{"id":188017,"date":"2026-04-21T03:59:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T10:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/?p=188017"},"modified":"2026-07-05T08:19:49","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T15:19:49","slug":"are-bug-shields-worth-it-what-they-do-and-when-to-install-one-quickref","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-bug-shields-worth-it-what-they-do-and-when-to-install-one-quickref\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Bug Shields Worth It? What They Do and When To Install One"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/bug-shield\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"bug shields\">bug shields<\/a> are worth it if you regularly drive rural highways, wooded routes, or gravel roads where insects, stone chips, and road debris hammer the front of your vehicle. They reduce <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/windshield\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"windshield\">windshield<\/a> splatter, cut down on paint chips along the leading edge of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/hood\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"hood\">hood<\/a>, and take minutes to install. They&rsquo;re less useful for short urban commutes, and they don&rsquo;t replace proper cleaning or full paint protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bug shields redirect airflow upward, lifting smaller insects and debris over the windshield instead of into it<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aerodynamic shields handle small bugs well, but larger insects and stones can still get through<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expect a small fuel economy hit, usually one to three mpg, from added drag and weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Most shields install with 3M automotive tape or existing hood fasteners, no drilling required<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Coverage is limited to the front of the hood and lower windshield, so roofs, doors, and side panels stay exposed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A vehicle hood bra is a different device that&rsquo;s intended to protect the paint, but it can trap dirt and moisture if it isn&rsquo;t removed and cleaned regularly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a Bug Shield Actually Does<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A bug shield, also called a bug deflector or hood protector, is a curved strip of acrylic, polycarbonate, or stainless steel that mounts along the front edge of the hood. It sits a few inches above the hood line and forces incoming air to rise sharply. That upward stream carries bugs, small stones, and dust over the windshield instead of letting them slam into the glass or strip paint from the hood&rsquo;s leading edge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, do bug deflectors work the way the marketing suggests? Mostly, yes. The physics is straightforward: air moves over the shield, and anything light enough gets lifted with it. Heavier objects carry too much momentum for the airstream to redirect, which is why you&rsquo;ll still see occasional splatter after a long drive through a cicada bloom or a love bug stretch. Think of a shield as a filter that removes the worst of the barrage, not a forcefield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"578\" src=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/suv-bug-shield-installed-1024x578.jpg\" alt=\"suv bug shield installed\" class=\"wp-image-189617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/suv-bug-shield-installed-1024x578.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/suv-bug-shield-installed-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/suv-bug-shield-installed-768x433.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/suv-bug-shield-installed-1536x866.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/suv-bug-shield-installed-150x85.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/suv-bug-shield-installed.jpg 1872w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A bug shield installed along the front edge of an SUV hood | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Older Flat Designs vs. Modern Aerodynamic Ones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Older shields used a flat, straight piece of plexiglass that physically deflected bugs off the hood. Newer aerodynamic models are shaped to guide airflow and primarily protect against stone chips along the hood&rsquo;s edge. If bug coverage is your top priority, look for a deeper, more vertical profile. If you mostly want chip protection and a clean look, a low-profile deflector works fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Case for Installing One<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protection from Bugs and Stone Chips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the core benefit. Drivers who log miles on rural highways or forest roads report visibly cleaner windshields and fewer paint chips along the front of the hood. Owners in heavily wooded regions often note that after installation, the windshield stopped ending every trip coated in bug residue. That&rsquo;s the typical experience: not total elimination, but a meaningful drop in impact frequency and paint damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Easy Installation and Budget-Friendly Price<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most bug shields use 3M automotive-grade adhesive tape, existing hood holes, or a combination of both. Installation usually takes 15 to 30 minutes with a tape measure, isopropyl alcohol wipe, and the included hardware. Prices vary by material and brand, but a quality deflector is one of the most affordable exterior accessories you can buy, and it rarely needs replacement unless it&rsquo;s damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cosmetic and Resale Considerations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clean hood edge holds its paint and resale value longer than one peppered with rock chips. For trucks and SUVs that see rural or off-road use, a shield is cheap insurance against cosmetic wear that&rsquo;s expensive to repair professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Drawbacks To Know About<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Windshield Washer Spray Can Be Affected by Airflow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some bug shields direct airflow upward so effectively that, at road speed, the shield might cause your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/what-you-should-know-about-windshield-spray-nozzles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"windshield washer nozzle spray\">windshield washer nozzle spray<\/a> to miss the windshield and pass over the top of the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This usually only happens if the nozzles are on the hood rather than on the wiper arms. The same airflow principle that helps block bugs can also affect washer spray, creating wind shear in front of the shield and lower pressure near the base of the windshield. If this happens, you might need to slow down or wait until you stop before using the windshield washers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fuel Economy and Drag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adding a shield can increase frontal area and drag. Most drivers see a small mpg hit, sometimes as much as one to three miles per gallon. If you drive long distances daily or track fuel costs closely, that number adds up over a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"rsi-card\">\n  <div class=\"rsi-thumb\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cld.partsimg.com\/d_noimage.jpg\/b_white\/e_sharpen,e_auto_brightness,e_auto_contrast\/f_auto\/q_auto:eco,dpr_auto\/w_873,h_873,c_pad\/images\/v1523243_1\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"rsi-info\">\n    <span class=\"rsi-title\">How To Choose the Right Bug Shield Before You Add It to Cart<\/span>\n    <span class=\"rsi-desc\">Build the bug shield pump order the first time by matching your cart to the job scope and catching fitment splits early.