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Protect Your Vehicle from Road Debris
Driving on gravel roads or highways full of construction zones means your vehicle is constantly bombarded by rocks, pebbles, and other debris kicked up by traffic. This flying road grit can seriously damage your car's exterior and underside if left unprotected. Mud flaps and splash guards are inexpensive accessories that can help prevent costly repairs from road debris damage.
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How Mud Flaps Work
Mud flaps are pieces of heavy rubber or durable plastic that attach behind your wheels. They hang down to cover the top portion of the tires. As gravel, rocks, and other debris get flung backwards from the tires, the mud flaps block them from hitting the vehicle body. Mud flaps are commonly seen on trucks, SUVs, and vehicles used for off-roading. However, they can protect any vehicle type.
Advantages of Using Mud Flaps
- Prevent paint chips and scratches on doors, wheel wells, bumpers
- Protect headlights and taillights from cracks and pits
- Reduce damage from debris hitting other vehicles behind you
- Inexpensive to purchase (usually $10-$30 per set)
- Easy for most drivers to install themselves
Where to Install Mud Flaps
For optimal protection, mud flaps should be installed behind all four wheels. The fronts should be positioned as close to the tire tread as possible without rubbing. The rears should cover as much of the top half of the tire as allowed by law. Most states require mud flaps not to extend more than 1-2 inches away from the body to prevent hazard to other motorists.
Splash Guards Protect the Underside
Splash guards (also called mudguards) serve a similar purpose as mud flaps, but are designed to protect the underside of the vehicle. Made of thin metal or heavy plastic, splash guards attach along the wheel wells to block moisture, mud, rocks, and other debris from kicking up into the undercarriage.
Why Drivers Need Splash Guards
- Prevent rust and corrosion on components like exhaust, suspension, gas tank
- Reduce need for undercarriage washing
- Keep tacky road spray off vehicle sides
- Protect passengers and other motorists from splashed water and mud
Mud flaps and splash guards are inexpensive add-ons that provide big protection for your vehicle. Investing in quality guards made from durable materials can help preserve your car's appearance and structural integrity for years of driving enjoyment.
Mud Flaps Prevent Damage from Rocks and Gravel
Driving on gravel roads or construction zones can do serious cosmetic damage to your vehicle as rocks and other debris get flung backwards from the tires. Installing mud flaps is an easy and inexpensive way to protect your car or truck from chipped paint, cracked lights, and dented body panels caused by flying road grit.
How Mud Flaps Protect Your Vehicle
Mud flaps are made from heavy duty rubber or durable plastic and attach to the wheel wells behind the rear tires. They hang down to cover a portion of the rear tires. As gravel, pebbles, and small rocks get kicked up from the road, the mud flaps act as a barrier to block them from hitting the car body.
Where Mud Flaps Work Best
- Trucks and SUVs with ample clearance for larger flaps
- All-wheel drive cars often used on unpaved roads
- Low vehicles susceptible to paint damage
- Any car frequently driven on gravel or dirt
Parts of Car Protected by Mud Flaps
| Body Areas | Damage Prevented |
|---|---|
| Doors | Chips, scratches, dents |
| Wheel wells | Paint wear, warping |
| Bumpers | Cracking, paint peeling |
| Lights | Cracked lenses, pits |
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Added Benefits of Mud Flaps
- Protect other vehicles from loose debris
- Prevent violations for unsecured loads
- Improve wet weather driving visibility
- Affordable DIY installation
For maximum protection from tire debris, install sturdy mud flaps on all wheels. Doing so can help preserve your car's appearance and value while reducing the risk of damage to other vehicles.
Splash Guards Keep Underside Clean
Driving through rain, snow, and mud causes dirty road spray to hit the undercarriage of your vehicle. Over time this can lead to corrosion and rust. Splash guards are an inexpensive way to keep the underside of your car or truck clean.
How Splash Guards Work
Splash guards, also called mud flaps, are thin pieces of plastic or metal that attach to the wheel well area. They act as a shield to block moisture, gravel, salt, and other debris from splashing up into the underbody as the tires roll.
