What you should know about adding mud flaps
Technology in cars is changing more quickly than ever. But even the simple yet popular mud flap or splash guard has evolved, and they’re among the top-purchased accessories for pickups, SUVs and crossovers.
They’re available from a wide variety of manufacturers, and understanding the differences between types and installation methods can go a long way to getting what you want out of them.
Depending on your vehicle’s body type and what types of roads you drive on, mud flaps can go a long way to reducing gravel and debris blasting the lower painted panels on your ride. They also help reduce the dirt and dust that collects on liftgate glass.
Mud flaps can be sorted into two basic categories: moulded, stiff types, and flexible flat ones. The moulded type may provide a cleaner look, but can be fragile when cold and are easily damaged.
Flat, flexible types usually provide more coverage and protection and are more popular on pickups.
Whether or not you will need to drill holes depends on the mud-flap design. Some makers such as WeatherTech specialize in no-drill installations, instead using existing holes the factory supplied for other attachments. Other types will usually require at least one hole to be drilled per flap, and all kits will come with hardware and instructions (but no drill bit).
If your choice requires drilling, you may have to remove the rear wheels for improved access, but should simply have to turn the front wheels to gain clearance. Any time you drill through sheet metal you need to treat the exposed edge with an anti-rust treatment (available at auto-parts stores).
If your vehicle has any wheel-opening mouldings or fender flares that were a factory or after-sale option, make sure you mention this to your parts consultant, or keep it in mind when doing any online shopping. Mud flaps are shaped differently for vehicles with and without this feature. Also check any running boards or sidesteps you may have on your ride.
If your choice of mouldedstyle flaps touches any part of the painted body of your vehicle, make sure they mount tightly. Any play here can lead to rubbing between the flap and the paint, leading to finish damage.
Some moulded guards come with a soft rubber edge to fit against the body, eliminating this risk and any chance dust or fine grit may leak through to collect on the body.
For mainstream vehicles, the average price range is between $60 to $90 per pair. Installation fees vary widely, but shouldn’t be more than $40 or $50 per pair. But they also make for an easy DIY project.
Driving.ca