50 can’t argue with that.

 

I don’t see how they will cut through. The clips are rounded and don’t touch the hood. They act as a spring. Sure they will hit the hood when pressure is applied but that’s what the strips are for to protect it. I’ve been through multiple car washes, even the brush type and there is no wear.

It’s all personal preference. I decided to trust Toyota on this method. Works good so far.

 

Others across forums have found the same thing. The screws are secured in a plastic clip and they will give with wind, car washes etc. mine had cut into the tape and as mentioned the clips flex. I’ve read others that cut through and damaged the paint.
If anything I would double up on the Mylar.
I always prefer oem over others, just not with this design

 

What brand is this? That looks great!

 

I could see the nylon clips popping out if they are installed outside of the hood protector causing issues. If they are sandwiched between the hood protector and the sheet metal they shouldn’t come out since the screws expand the clips in the sheet metal. Mine is solid.

I agree having more strips wouldn’t hurt. I’ve thought of getting a roll of clear bra material and cover the entire edge. If I see wear that’s what I will likely do.

 

I just ordered same one on Amazon. signed up for amazon store credit card and the bugflector II was FREE..........I like free

 

Does this one use any tape? Or strictly held on with screws?

I prefer one that only screws on so it can taken off & on for cleaning.

Also, I’ve had AVS deflectors in trucks in the past, but it’s been over 10yrs. Mine always have clear bumpers that stuck to the hood. Does this stand off deflector on the 4Runner use bumpers?

 

I took delivery with the OEM protector/defector installed. However, I took it off after about 4 miles once I saw the metal clips touching the paint with only a piece of 3M vinyl standing in between.

 

I ordered a weather Tec last summer and it came with some scratches on it. I called they sent Another with more scratches.

So now I am thinking of going with Xpel film on spring on whole front end. I like the look without the deflector and apparently this Xpel stuff is great. It’s pricey but I already have a pricey vehicle.

 

I went with the Weathertech Stone & Bug Deflector. It looks similar to some of the ones pictured above. I'm very happy with it.

Link here: https://www.weathertech.com/toyota/2021/4runner/stone-and-bug-deflector/

 

Thank you for the input, but is this one taped on? Screwed on? Or a combination of both?

I’ve read it mentioned here that one of the AVS & Weathertech hood protectors are made by the same manufacturer. I’d be good with whichever one stands off the top of the hood’s finish & screws one.