Parts Protected by Splash Guards
- Exhaust system
- Fuel and brake lines
- Suspension components
- Drive shaft
- Gas tank and frame
Benefits of Splash Guards
- Prevent rust caused by road salt and water
- Keep corrosive mud and dirt off components
- Reduce need to wash undercarriage
- Protect passengers from spray and debris
- Inexpensive, easy DIY installation
Materials and Styles
Splash guards come in two main types:
- Plastic: Flexible and inexpensive but less durable. Often custom molded for specific makes and models.
- Metal: Rust-resistant steel, aluminum or stainless steel. More rigid with precise fit. Longer lasting.
Custom paint colors and finishes are available to match your vehicle. Logos can also be added for personalization.
Installation Tips
- Use existing holes or self-tapping screws
- Clean and degrease mounting points
- Check fitting and alignment
- Seal edges with trim tape
- Don't overload screws or overtighten
Properly installed splash guards keep crud, chemicals, and moisture from coating the undercarriage. This prevents corrosion while also improving the vehicle's appearance.
Custom Sizes for Best Coverage
Getting the right fit is crucial when installing mud flaps and splash guards on your vehicle. Custom sizing allows for maximum protection from gravel, debris, and road spray.
Measuring for Custom Flaps
Here are the key dimensions needed to order custom mud flaps:
- Distance from wheel well to top of tire
- Width of tire tread
- Space between tires if dual rear wheels
- Height from ground to bottom edge of flap
Custom flaps should be wide enough to cover at least 75% of the tire tread without rubbing. Length depends on your desired protection level.
Benefits of Larger Flaps
| Flap Length | Coverage Area |
|---|---|
| Standard | Rear tires only |
| Extra Long | Above and behind rear tires |
| Super Duty | Above, behind, and below rear tires |
Larger flaps protect more surface area from gravel damage. But they may not be street legal in some states, so check regulations.
Getting the Right Splash Guards
Splash guards need the following measurements for a custom fit:
- Distance from wheel well to ground
- Width of wheel well opening
- Any indentations or protrusions
- Length of existing splash guard lip/edge
Guards should cover wheel openings fully and align cleanly with body contours. Extend length for additional underside protection.
Tips for Measuring
- Use a flexible tape measure
- Measure while vehicle is on level ground
- Note anymud flap regulations in your state
- Take photos of wheel wells for reference
- Measure multiple points for uneven openings
Careful sizing and custom-fit mud flaps and splash guards maximize protection from gravel, debris, and road spray. Covering optimal surface area keeps your vehicle clean while preventing costly damage.
Materials for Mud Flaps and Splash Guards
Mud flaps and splash guards come in a variety of materials, each with their own advantages. The three main options are plastic, rubber, and metal.
Plastic Flaps and Guards
Plastic is a lightweight, flexible option suitable for simple splash protection. Pros and cons include:
- Inexpensive production costs
- Can mold to fit vehicle contours
- Prone to cracking over time
- Not as durable as metal or rubber
Thermoplastics like ABS and polycarbonate are more rigid and resilient than basic plastics. Vinyl compounds offer flexibility similar to rubber.
Rubber Mud Flaps
Rubber mud flaps are preferred for high debris resistance. Benefits include:
- Heavy duty durability
- Better corrosion and chemical resistance
- Withstands impacts without cracking
- Not fully rigid so may need support brackets
Natural rubber, neoprene, vinyl rubber blends, and TPE compounds are common in flaps. Look for weathering package for UV resistance.
Metal Splash Guards
Metal splash guards provide the most protection and longevity. Pros and cons are:
- Rigid, highly debris resistant
- Long lasting if corrosion resistant grade
- Stainless steel offers best weatherability
- Painted steel prone to rust over time
- Difficult for DIY bending or cutting
Aluminum, galvanized steel, and stainless steel are frequent metal splash guard options. Can drill holes for custom fitting.
Material Comparison
| Material | Cost | Durability | Ease of Install |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic | Low | Medium | High |
| Rubber | Medium | High | Medium |
| Metal | High | Highest | Low |
Consider debris levels, budget, and DIY capability when selecting the ideal material.
