Chip Guard Custom Designs - Frequently Asked Questions

WHY SHOULD I USE CHIP GUARD?

The front-end of our modern vehicles are more aerodynamic than ever before which increases their performance and efficiency. Because of higher speeds and these lower slopping front-ends, your automobile becomes more susceptible to stone chipping. The front of your vehicle should be protected to avoid costly refinishing. 3M testing of this superior urethane product can be see here. NOTE: A factory finish is superior to any aftermarket refinish job. Trust in Chip Guard to protect your vehicle.

WHY WRAP AROUND?

All Chip Guard kits are designed to wrap around the front and side edges of the hood, front edge of the signal lamps and the top edge of the fenders against the hood. This extra protection is a feature point when it comes to truly protecting your vehicle from all chips, and not just most. Allow us to explain;


	When stones hit along the edges of a Chip Guard-treated vehicle, those edges are fully protected against stone chipping. This BMW X5 is a perfect example how the fender & hood pieces wrap around the additional 1/8 inch for superior protection. Other competitors end their protection 1/8 " from the edge!

INSTALLATION EXAMPLE: To install the 903-19 (903-19c) kit on the BMW X5, remove the grills and signal lamps. It's not necessary to remove the emblem. The kit is pre-cut for the emblem. Install the fender pieces first, wrapping around the signal lamp openings using the additional 1/8" allowance. Next, wrap around the edge of the fender next to the hood with the additional 1/8 inch material.

Once both fender pieces have been installed, line up the hood piece to meet the fenders. Wrap around the grill openings by 1/8". Then, wrap around the front edge of the hood and sides next to the fender. With this kit, it will be necessary to make a double cut under both grills. When finished, re-install the grills and signal lamps.

Using this specialized product, along with these exact instructions (or professional installation) when stones or other road debris hit your vehicle, it will be fully protected. Our competitior's kits are 1/8 inch away from the hood and fender edges, leaving these strategic points vulnerable to serious chipping and surface rust.

We understand that this method of installation takes more time (and skill), but the final result is far superior in appearance and protection!

HOW LONG WILL IT LAST?

3M Paint Protection Film has an average life span of between seven and eight years. Chip Guard recommends professional application for every kit applied to a car, truck, van or SUV. However each kit is shipped with complete instructions on how to install it properly.

IS CHIP GUARD GUARANTEED?

Yes. Most Authorized Chip Guard Installers warrantee their installations for 4 years or 80,000km.

WILL CHIP GUARD AFFECT THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY?

No. The manufacturer's guarantee is not affected because the paint finish and metal of your vehicle is not tampered with in any way. Chip Guard products, and the application process do not require any drilling of holes or perforation. The application of Chip Guard is no different than the effects of graphics applied to your vehicle. Chip Guard protection can actually prevent some manufacture warranty claims!

WILL A LINE BE VISIBLE?

Only at close range is a line slightly visible at material edge. 3M urethane Paint Protection Film is 8 mil thick and completely invisible except at close inspection. Your vehicle will appear as if nothing was done to it. The alternatives are unsightly plastic bug shields which require attachment, and obtrusive black leather bras which hold water, bugs and other road debris. Take a look at a variety of vehicles with Chip Guard installed in our Photo Gallery. Try and find the line.

WILL CHIP GUARD CHANGE THE COLOUR OF MY CAR?

Chip Guard uses 3M Paint Protection Film which has a UV inhibitor in it to prevent fading from the sun's rays. This UV inhibitor contributes to about 5% of colour. Only slightly visible on white vehicles, but not noticable unless you are very close to the vehicle. This 1999 Porsche Boxster has had Chip Guard installed on it's fenders, hood and bumper. Do you notice any dis-colouring?

WILL MY VEHICLE'S PERFORMANCE BE AFFECTED?

No. Because Chip Guard is installed to perfectly fit and conform to the vehicle's shape and contour, it will not exert any drag force on your vehicle, nor cause any wind noise or wiper flutter.

CAN CHIP GUARD BE USED ON OLDER CARS?

Yes. As long as the front-end is not too badly chipped, we highly recommend Chip Guard be applied to further extend the life of your vehicle, and possible value (some models). We also recommend the use of Chip Guard to vintage and show vehicles and collector's automobiles such as in car clubs. Contact us for information.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY VEHICLE AFTER CHIP GUARD IS INSTALLED?

You can continue to wash your vehicle the way you did before the installation. If road film has built up it can be cleaned with Spray Nine in the shade only. Rinse off, repeat if necessary. Apply a good quality wax to the Chip Guard coating. Be careful not to allow a build up along the material edge. To remove wax on the edge, rinse with a hose while using the pointy end of a tooth pick.

Ready to buy? Or, see the details about your vehicle's Chip Guard kit here.

If you have any questions that have not been answered here, please email us with your question at info@chipguard.com and we would be glad to answer you.

Trust in Chip Guard.