A Guide to Front-End Vehicle Protection: Window Visors, Headlight and Bonnet Protectors

If you’re using your Ford Ranger the way it’s meant to be used, you’re probably putting it through quite a lot of abuse. While the Ranger is built to withstand the wear that comes with driving it over even the toughest terrains, it’s still prone to damage. The good thing is that there’s an entire market dedicated to ensuring 4x4s like your Ranger stay intact, especially the parts that have the most chance of getting damaged, such as your headlights and bonnet. Moreover, there’s a whole world of products that are made to improve your comfort while driving in the Australian heat, such as wind deflectors, also known as wind visors.

Bonnet Protector Ford Ranger Types

Bonnet protectors come in a variety of shapes and forms, but there are two popular tapes, which can be either taped onto or bolted onto your Ranger’s bonnet.

Standard-Profile

Standard-profile protectors are positioned at a specific angle so they don’t affect your aerodynamic approach, but they will still deflect upcoming debris and bugs. They’re positioned away from the panel, and they excel at sustaining damage from stone, chirps and other types of debris. Most standard-profile bonnet protectors are made using acrylic plastic.

Low-Profile

These protectors are placed near the bonnet and are known as off-the-hood bonnet protectors. For that reason, they match the contours of your Ranger, and they don’t look like an aftermarket modification. However, they’re more susceptible to scratches, because of their low profile. Some models come with a bump-up ridge to enhance airflow.

Bolt-on vs Tape-on

When shopping for a bonnet protector Ford Ranger model, you’ll find bolt-on and tape-on types. The bolt-on type needs screws or bolts to be attached to the vehicle. This installation process demands some basic tools and simple installation. The bonnet protector will typically come with holes and brackets that you’ll need to put under the bonnet. Moreover, these protectors are shaped with a sleeve that’s placed under the bonnet.

Tape-on protectors, on the other hand, feature double-sided tape to fix them into place. The tape is very strong and durable, and more and more manufacturers use them for their simple installation, and their ability to stick even if there are irregularities on the bonnet. All you have to do is peel the protective backing before installing them on the bonnet.

Window Visors for Ford Ranger

Also known as wind deflectors, these are affordable accessories that can provide a ton of value. They’re installed to the sides of your Ranger’s window, providing a customised look and allowing you to ride with the windows down, even when it rains and when driving through dusty terrain. Moreover, window visors can provide protection against the sun’s rays and benefit your Ranger’s mileage, as you won’t rely on your air-con as much.

Window visors come in two types based on how they’re installed – externally mounted and in-channel. They’re typically made using acrylic plastic. Most window visors are tinted to reduce glare, and are made to fit specific vehicle models and make for a snug fit.

In-Channel Visors

These visors are installed using double-sided adhesive and tension. Installation is very simple and they won’t come in contact with your Ranger’s paint, greatly reducing the chances of damage. On the flip side, installing them can take a while and they can interfere with sensitive power windows.

Externally Mounted Visors

These visors are also known as stick-on visors. They’re installed on the exterior of the vehicle door using strong adhesive tape. The key benefits to these visors are their simple installation, affordability and the fact that they don’t interfere with the window channels. 

Headlight Protectors for Ford Ranger

Headlight protectors protect your Ford Ranger’s headlight assembly from any type of damage. Additionally, they prevent oxidation. Besides providing protective properties, they can also improve how your vehicle looks and add a bit of personal touch to your Ranger. They’re easy to install yet provide great results.

Most headlight protectors simply adhere to the headlight assembly through the lens. Before you install them, however, make sure you thoroughly clean your headlights to get the best results. This can be done by soap washing the headlights and rinsing them with water. Once they’re dry, you can install the headlight covers. 

Installation doesn’t require any tools. All you have to do is open the bonnet and secure the headlight protector. Make sure the headlight protectors you buy are suitable for your specific Ford Ranger model and make. This is important to ensure a tight, lasting fit. 

Last but not least, cleaning headlight protectors is just as easy. All you have to do is wash them with soap and water occasionally, and you’ll get pristine-looking headlights for years to come. Once they wear down, simply remove them and install new ones to make sure your headlight assembly looks and functions the same as when you bought your Ford Ranger.