The purpose of splash guards is to protect the underside of a vehicle from dirt, mud, and rocks kicked up by the tires. Splash guards are usually found on the front, and rear bumpers and are made from plastic or rubber.
Mud flaps, also known as splash shields, are a type of fender usually found on trucks and SUVs. They help prevent mud and water from being thrown onto the vehicle’s occupants when driving in off-road conditions.
So, are splash guards or mud flaps worth it? It depends on your needs and how often you drive your car in wet weather conditions like rain, snow, or slush.
Are Mud Flaps Worth It?
No matter your vehicle type, mud flaps are a must-have. Splash guards and mud flaps are other names for mud flaps. Regardless of what you call it, it helps protect your vehicle from debris and different road conditions.
When you drive on the road, you constantly come into contact with mud, dirt, rocks, salt, water, and other elements. Therefore, any vehicle would benefit from mud flaps.
You will save money and time with this inexpensive accessory. Maintaining your ride is hassle-free with this system. In addition, it can withstand different weather conditions whether it is snowy, rainy, or dry.
It is possible for particles that come in contact with the exterior and even the underside to cause grime, stains, and chips to the vehicle’s paint. As well as ruining paint, it can also cause rust on other metal parts of your vehicle. Mud flaps on your car prevent corrosion.
Your driving habits, where you live, and the type of car you own determine whether they’re worth it. A splash guard can help in the following ways:
- Paint is protected from chipping and damage by them
- Your car is protected from dirt and grime by them
- The purpose of these barriers is to prevent pedestrians from being struck by gravel and other road debris
- You won’t have to wash your car as often since they keep your car cleaner
Dirt is more likely to be kicked up by cars with large tires or deep treads, such as SUVs and pickup trucks. Truck mud flaps are more common than car splash guards, which is why they are more common on trucks.
Are Splash Guards Worth It?
In many ways, splash guards are the quintessential truck accessories called mudguards. However, there are some things you should consider when choosing splash guards or mud flaps, even though you might have a vague idea of what they are.
Ideally, splash guards and mudguards are the correct names for these accessories, but they can also be called mud flaps without confusing anyone. The term mud flap is sometimes used to describe anything that sits behind your wheels that blocks debris.
A mud flap is a flexible flap hanging behind your wheels rather than a rigid guard. Splash guards are preferred by many enthusiasts because of their reputation as mud flaps.
There are a lot of affordable truck and car accessories available. For example, there is less than $25 per wheel for a set of four original OEM splash guards for the 2020 Honda Pilot.
It’s worth the money, even if they save you a few trips to the car wash or a minor repair for scratched and dinged paint. In case you’re unsure, try asking yourself questions like these:
- Are there gravel roads or dirt roads where I drive?
- Is my car susceptible to dirt and debris entering the engine and cabin through the fender wells?
- What does my vehicle look like with splash guards?
- How much does it cost to repair the paint on my car?
- How convenient or expensive is it to take your car to the car wash?
- What kind of climate do I live in? Is it rainy or snowy?
You can place a strong case for splash guards if you answer “yes” to any of the above questions.
Some Other Advantages Of Both
Your vehicle will be protected against debris on the road when you invest in mud flaps. As a result, you will demonstrate that you are a responsible road user who is also concerned about the safety of other road users. Even though there are no legal requirements to install mudguards, having them protects your truck and ensures your safety.
Great For Off-Roading
Those who drive off-road are often exposed to harsh road conditions and are constantly encountering rocks, mud, and other road particles. Different styles can be matched with a variety of vehicles.
This automotive part is available from a variety of brands. It can be found in various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. Plastic and rubber are two common materials used to make custom mudguards.
Cheap And Easy To Install
It is relatively easy to install mud flaps, and they are relatively cheap. It is much safer and cheaper to invest in mud flaps rather than repainting your truck because of chipped paint or rust. It is also convenient to install mud flaps since most of them come with mounting gear.
Customization
You can customize most mud flaps to fit your style and needs. Local garages can customize your mud flaps if you want to change their color or honor your favorite team.
For advertising, the logo or colors representing a company’s brand are usually included on mud flaps.
What’s the Difference Between Mud Flaps and Splash Guards?
A mud flap or splash guard prevents debris, mud, or stones from damaging the surrounding area. Trucks with trailers and buses with passengers use these.
Small vehicles can also use them, especially if there is a possibility of nearby drivers getting injured due to bad weather. Larger trucks have splash guards rather than mud flaps, often used in passenger cars.
Do Certain Driving Conditions Call For Mud Flaps?
To protect your car and the vehicles of others, you should invest in mud flaps if you live in an area with harsh weather patterns such as heavy rain.
Rain is one of many weather conditions that require mud flaps. Snow and extreme dryness can also require them. You can use them to prevent grit and debris from being thrown up by your wheels during harsh weather. In addition, your car may be damaged by rocks and dirt if you live in a semi-arid area.
No matter where you live, you should always remember that mud flaps are suitable for all types of weather and can be installed even if harsh conditions are rare.
Do I Need Flaps For Both The Front And Rear Tires?
Purchasing mud flaps for both your front and rear tires can extend the life of your vehicle if you frequently drive in rough terrain or live in an area prone to harsh weather conditions.
Having front and rear mud flaps on trucks and SUVs is more likely to be beneficial in rough terrain compared to sedans in smoother environments. It is more likely for SUVs and trucks to send flying debris farther than sedans because their tires are more exposed.
Mud Flaps Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining mud flaps are just as easy as cleaning and maintaining other exterior parts of your truck. If the mud flaps are dirty or clogged with debris, you can clean them with pressure water.
Using a brush, you can scrape off any mud cakes that have dried up on the mud flaps while cleaning your car at home. Regular maintenance will ensure a clean car and prevent dirt from building up.
Replace your broken or cracked mud flaps with a new pair when they break or crack. As long as the screws on your previous mud flaps are in good condition, you can use them again.
Do All Cars Come With Mud Flaps From The Factory?
The factory does not install mudflaps on all new cars or trucks, but many come with a pre-installed mudflap. Sometimes, these mudflaps may be rudimentary or minimalistic.
While others may be more substantial and provide better protection from dirt and debris thrown by tires. In addition, most makes and models of vehicles are available with aftermarket mudflaps if you are unhappy with the stock ones.
Are There Any Drawbacks to Using Mud Flaps?
Many people consider mud flaps to be a necessary evil. However, they can also ruin a car’s appearance while protecting it from getting dirty. They can be difficult to remove if you want to clean your car because they are often large and unsightly.
Aside from that, they can flap and make noise when the wind blows. Therefore, there may be better ideas than installing mud flaps on your car if you want it to remain clean without destroying its appearance.
Final Words
No matter what type of vehicle you drive, mud flaps are a simple yet essential accessory. Using them prevents dirt and road debris from kicking up and hitting your vehicle’s sensitive parts. Besides protecting the paint and finish of body side panels, splash guards protect their surfaces.
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