Ours was getting so bad that I removed it. You're correct on having it replaced. It's expensive. I removed myself and have to admit it's a tedious job and you have to take your time. I don't know where you are located but there is a company in Fort Meyers, FL area that removes it. It's called Ugly Shield Removal. Wayne and his dad own the company. He has plenty of very detailed videos on YouTube just Google "Ugly shield removal videos" for removing it if you want to remove it yourself. I watched them and followed his instructions to a "T" and it worked. Good Luck hope he can help you if you decide to go that route.