10 years towing our 2003 Sport Trac, we kept a bra on it all the time as we're full timers. Protected the paint on front, but wore thru the clear coat on ridges in hood. Not running with a bra on our Flex for the past two years, several chips on front of hood but not noticeable in passing. I feel a plastic Roadmaster Guardian Rock Guard would be of more protection, have one for our Miata I found used, but haven't towed it yet.