Planning on driving from LA to Vegas and possibly San Francisco in the near future. My car does not have a clear bra on it. Would these drives warrant anything in the way of protection on the front end that I wouldn't have normally?

Thanks

 

Well, this will be interesting.

Speaking strictly of paint protection, you will get answers that will vary, from mine,on one end, which says: "Don't do anything other than a good pre-trip wax, Stay back from the cars in front of you to avoid front end chips. Don't be afraid to drive it, because this road trip is no different than the same amount of miles put on locally." ---All the way to "Bubble Wrap the entire car, because if you take it out of the garage, it might melt from the heat of the desert or the fog of SF, and the fact you called it a road trip will make sure that more bad things happen per mile, GUARANTEED! "

Frankly, a little forethought into how to make a long trip from home a safer one, is a better way to spend your time and money. Things like a small compressor and plug kit, including a can of slime (even when using run flats). Making sure all your fluids and tire pressures are at optimal levels. Personally, I like OnStar, even though I have driven across the US over a dozen times without it. When parked a a hotel, don't leave ANYTHING in the car, and park under a light, or Valet park it--I think it is worth the few extra bucks to have it in a bit more secure place. I'm sure others will chime in with things, as well.

Oh, I almost forgot, don't forget to enjoy the trip!

 

It is a car, the more miles the more blemishes. It is depreciating at an alarming rate so enjoy it. As mentioned stay away from other traffic if possible, dump trucks have all kinds of crap that falls off. In five thousand miles I only have one small chip and it being a base car, no wheel thrown stone abrasion. You have a new car, Hit the start button, cycle through tire pressures and go. Happy motoring!

 

I opted for the NoviStretch front bumper mask for my 5600 mile vacation run. It isn't thick so a good rock hit might leave a mark but what I liked about it was that it is effectively a filter for your radiator/AC condenser. It trapped hundreds of bugs that would have made it into the condenser core. And it didn't inhibit cooling, I ran in Arizona desert heat at 106 degrees, AC wide open, pulling hills and switchbacks with no overheating issues. The only downside of it is you curb your splitter then you also tear your mask. I'd rather not go into how I know this.

 

Excellent advice.

 

Good advice from the previous posts. I am not a clear bra or related products fan, but this is an individual choice. I just installed the NoviStretch bra and so far I like it, but I haven't had if for very long. It does get the bugs and it is an easy install and removal. For the car shows you can install it and then remove it when you arrive.

 

You might try 3M's Paint Defender available at most auto stores and maybe Walmart.
I never have used it as I have a clear bra on mine but perhaps others can chime in on how and if it's effective. I think Armor All has a similar product. At least Google it and then make a thoughtful choice. You could be a pathfinder here.

Good luck.

 

We often drive from Phoenix to Las Vegas. We bought the Premier AAA policy for each of us. With AAA-AZ, we each get 100 miles X 3 tows and a 200 mile tow. Didn't want to get stuck in the desert with a flat tire! Then we cancel OnStar after the trial ends. Figure AAA gives us more for the money. AAA is based on the person and not the vehicle. So this will work for either of our cars.

"See the USA in your Chevrolet"

 

I had Xpel put on mine because of road hazards from trucks etc.

 

Well you should already have PPF on the car, so just gas it up, check the oil level and tire pressures, take a cell phone, and burn rubber.

 

Yup, just drive it. The only think I would add is that my can of slime is the extra large one intended for pickup truck tires. I've never had to use it but I figure that with such a big tire it may be about equivalent to a truck in how much goo is needed.

Oh, one other thing. USAA offers roadside assistance and rental reimbursement for a pretty cheap price on my insurance policy. I usually don't have that on the Corvette since towing is covered in my warranty and I have another vehical I can drive if the Corvette is out of comission. But USAA lets me turn this feature on and off at will so I usually turn it on just before a long trip just in case. If I have a problem with the warranty people, USAA is a lot easier and friendlier to deal and it doesnt cost much - so even though it's redundant it can be worth doing. Particularly if the car is sidelined for a couple of days for something that isn't covered by the warranty.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone. Novistretch seems like a good idea but I don't think they have a product for the C7 Z06 yet. Might just go with wax and hope for the best!

 

I'm pretty sure the Novistretch accommodates most of the Z06 splitter levels but just shoot them an email, their customer service is very quick and straight forward, I'm pretty sure they won't steer you wrong.

FWIW, I bought it pretty much just for the piece of mind of my 260 mile drive home from the dealer and I'm very glad I did. Haven't put it back on yet, but know that its a 5 minute job to have that piece of mind when I need it (like when I'm going to take it out after hibernating in the garage over the winter).

But in the end it all comes down to personal preference...

 

From Novistretch's website: "Fits all 2014 - Current 7th Generation Corvettes, including Z06 (*not intended for use with Z07 package when utilizing larger "track use" winglets/end-plates)."

 

Trip preparation:

Rise at the appropriate time
Eat - drink something, should you normally do so
Dress
Get wallet with cards, cash if you use such
Pack bag
Put bag in car
Ensure traveling companion is in car
Start car
Leave
Enjoy

Life and trips and cars are pretty straightforward.....