Deer Protection

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BuckeyeNate
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2012 7:09 pm

Deer Protection

Post by BuckeyeNate »

Hi there, I've had my Vibe since this past summer, and haven't had it during deer season before. I've seen what hitting a deer can do to the car, so what I'm looking for is a type of protection for the car in the event of an accident. What I'm looking for is a type of bull bar/brush guard, to lessen the damage done to the car, in the case of hitting a deer. Has anyone attached a bull bar/brush guard to their Vibe before? I liked the bull bar idea, because it can be removed when not needed.

Of course other tips regarding this issue would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

-Nate
ou.grizzly
Posts: 2660
Joined: Sat Mar 01, 2008 5:26 pm

Re: Deer Protection

Post by ou.grizzly »

Nate...

The Vibe is not an SUV or Truck... In most cases, that said accessory actually tends to cause more damage at times as the impact bends/twists/pushes the bar into other areas of the vehicle.
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BuckeyeNate
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2012 7:09 pm

Re: Deer Protection

Post by BuckeyeNate »

I understand what you are saying, what I'm just trying to figure out is, if there is any unique thing that can be put on the front of the Vibe for more protection in the event of a collision.

Of course messing with 4Runner's in the past is what made me think of the bull bar ;)
star_deceiver
Posts: 5802
Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: Deer Protection

Post by star_deceiver »

Much brighter headlights, maybe some high performance brakes, night vision system to see deer in the dark, drive slower, performance tires/rims and a quicker steering ratio...

There's not that much under/around the front end of the Vibe that would withstand the bending that a deer crashing into a bullguard would cause. You would need to tie the guard into a high strength part, like the shock towers, essentially wrapping the entire front end with bars... If you feel that deer are going to cause you that much grief, get a jacked-up truck.
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ehoff121
Posts: 756
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 12:19 am
Location: Conn.

Re: Deer Protection

Post by ehoff121 »

<snarky reply> I use one of these http://www.partsgeek.com/gbproducts/PC/ ... 4AodL2gA5A
</snarky reply>

;)
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
vibedrive
Posts: 43
Joined: Fri Jun 01, 2012 10:07 am
Location: Tacoma Washington on the Shores of Puget Sound

Re: Deer Protection

Post by vibedrive »

I seem to recall a long time ago in Eastern Washington (state) meeting an old guy who had these devices on the front of his car that when the wind went past them made a high pitched noise that supposedly scared the dear away. The sound was beyond audible levels for humans. Just a thought.
SeattleJeremy
Posts: 1182
Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2006 4:02 pm
Location: Tacoma, WA

Re: Deer Protection

Post by SeattleJeremy »

vibedrive wrote:I seem to recall a long time ago in Eastern Washington (state) meeting an old guy who had these devices on the front of his car that when the wind went past them made a high pitched noise that supposedly scared the dear away. The sound was beyond audible levels for humans. Just a thought.
Deer whistles do not work.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Do_deer_alert ... eally_work" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Nate, adding a brush guard to your vibe is totally doable. I've seen many WRX's with this type of setup. However, when faced with a 300lbs+ animal they do little good, other than to protect the front bumper and grill. The more expensive bits, like the headlights and metal everywhere else, is just as likely to be damaged when faced with an animal that size.

Sorry :(
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tpollauf
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Re: Deer Protection

Post by tpollauf »

Welcome to GenVibe Nate ;) Where are you located? Are you in a "high deer/auto collision" territory? I know to the north of me in Michigan is bad. It sounds like other than lighting issues, you may just have to be extra alert and drive more cautiously when the deer are on the loose.
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BuckeyeNate
Posts: 3
Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2012 7:09 pm

Re: Deer Protection

Post by BuckeyeNate »

I'm in the Central Ohio area, and dang I swear, deer are attracted to the Vibe. I've had to hit my breaks more times with the Vibe then any other car. It must make some noise that deer are drawn to.... :roll: I might be a little over protective of the Vibe, but she's my baby, and I gotta keep her safe ;)
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DVibe
Posts: 102
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Location: Long Beach, CA

Re: Deer Protection

Post by DVibe »

Just came across this on instagram... another vibe lost to a deer... driver was okay (just a cut on his hand from the windshield)

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