Most car owners know that the front of their car receives most of the damage from driving on paved and unpaved roads. After all, it is the first thing most objects hit if they are traveling in the opposite direction of the vehicle, whether it be rocks, insects, or any other kind of flying road debris. Take a look at the bloody Rorschach of bug guts left on any grille after a lengthy drive and you’ve got to wonder if there’s a product out there that can minimize such damage and protect your car in the long run.
In fact, there is, and it’s called clear bra.
What is Clear Bra?Clear bra is similar to what you place on your phone screen to protect it from scratches, except on a larger scale. The see-through plastic film is applied to the painted parts of your car to provide a barrier against anything that comes in contact with it. According to CarFax.com, 3M created clear bra to apply on helicopter rotor blades. Already thin and fragile, the blades needed something to protect them as they cut through the air at high speeds. Nicknamed “helicopter tape,” the same film has now been introduced to the automotive industry for similar applications with comparable results.Clear Bra BenefitsAs you might imagine, applying clear bra to your car prevents paint damage and extends the life of any paint covered. Clear bra can be applied at any point in the car’s lifetime, though it’s best to obtain immediate coverage when the car is brand new. Complete with self-healing properties, the clear bra film will actually expand in the heat to fill in blemishes it may have sustained. Most customers will choose to cover their headlights, front bumper, at least a foot and a half from the tip of the hood back to the windshield, parts of their front fenders, and the forward-facing side of their side mirrors. Many clear bra installers also offer tailored installation as well, such as covering the A pillars and rear bumpers. Technically you could almost cover the entire car in clear bra, but that costs quite a pretty penny. For some, it might be worth it.Installation and CostDepending on how much clear bra you’re looking at purchasing, installation can take anywhere from 1 hour to a full day of work. Prices will increase accordingly with how much film you want applied. Generally, smoother-shaped cars take clear bra better than angles and complex slopes. Starting packages may cost you between $300-$500, depending on how much of your car you’re looking to get covered. Speak with your nearest clear bra installer to see what packages they offer. Different shops will carry various names in the industry, so if you’re looking for a broad comparison of the brands out there on the market today, check out this resource. You can also ask the shops you’re looking at which brands they cover, and why. What do they offer that other shops can’t?Clear Bra Means Clean PaintIf you’re looking to keep your car in pristine condition and protect it from the hazards of the road, look further into clear bra and how it can lengthen the life of your car’s exterior. Clear bra can be removed and reinstalled at any time with just a bit of heat, steam, and adhesive remover, so it’s not a completely permanent solution if you ever change your mind. |
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