There are few things worse than buying a new car and, after a few months, washing it by hand only to find stone chips in the hood. Until recently the only thing a vehicle owner could do to prevent stone chips was buy a bra for the vehicle. Automotive bras can trap water, smell bad and in some cases, they can damage the paint. Another solution is a clear film called a 3M Stone Chip guard. While the 3M Stone Chip guard is normally applied by professionals, it's an easy job for a do-it-yourselfer that has a free afternoon.
Mix a 15-percent isopropyl alcohol/water solution in a plastic bucket.
Mix a car wash solution in another plastic bucket. Follow the directions on the car wash soap container. Wash the vehicle with the car wash solution and a sponge, giving special attention to the 3M Chip Guard's application area. Rinse with clear water.
Apply the isopropyl alcohol solution to the application area with a shop rag.
Lay the 3M Chip Guard on top of the isopropyl alcohol solution. Squeeze out any air bubbles with a squeegee, working from the center out. Do not allow the Chip Guard to move while removing the air bubbles with the squeegee. Allow the film to dry before driving.
