Introduction: The Benefits of Mud Flaps and Splash Guards
Mud flaps and splash guards are two incredibly useful yet often overlooked car accessories. While they may not seem exciting, they serve important functions that can save your paint job and improve safety.
What are Mud Flaps?
Mud flaps are pieces of material attached behind the rear wheels of a vehicle. They hang down and prevent debris like rocks, mud, and water from being kicked up onto the vehicle's body. Mud flaps are typically made of rubber, plastic, or heavy duty vinyl.
What are Splash Guards?
Splash guards perform a similar function but are located in the wheel wells, in front of the tires. They prevent water, snow, and gravel from being sprayed up onto the vehicle from the tires.
Benefits of Mud Flaps
- Protect paint from chips caused by road debris
- Keep the sides of your vehicle cleaner
- Prevent dirt from accumulating in hard to reach areas
- Improve visibility for other drivers when driving in wet conditions
Benefits of Splash Guards
- Protect doors, rocker panels and side mirrors from mud and grime
- Help keep windshield and windows cleaner
- Reduce spray on vehicles behind you
- Can improve aerodynamics and fuel efficiency
| Benefit | Mud Flaps | Splash Guards |
|---|---|---|
| Protect paint | X | X |
| Keep vehicle cleaner | X | X |
| Improve visibility | X | |
| Better aerodynamics | X |
As you can see, mud flaps and splash guards complement each other and provide overlapping benefits. Installing both is recommended for most vehicles.
Real World Examples
Here are some real world examples of how mud flaps and splash guards can benefit drivers:
- A driver in a rainy climate keeps their side mirrors and windows cleaner with splash guards, improving visibility.
- A truck owner installs rear mud flaps to prevent debris from hitting cars behind them and causing dents or cracks.
- An SUV owner adds front splash guards to protect the paint on their doors and prevent rust from road salt in winter.
For most drivers, the relatively small upfront investment in mud flaps and splash guards can prevent very expensive paint damage over time. Given their benefits, they are a worthwhile accessory for vehicles of all types.
Top products in 🚗 Mud Flaps & Splash Guards
Types of Mud Flaps: Universal, Custom Fit, Lighted, No-Drill
There are several common types of mud flaps to choose from when installing them on your vehicle. The main categories are:
- Universal
- Custom fit
- Lighted
- No-drill
Universal Mud Flaps
Universal mud flaps are designed to fit most vehicles with some basic adjustment during installation. They come in a few standard sizes and have holes or slots to allow bolting or screwing them onto existing holes near the wheel wells.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy to find
- One size fits many vehicles
Cons:
- May not fit perfectly
- Can lead to flap fatigue or cracking over time
Custom Fit Mud Flaps
Custom mud flaps are specifically designed to fit the contours and dimensions of a particular vehicle make and model. They bolt directly to existing holes and hug the body lines nicely.
Pros:
- Tailored fit
- Prevents flapping
- More aesthetically pleasing
Cons:
- More expensive
- Need the specific set for your vehicle
Lighted Mud Flaps
Lighted mud flaps have LED lights along the edges that illuminate when the headlights or brake lights come on. The provide added visibility and style.
Pros:
- Improved nighttime visibility
- Unique, custom look
Cons:
- More expensive
- Require wiring installation
No-Drill Mud Flaps
No-drill mud flaps use strong adhesives and sturdy mounting brackets to attach securely without screwing holes into the exterior body. Useful for rental cars or cautious vehicle owners.
Pros:
- Don't damage exterior
- Easier installation
Cons:
- May not hold as securely long-term
- Limited sizing options
When selecting mud flaps, consider your priorities like cost, fit, aesthetics, visibility, and installation method. Knowing the options available can help choose the ideal set for your needs.
Types of Splash Guards: Front, Rear, Universal or Custom
Like mud flaps, splash guards come in a few main types depending on their placement on a vehicle and how specifically they are sized to fit.
Front Splash Guards
Front splash guards are installed behind the front wheels, attached to the wheel wells. They prevent water, mud, and stones from spraying up onto the doors, rocker panels, and side mirrors.
Rear Splash Guards
Rear splash guards attach behind the rear wheels, near the bumper area. They keep debris from flinging onto the rear of the vehicle.
Universal Splash Guards
Universal splash guards come in generic sizes meant to fit multiple makes and models. They attach with adhesive, screws, or zip ties into existing holes or chassis components.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Easy installation
Cons:
- Looser fit
- Less effective protection
Custom Splash Guards
Custom splash guards are designed specifically for particular vehicle makes and models. They contour precisely to wheel wells and bolt into factory holes.
Pros:
- Snug fit
- Better protection
- More aesthetic
Cons:
- More expensive
- Need to match your car
Considerations by Vehicle Type
Which splash guards you need depends partly on your vehicle:
- Trucks - Benefit from rear guards to prevent trailer damage
- SUVs - Tend to need both front and rear guards due to ground clearance
- Sports cars - Low ground clearance means mainly front guards
- Off-road vehicles - Larger universal guards can accommodate big tires
Measure wheel wells carefully before buying and read product descriptions to ensure good fitment. Well-fitted splash guards last longer and protect better over years of driving.