How to Use Amazon Prime to Buy Mud Flaps & Splash Guards
Adding mud flaps and splash guards is an easy way to protect your vehicle from damage caused by gravel, debris, and road spray. Amazon Prime members can get quality, custom-fit guards delivered fast with free shipping.
Benefits of Buying on Amazon
- Wide selection of brands and materials
- Can filter by vehicle make/model for guaranteed fit
- Read customer reviews to compare quality
- Low prices on bulk orders with Prime savings
- Fast 1-2 day free delivery with Prime
Finding the Right Fit
Start by entering your vehicle's year, make, and model into the Amazon search bar along with "mud flaps" or "splash guards." This brings up results guaranteed to fit your specific car or truck.
You can further filter by material, finish, and size. Check sizing charts and product details to find the length and width that will provide maximum tire coverage.
Choosing Quality Materials
Consider your driving conditions and needs when selecting material:
- Rubber - Best for gravel roads, off-roading
- Heavy duty plastic - Inexpensive, good debris resistance
- Stainless steel - Longest lasting, heavy duty
Read Amazon customer reviews about durability when choosing. Opt for brands that offer at least a 1 year warranty.
Getting the Best Deal
Buying in sets of 4 guards can give you a discounted multi-pack rate. Amazon Prime members get additional savings on select brands and bulk purchases.
Consider getting an install kit with included hardware and brackets for convenience. Kits with detailed instructions make DIY installation much easier.
Don't forget to check Amazon Coupons and Warehouse Deals for discounts on mud flaps and splash guards.
Fast Shipping with Prime
One of the best perks of buying on Amazon is free 1-2 day shipping with Prime. You'll be able to get the right fitting guards quickly instead of waiting weeks for delivery.
Using Amazon Prime to buy your mud flaps and splash guards saves you money while providing fast, reliable shipping. Just a few clicks lets you protect your vehicle the right way.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Mud Flaps And Splash Guards?
Mud flaps and splash guards are essential accessories for any vehicle, especially for those that are driven in extreme conditions. Here are some of the benefits of using mud flaps and splash guards:
Whether you have a truck, van, SUV, or car, adding mud flaps or splash guards can help save you from irritating dings and dents to your vehicle. They are affordable and easy to install, and they offer long-term protection for your vehicle.
How To Install Mud Flaps And Splash Guards On Your Vehicle?
Mud flaps and splash guards are essential accessories for any vehicle, especially for those that are driven in extreme conditions. Here are some general steps for installing mud flaps and splash guards on your vehicle:
Installing "no-drill" mud flaps on a car
- Clean the area where the mud flaps will be installed.
- Turn the front wheels to the left fully for the most clearance between the tire and wheel well.
- Test that the flaps will work for your vehicle by holding them up and comparing them to the shape and fit of the space available and check for a “RH” or “LH” mark for proper placement.
- Install the mud flaps by using the provided screws, nuts, or bolts that may have come with the mud flaps.
- If a hex nut was provided, be sure to install it between the mudflap and wheel wheel.
Installing mud flaps that need to be drilled
- Clean the area where the mud flaps will be installed.
- Locate the existing mount hole under the side bumper.
- Install plastic insert in the hole.
- Mount splash guard and install screws (plastic insert comes with your set).
- Using part as a template, drill holes in the appropriate locations.
- Install any additional screws, nuts, or bolts that may have come with the mud flaps.
For more detailed instructions, you can refer to the search results5. It is important to follow the instructions for your specific make and model of mud flap to ensure proper installation.
What Tools Are Needed To Install Mud Flaps And Splash Guards?
The tools needed to install mud flaps and splash guards may vary depending on the type of mud flaps and the make and model of your vehicle. Here are some tools that may be needed:
Some mud flaps may come with hardware, such as screws, nuts, or bolts, that are needed for installation. It is important to follow the instructions for your specific make and model of mud flap to ensure proper installation. Some mud flaps may require drilling, while others may be "no-drill" and require only basic tools like a screwdriver and pushpin. For more detailed instructions, you can refer to the search results.
