I'm looking for a good way to protect the front of my Maxima from rock chips and other damage. I do a lot of highway driving and I'm tired of the front end of my cars getting beat up. I've seen videos online of 3M paint defender that you spray on yourself that seems easy to apply and remove and dries perfectly clear. It's invisible after it dries. I also know that you can have so-called clear bras professionally applied. I would think that solution would come at considerable expense.

Does anyone have any experience with either one of these, or perhaps have any other recommendations?

Thanks

 

As someone who does a lot of highway driving (1000 miles a week) I thought I would reply.


I have a 08 HR 350z and an 07 Honda Accord. I alternate those cars with my beloved 94 Maxima on my trips (commute). The 08 has a clear bra that I put on when I bought it new. Still looks good, and although expensive ($750) when I purchased the Z it was well worth it. Front end still looks basically new. It is starting to have a few "issues" here and there and I'm contemplating replacing it but I'm picky.


The 07 Honda is my "principle" car and I drive it the most on my commutes. Because of all the stone chips due to the highway miles I had to have the whole front end repainted a few months ago ($1400). I called several dealers in the area to see if they could install a clear bra but the dealers have gotten out of "staffing" someone at the dealership to do this. Back when I bought my Z they had someone on staff consistently. Now they are here and there but pretty much "contractors." You have to call them and they may come out to your house or "meet" you at the dealer to do the install. Of course it is pretty pricey.


I called around regarding my Honda to see who would do the entire front end and finally found one guy but he was booked solid for about a month...I thought about the paint defender and have not tried it but have heard good things about it. What I decided to do was to buy the "old fashioned" "La Bra." It was only $70 and fits the car perfectly.


Yes, it is a little bit of a hassle to put on and take off but does not have any problems taking direct stone hits/etc. All the "clear bra" products will eventually have to be replaced. Some will start to "cooler" some will start to "bubble" etc but none will last forever..Also, you have to be careful what you put on it (wax/cleaners/etc) that is IF you plan on keeping your car that long.


I'm still considering the clear bra/paint defender but I'm liking the old fashioned "La Bra" more and more and might just get one for the Z. In my case I'm pretty much stuck with a commute and putting a considerable amount of miles on my cars so it's probably going to be worth it to me to buy the La Bra as for the money you just can't beat it...

 

Dealsgap,

Thank you for the info and your reply.

 

I was looking into this as well I read Horror stories on Amazon on Paint defender and decided against it they claim it dosent come off? had a bra on my 2014 what a pain in the A$$ just sold it on ebay for $65...if you find someting let us know the dealer wants $500 to spray it on.....no warrenty on fading?

 

I currently have my 4th clear bra on my '16. Also had it on my '05, '10 and my wife's '07 Frontier (which we still own). Only way to go for me. I have also heard bad things about the spray - doesn't come off as easy as they claim.

 

About how much does that usually cost?

 

Mine was $550.

 

Thank you. Not cheap for just the front bumper, but hopefully worth it.

 

Sorry - was not just front bumper (which was very complicated). Also had hood, front of fenders, mirrors and door cups.

 

Will be on my 5th one. An Altima, two Muranos, my old '09 Max (just traded in at 106,000 miles) and having my '17 Platinum done Monday. The one on my old Max still looked new and of course no rock chips on the front end, Love 'em.

The clear bra is now installed, done by the Toyota dealer (go figure), and it came out perfect. Coverage of all the painted surfaces on the front along with about 18" of the hood and fenders, mirrors and the cups behind the door handles. Probably the best job of all I have had done.

Edit. Forget the part about the best job. Washed the car today and saw several dirty fingerprints under the film. Back to the shop we go.

 

Are you kidding me? 4 clear bra's in a little over a year. Is this a misprint?

Personally I swear by the 3m Clear bra. About $800 for the Max and lifetime warranty against discoloration, bubbles, what have you. Ziebart installer said if I ever get a nasty cut or something to just bring it in and they will repair the material at no charge! Nice peace of mind.

 

No - the clear bra on my '16 is the 4th vehicle that have purchased them for.

 

Thanks for clearing that up. I thought you lived in Afghanistan or something.

 

Professionally installed the 3M clear bra on my 2016 Nissan Maxima within the first week...cost was $300 Canadian...well worth the cost. didn't have one on my 2011 Maxima