AVS® Aeroskin® Bug Shield: Good Looks, Better Protection

Smack! 

There’s nothing worse than driving down the road and hearing the unmistakable noise of debris hitting your hood or, worse, your windshield. As a Colorado resident, I have become used to replacing my windshield at least once every year, thanks to persistent rocks and other debris that get kicked up on the backroads around The Rockies and the foothills of my town. 

Luckily, the fine folks at AVS and RealTruck have just the thing for pesky road debris and bugs: The AVS® Aeroskin® Bug Shield. 

Not only does the AVS® Aeroskin® Bug Shield look great, but it also provides a serious measure of protection against bugs, branches, small rocks, and other debris that can damage the leading edge of your vehicle’s hood. Thanks to aerodynamics, this is a common battleground for knicks and dings. 

How does the AVS® Aeroskin® Bug Shield stack up? Read on to learn more. 

Pros:

• Durable acrylic with a dark smoke color provides protection when you need it most

• Perfect fit, customized for specific vehicles, and ideal for my wagon

• Easy installation, even for one person who isn’t always the best at installing stuff

• Made in the USA with global materials

  
  

Cons:

• Could use more alcohol wipes in the package to clean the installation area
  
  

How Bug and Rock Shields Work on Cars

Ever wonder how bug and rock shields like the AVS Aeroskin Bug Shield keep your ride looking sharp? It's all about deflection. 

Airflow Magic

Every late-model vehicle is designed to slip through the air with as little friction as possible. 

This is why sedans and hybrids often feature swoopy designs, with steeply angled surfaces that slide through the air better. Thanks to the power of airflow, this means that the windshield and hood of vehicles are directly in the firing line of any debris that may be airborne as you drive down the highway.

The AVS® Aeroskin® Bug Shield works its magic by providing a durable impact surface against pesky debris drawn toward the front of your hood by airflow. Instead of dinging your hood, the debris gets swooshed up and over your car, keeping your hood and windshield clean and clear.

Materials Breakdown

The AVS Aeroskin Bug Shield is crafted from high-quality, durable materials that offer superior protection and longevity. 

Here’s a detailed look at its construction:

Tough & Flexible 

The bug shield is made from durable acrylic, which is known for its strength and resistance to harsh weather conditions. This material ensures that the bug shield can withstand the rigors of daily driving, including exposure to rain, sun, and wind.

Durability

The AVS Aeroskin Bug Shield's acrylic is impact-resistant and flexible. This means it can absorb minor impacts from debris without cracking or breaking, offering long-lasting protection for your vehicle’s hood.

Thickness

The material is thick enough to provide robust protection against bugs, stones, and other road debris yet streamlined to maintain your vehicle's tough appearance. Its thickness is optimized to deflect impacts while being aerodynamic enough to not affect fuel economy. 

UV Resistance

The acrylic is UV-resistant, preventing it from fading or deteriorating when exposed to direct sunlight over extended periods. This UV resistance ensures that the bug shield maintains its appearance and effectiveness throughout its lifespan.

Finish

The bug shield features a smooth, high-gloss finish that complements the vehicle’s aesthetics. This finish is designed to resist scratches and scuffs, keeping the shield looking new and polished. In person, it looks fantastic. 

Installation Review of the AVS Aeroskin Bug Shield

Flip the bug shield over, and you'll find a band of super strong 3M branded tape along the outer perimeter, ensuring a secure attachment to your vehicle.

Installation was straightforward. I started by cleaning the hood with soap and water and prepping with the included alcohol pads. However, the kit only included two very small pads. I had to use additional alcohol for a thorough cleaning. If you do need additional alcohol, be sure to use the highest strength you can find so the AVS® Aeroskin® Bug Shield sticks properly. 

To install, peel back a few inches of tape, exposing the backing. Align the shield right in the middle (I used the logo on my bumper as a guide), then remove the backing towards the driver and then the passenger side in six-inch increments, pushing as you go. 

Eight sections of tape needed to be removed. The entire process took about 15 minutes, and that was without a second set of hands. Ideally, you’d want to have someone help you with the installation on this one, but it can be done alone without a problem. 

Once fitted, the bug shield fits perfectly thanks to precision construction, ensuring a snug fit. It’s thick enough to divert the air and take a beating from Colorado stones but thin enough not to look totally out of place on my rugged wagon. 

Wrap-Up: An Easy Choice! 

In conclusion, the AVS Aeroskin Bug Shield is a fantastic addition to any vehicle. 

Made from high-quality, durable acrylic, it offers solid protection against bugs, rocks, and other road debris while enhancing your car’s rugged look. The easy installation process, aided by strong 3M tape, makes it a hassle-free upgrade that you can do yourself in minutes. With its combination of style, protection, and convenience, the AVS Aeroskin Bug Shield is a must-have for keeping your ride looking pristine.

I’m looking forward to testing this product out over the coming months to see how well it diverts those pesky Colorado stones!