If you're serious about keeping your vehicle looking as good as it possibly can, then protecting the paint is always a top priority. After all, if it's a daily driver, that front end can very quickly accumulate all sorts of small chips and dings. With that in mind, one GMC Acadia owner decided to take matters into their own hands - however, their DIY solution is, let's just say, a little unconventional.
In an image recently shared online, the owner shows their late-model Acadia adorned with strips of black tape along the leading edges of the hood, grille surround, and lower bumper. The tape even extends to the mirrors and A-pillars, other areas that can be vulnerable to bug splatter and rock chips. We're not sure exactly how much tape was used, but the application looks like it was meticulously done.
"Heading on a long road trip so I covered up the most vulnerable painted areas on the front, the mirrors, and the A pillars," the owner explains in their post.
And look, we get it - nobody wants their nice new GMC Acadia crossover to look like it was chasing after a fleet of gravel trucks. Unfortunately, it's likely this tape job may have done more harm than good.
Simply put, electrical tape isn't designed for automotive use. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat can cause the adhesive to melt or harden, potentially staining the paint or leaving behind a sticky residue that's difficult to remove. Worse, removing the tape could actually pull up clear coat.
The better alternative? Well, the go-to is paint protection film, or PPF, which is specifically designed for the purpose at hand. These transparent polyurethane films adhere cleanly to painted surfaces, providing a real buffer against debris that won't damage the paint finish if correctly removed.
Even a purpose-built vinyl wrap or pre-cut protective decals would be a safer bet. That said, we salute the Acadia owner's enthusiasm. It's clear they care about their ride - and sometimes, that means improvising. Just maybe next time, they'll reach for something a little more paint-friendly.