Front end protection going into winter \ chip prevention questions?

[RoadKing01]

Hello all, Fairly new to the forum and brand new to Mazda. Just bought an 08 CX-9 GT AWD and love the car so far. The car only had 11k miles on it when I bought it so it is virtually like new.

I am thinking of buying the front end protector (bra), as the front end on this one is mint. My 08 Altima that I traded in on it was pretty chipped up from PA winters, and I would like to prevent that from happening again. I hate the look of bras in general, but I am thinking of putting one on in the winter and for use on long road trips. I would like to remove it in the spring once the salt and ashes are washed away. My thoughts are that this will provide the best protection during the most likely times for damage.

Does anyone on here have one that can give me their opinion on it?

How well does the paint hold up to chips in general? Nissan's paint was notorious for chipping pretty easily.

And lastly, would putting it on and taking it off 2-3 times a year result in even more damage to the paint than leaving it exposed to the chips?

I would like to go clear bra, but the good kits are too much $$$ for my budget and I am sure the cheap ones will look like crap in no time.

Anyone have any other thoughts or suggestions on this?

Thanks in advance,

 

[table5511]

Nissan paint is like strongman, mazda paint is like weakman. On the other hand, when Nissan paint chips, it chips down to the metal. When Mazda paint chips, it just chips off and the primer remains underneath. Seems Nissan may have a better adhesion promoter but does not prep bare metal as well, so the paint pulls the primer right off with it. I have had both nissans and A mazda now. If you can't afford the clear bra then just put the ugly one on during the winter, however, if somehow you can convince your financial director (aka wife) to get the clear 3M bra, it will stay on all year long protecting the front of the hood. (also a good idea to get one for the roof near the top of the windshield, but I would never be able to convince my financial director to spend the $$)

 

[POODLES]

Since you have trouble taking money out, I hope you have more luck with deposits!

 

[chiurw]

I would recommend the Clearbra over a standard vinyl bra anyday. No hassles of removing and installing, plus with vinyl bras, trapped dirt can scratch the paint and any humidity trapped underneath can ruin the paint. Clearbras cost about $250 to $300 depending on the amount of coverage whereas a vinyl bra costs about $100 to $150. With all of the hassles of a vinyl bra, I would spend a little more money and get a Clearbra. Had one installed on our '08 GT when purchased new and it has held up very well.

 

[RoadKing01]

Where can I find a clear bra for under $300? Every one I priced was close to a grand installed. $300 is doable $1000 is not.

I just spent $800 on a set of parada spec-xs. I can only spend so much at a time.

I was going to have the clear bra installed professionally, as I Do not want to butcher it myself. I am not afraid of diy. I just do not want my ride looking like crap from all of the bubbles under the film.

 

[masbirdies]

Yeah, I'd like to know where $300 is as well. I was quoted $600 and that was the best price I could find in my area (Daytona Beach, FL). I'm going to choose the Mazda bra. I'm in sales and most of my trips are longer, hwy trips throughout FL. The bra will take a rock much better than the clear bra and I don't mind taking it off and on as needed.

 

[jk240sx]

I live in Utah and have 3M clearbra on my 2007 Passat. After 4 years the paint is flawless and the bra has taken some hard hits from semis kicking up rocks. By comparison, my 2007 Escape hybrid has been through the exact same conditions and it has several rock chips and front looks like hell. My bra was $700.00 for the full front including 2/3 of the hood , fender fronts and the headlights. It was pretty expensive but worth every cent. If you like your vehicle and want it to look good for a while, spend the money.

I had a wolfe bra on my 911 when I lived in Florida and it destroyed the paint. I would never use a slip on bra again.