Effectiveness of the hood protector . . .

[Corridor 35]

I bought a new Kizashi less than a week ago and I'm already dealing with the paint chip issue on the hood at less than 200 miles. The dealer is going to "take care of it" on Wednesday.

I really like this car and the 0% financing and I want to take good care of it. I've seen some discussion here about the clear bra and repaints but before I do that I am cosidering the hood protector accessory as a way to keep road stuff from making future scratches and chips on the hood. Maybe it could be used together with a bra.

This is the product: http://suzuki.dealerfit.com/store/suzuk ... _34519.php

Does anyone have experience with this kind of thing? Would it be effective for protecting the hood's paint?

[pmw1213]

I have a 2011 white SE and had the invisable bra put on it, can't tell its there. But it works I was driving on the road (55MPH) and a cover of a 5 gallon bucket flew off from a truck and I could no stop, so BANG I thought *&^#. Pulled off road to look, not a mark on her but it did break the amber left running light. I also had all the door edges covered and under the door handle to elimate nail marks and the rear trunk area. And bugs come right off. Price was $515.00 for all but did a great job and installed just in time. So are they worth it YEAP

[nytq]

After going thru the chippng issue, suzuki repainted bumper, hood, fenders and mirrors. Chipping occured again within a week on the hood. I had already purchased the full nose bra, but it's drawback is that it can't stay wet on the car. So go figure I had taken it off the one day it rained and before I could get it back on it chipped. I've found that just the hood protector part is really needed. The bumper is holding up better then before. And that part is very easy to put on and off. Even had the mud guards put in to protect the doors and sides. Still seen a couple of little chips there. I've noticed that different paint colors have different experiences. I have the silver metallic and it just doesn't hold up. And the touch up paint is very difficult to get to look normal again. What can I say, I love the color but the maintanence and up keep would definetly lead me NOT to suggest that color to a new buyer. I've learned to deal with it and enjoy the rest of the car.

[Corridor 35]

So you had both the hood protector and the hood bra? That's an interesting idea.

[nytq]

Yes. It is sold either as a pair (both are a vinyl type material with felt lining), or you can purchase the hood protector alone.