\n<\/span>\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-right-bug-shield-before-you-add-it-to-cart-quickref\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Discover Your Options\">Discover Your Options<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Limited Coverage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A shield protects the front portion of the hood and, to a lesser extent, the lower windshield. Your roof, door panels, side mirrors, and headlights stay fully exposed to road debris. This is the main limitation: shields are partial protection, not full coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fit and Aesthetics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every bug shield car setup looks clean on every vehicle. Some hoods wear a low-profile deflector well, while others end up visually bulky. Check product photos for your vehicle&rsquo;s exact year, make, and model before ordering, especially if the front-end look matters to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When a Bug Shield Makes Sense<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A shield pays off fastest if you drive frequently on rural highways, in heavily wooded areas, on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/handy-tips-for-driving-safely-on-gravel-roads\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"gravel or dirt roads\">gravel or dirt roads<\/a>, or through regions with seasonal insect booms. Lovebugs in the Southeastern U.S. are a good example of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Truck and SUV owners who tow, haul, or cover long stretches between cities tend to see the clearest benefit. If your daily driving is city-only on well-paved roads, the gains are marginal and the fuel economy trade-off may not be worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Choose the Right One<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start by confirming the shield is made for your vehicle&rsquo;s exact year, make, and model. Fitment is the single most important factor, and generic universal shields often leave gaps that look sloppy and perform poorly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Acrylic and polycarbonate are the most common options. Aerospace-grade acrylic is durable and clear, while polycarbonate offers slightly better impact resistance. Smoked tint hides road grime, while clear blends more subtly into body color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mounting Style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tape-on designs keep the hood drill-free and rely on 3M automotive adhesive. Channel or bolt-on models use existing hood holes for a more permanent installation. Both methods hold up well when installed on a clean, dry surface above 50&deg;F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safety note: if you ever notice a shield lifting, vibrating, or cracking at highway speed, remove it and inspect the mount. A loose shield can become a hazard for you and the vehicles behind you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783127819600\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do bug shields work at highway speeds?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, and that&rsquo;s where they perform best. The faster the airflow, the more effectively the shield can lift lighter bugs and debris over the windshield, but the airflow may also affect windshield washer spray at road speeds.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783127900499\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Will a bug shield damage my paint?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A properly installed shield shouldn&rsquo;t damage paint. Problems usually come from trapped moisture or grit beneath tape-mounted models. Clean under and around the shield a few times a year, and remove it if you notice bubbling or lifting.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783127919331\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long do bug shields last?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A quality acrylic or polycarbonate shield lasts five to ten years with normal use. UV exposure, severe weather, and frequent brush-style car washes can shorten that window.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783127931798\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I still go through automatic car washes?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most touchless washes are fine. Avoid washes with stiff brushes, which can scratch acrylic or loosen tape-mounted shields over time.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1783127944157\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do bug shields work for trucks and cars equally?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">They work for both, but trucks and SUVs with taller hoods benefit most. Low, sloped car hoods already guide airflow over the windshield, so the added effect is smaller.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you drive rural highways, wooded routes, or dusty back roads often, a quality bug shield is a small investment that keeps your vehicle&rsquo;s paint cleaner and its windshield clearer. Match the product to your vehicle, install it on a clean hood surface, and you&rsquo;ll see results on your next long trip. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/bug-shield\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Shop compatible bug deflectors and hood protectors\">Shop compatible bug deflectors and hood protectors<\/a> at CarParts.com to find a model that fits your vehicle perfectly.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\">Reading Time: <\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 5<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">minutes<\/span><\/span>Yes, bug shields are worth it if you regularly drive rural highways, wooded routes, or gravel roads where insects, stone&#8230; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-bug-shields-worth-it-what-they-do-and-when-to-install-one-quickref\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1651,"featured_media":188018,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[3756,1034,52],"tags":[1339,151,77],"ppma_author":[2607,2985],"class_list":["post-188017","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-accessories","category-auto-repair","category-diy","tag-bug-shield-2","tag-hood","tag-windshield","entry"],"acf":{"adrotate_specific_mobile_ad":"","adrotate_specific_desktop_ad":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Are Bug Shields Worth It? What They Do and When To Install One - In The Garage with CarParts.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering if a bug shield is worth the investment? Here&#039;s how deflectors perform, what they protect, and when they make sense.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-bug-shields-worth-it-what-they-do-and-when-to-install-one-quickref\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Are Bug Shields Worth It? What They Do and When To Install One - In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Wondering if a bug shield is worth the investment? Here&#039;s how deflectors perform, what they protect, and when they make sense.