got first rock chip yesterday ugh
I had opticoat put on plus 3m clear bra - got the half bra on the hood, but the rock hit way up close to the windshield. Its small, but still hate to see it

 

^^ I know its painful to see rock chips but its still better than having a rock hit the windshield, cracked and having to be replaced. Thought I would post something positive given how harsh and critical I've been lately. I'll blame it on our long winter *lol*

 

It actually skipped off the hood and hit the windshield. Fortunately did not crack windshield.
Did not notice that it had hit the hood until I checked out the windshield later.

 

Honestly, I'll take the hit on the windshield over the body, windshield is a nice clean non-car fax repair.

 

^^ I guess it all depends on how big of a body damage we are talking about....a simple rock chip that is easily fixed with touch up paint is not too bad....I agree that some damage is more serious (I saw a guy's TL damaged by hail). That same little rock that can be easily repaired by touch up paint can crack a windshield and need to be replaced.

I see your point though, a windshield can be swapped leaving noo evidence of damage at a relatively inexpensive cost....it still sucks though

 

If we can have solar sensing climate control, when then Acura, cannot we have deflector shields?

 

I feel your pain and offer sympathy! I put 35k-45k annually on my cars and cannot avoid rock chips and road rash.

I highly recommend Dr Color Chip. I have used it on several of my cars with great success. They do a great job matching your paint color (especially on pearl white tri-coats). This system works a lot better than std touch up tubes (that leave blobs). It takes a little time, but is pretty much fool proof, and well the time, money, and effort applied; http://www.drcolorchip.com/store/bas...repair-kit.php

I had my RL clear bra'd when new. 3.5 yrs later I had put 173k on it. My Acura svc advisor has the car now with over 200k and it still looks great. The clear bra was a real savior.

Enjoy the new RLX.

Ed

 

Thanks Cadi

I put 185K on my RL and had tons of rock chips and 2 broken fog lenses. Was determined to put bra on any new car. Now I wish I had put the full hood cover rather than just partial

 

I will also do the full wrap on my next car, so long as it is car worth doing it to. There is a big cost difference between the 1/2 hood clear bra and a full hood and fender wrap.

We had a really bad winter in the DC area this year so our cars took a beating and the roads here are falling apart.

My RL had 1/2 hood, headlamps, bumper, front fender edges, and rearview mirrors wrapped. I had it done in March 2008 when I bought the RL CPO with just 4k miles on it. The current owner is about to have it re-done. There are a few gouges in it and some rash that is noticeable only up close. That RL looks incredibly great at over 200k and 8 yrs of age.

 

"My RL had 1/2 hood, headlamps, bumper, front fender edges, and rearview mirrors wrapped. "

That's exactly what I had done except they added a strip down the door edges

 

That's what I did on my RLX with the addition of door handle protectors(the recessed area under the handles) and a few areas where the splash guards debris would have contacted the rear panels also got the door edges done.
Wound up going with Xpel Ultimate instead of the 3M product. better warranty and it is self healing (more expensive though) amazing stuff!!

 

I would suggest getting a bottle of the acura touch up bottom for under 10 bucks. It works great touch up small stone chips. I don't use the brush though because it puts to much on the chip. I just use the end of tooth pick and drop it on the chip. Its not perfect but it blends in well.

I can't wait to try the Xped Ultimate though.