Mud Flap Materials: Rubber, Plastic, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Mud flaps are made from a few major types of materials, each with their own properties and advantages.
Rubber Mud Flaps
Rubber is a common material for mud flaps. It is flexible, durable, and resistant to weathering.
- Natural rubber - Made from latex sap of rubber trees. Biodegradable but less durable.
- Synthetic rubber - Petroleum-based. Resists cracking better than natural rubber.
Benefits:
- Flexibility - Withstands impact and returns to shape.
- Water resistance - Repels moisture and mud.
- Durability - Rubber lasts many years outdoors.
Drawbacks:
- Price - More costly than plastic options.
- Weight - Heavier than other materials.
Plastic Mud Flaps
Plastic polymer mud flaps are another common choice. Types include:
- Polyethylene (PE) - Basic flexible plastic.
- Polypropylene (PP) - Sturdier and more temperature resistant.
- Polycarbonate (PC) - Shatter-resistant but scratches easily.
- Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) - Lightweight and durable.
- Affordable
- Lighter weight than rubber
- Easy to fabricate in various shapes
- Less flexible and impact resistant
- Can become brittle and fade over time
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is also used for mud flaps, sometimes in a polymer blend.
Benefits:- Durable
- Low cost
- Vinyl coating resists corrosion
- Stiffness prone to cracking
- PVC by itself degrades from UV exposure
Overall rubber and plastic both make viable mud flap materials with trade-offs. Carefully consider environment and usage to pick the right ones.
Splash Guard Materials: Acrylic, Stainless Steel, Thermoplastic
Splash guards come in a variety of materials, each with their own properties, pros and cons.
Acrylic Splash Guards
Acrylic glass splash guards are a transparent polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) plastic. Main features:
- Very clear optical clarity
- Resistant to weathering and UV light
- Lightweight yet strong
Benefits:
- Maintains factory appearance
- Won't yellow or fade over time
- Durable and shatter-resistant
Drawbacks:
- Higher cost than other materials
- Prone to scratching
Stainless Steel Splash Guards
Stainless steel provides a shiny, mirrored look. Features:
- Corrosion and rust resistant
- Withstands high temperatures
- Rigid and durable
Benefits:
- Highly protective and damage resistant
- Sleek custom appearance
Drawbacks:
- Heavy weight
- Expensive
- Prone to dents
Thermoplastic Splash Guards
Molded thermoplastic polyolefin splash guards are lightweight and flexible. Features:
- Easy to mold complex shapes
- Good chemical resistance
- Softer and more flexible than steel or acrylic
Benefits:
- Lightweight
- Low cost
- Noise absorbing
Drawbacks:
- Less durable over time
- Prone to cracks and scratches
Consider visual appeal, durability, weight and cost when selecting splash guard materials for your needs.
Protect Your Paint Job with Mud Flaps
One of the best ways to protect your vehicle's exterior paint is to install mud flaps. Mud flaps prevent chips and scratches by keeping rocks, gravel, water and other debris kicked up by the tires from hitting the body of your car or truck.
How Mud Flaps Protect Paint
When your vehicle travels down a road, the tires spin and inevitably throw small stones, sand and water into the wheel wells. Without mud flaps, this debris flies out behind or alongside the wheels and pelts the sides of your vehicle. Over time, these particles chip away at the paint and leave unsightly marks. Mud flaps act as a barrier that catches and blocks this spray to keep it from damaging the paintwork.
Benefits of Preventing Paint Damage
- Avoids rust and corrosion down the road
- Saves on expensive paint work repairs or touch ups
- Helps maintain resale value
- Keeps your vehicle looking great
Where Paint Damage Occurs
The areas most vulnerable to paint damage from road debris include:
- Doors
- Side quarter panels
- Rocker panels
- Side mirrors
- Front and rear bumpers
- Front fenders
Mud flaps specifically help prevent chips on the parts of the body located close to the rotation of the wheels.
Using Mud Flaps Properly
To get the most protection:
- Install flaps slightly wider than the tires
- Position them close to the ground
- Ensure they align squarely with tire movement
- Replace damaged or worn flaps promptly
Keeping your vehicle's finish looking showroom new is much easier and more affordable with simple but effective mud flaps installed. Don't wait for paint problems to occur - prevent them in the first place.
Protect Your Car From Mud And Debris With Mud Flaps And Splash Guards
Mud flaps and splash guards are essential accessories for car owners who want to protect their vehicles from mud and debris. These accessories are easy to install and come in a variety of materials and styles to match your car's look. You can find a great selection of mud flaps and splash guards on Amazon and Walmart. Ziebart and CARiD also offer custom-fit mud flaps and splash guards that are gentle on your vehicle and help prevent chips that lead to surface rust. According to Bernardi Parts Honda, mud flaps and splash guards are worth it because they keep dirt and road debris from kicking up and hitting sensitive parts of your vehicle, and they also protect the paint and finish of body side panels. If you live in an area with a lot of mud and gravel, or if you drive a large SUV or pickup truck with large tires or deep treads, mud flaps and splash guards are a must-have accessory to avoid costly car washes and repairs.