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/are-bug-shields-worth-it-what-they-do-and-when-to-install-one-quickref\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"In The Garage with CarParts.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-04-21T10:59:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-07-05T15:19:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Are_Bug_Shields_Worth_It.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"599\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team, Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@https:\/\/twitter.com\/CarPartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@carpartscom\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"CarParts.com Research Team\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/are-bug-shields-worth-it-what-they-do-and-when-to-install-one-quickref\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.carparts.com\\\/blog\\\/are-bug-shields-worth-it-what-they-do-and-when-to-install-one-quickref\\\/\"},\"author\":[{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"$id\":\"1651\",\"name\":\"CarParts.com Research Team\",\"jobTitle\":\"Expert Automotive Writer\",\"description\":\"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. 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Low, sloped car hoods already guide airflow over the windshield, so the added effect is smaller.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Are_Bug_Shields_Worth_It-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Are_Bug_Shields_Worth_It-600x599.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","author_link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/"},"authors":[{"term_id":2607,"user_id":1651,"is_guest":0,"slug":"thecpteam","display_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/thecpteam.jpg"},"author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/thecpteam\/","last_name":"","first_name":"CarParts.com Research Team","job_title":"","description":"The CarParts.com Research Team is composed of experienced automotive and tech writers working with (ASE)-certified automobile technicians and automotive journalists to bring up-to-date, helpful information to car owners in the US. Guided by CarParts.com's thorough editorial process, our team strives to produce guides and resources DIYers and casual car owners can trust."},{"term_id":2985,"user_id":1646,"is_guest":0,"slug":"richardmccuistian","display_name":"Richard McCuistian, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","avatar_url":{"url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png","url2x":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/richard-mccuistian.png"},"author_category":"","user_url":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/author\/richardmccuistian\/","last_name":"McCuistian","first_name":"Richard","job_title":"ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician","description":"<div class=\"auth-social-links\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/richard-mccuistian-2681891b\/\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"linkedin\" aria-labelledby=\"linkedin\">LinkedIn<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/McCuistian\" class=\"btn\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"instagram\" aria-labelledby=\"instagram\">Youtube<\/a><\/div>\r\n\r\nRichard McCuistian grew up in Alabama learning from his father who ran an automotive repair shop. Richard has worked for nearly 50 years in the automotive field as a professional technician, an instructor, a freelance automotive writer for Motor Age, ACtion magazine, Power Stroke Registry, and others (published every year since May 2000). He has developed training courses and written or edited training material for companies in the U.S. Canada, and the Netherlands, and even Bulgaria. He maintained an \u201cask a mechanic\u201d website for 10 years answering questions emailed to him from all over the world.\r\n\r\nRichard has an instructional automotive YouTube channel \u201cMcCuistian\u201d with 13,500 subscribers and over 1,300 videos. Much of his professional work requires photography and videography in shop environments, but Richard also enjoys taking pictures of landscapes, skyscapes, old barns and houses, small towns. He has produced a coffee table book of digital watercolors called \u201cMemories of South Alabama\u201d created from his personal photos, along with a dozen Christian fiction short original novels and a collection of short stories, all available in Kindle or softcover format. Richard has written a 2,500-word Bible study every week for the past 20 years and uses it to teach a small group at his church every Sunday morning.\r\n\r\n<strong>Credentials:<\/strong>\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"author-list\">\r\n<li><p>ASE Certified for more than 30 years in 10 categories, including L1 Advanced Engine Performance and Light Vehicle Diesel.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Professional Mechanic\/Technician for 25 years with experience on diesel and gasoline engines, vehicles and equipment (including hydraulics).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Spent 5 years in fleet maintenance, 20 years in independent shops and dealerships (VW, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Ford, Lincoln), specializing in driveability and electronics for the last 14 years of his career at the same dealership.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Senior Contributing Editor at Motor Age Magazine, first published in Motor Age in May of 2000 and every year since. He has won two International Automotive Media Awards for technical articles published in trade magazines.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has attended hundreds of hours of automotive training from OEMs including GM, Volkswagen, Mazda, Renault, Jeep, Chrysler, as well as additional training at events like KC Vision and MACS (Mobile Air Climate Systems Association).<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Taught college level auto mechanics for 19 years.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Has written for automotive training companies (including course development work for training companies in Canada and the Netherlands) and has been hired to teach professional trade show technician courses at multiple training events in Texas and Alabama.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>While still teaching at the college level, Richard launched a new automotive program in Geneva, Alabama, setting up a dual enrollment department in a new building, organizing the shop and classroom, teaching morning classes to high school students for 2 years while still teaching at the college in the afternoon.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<li><p>Richard\u2019s college program at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College worked at professional shop speed during his tenure to prepare graduates for production level work in the real world.<\/p><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188017","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1651"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=188017"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/188017\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/188018"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=188017"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=188017"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=188017"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=188017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}