Should Cars Be Equipped with Mudguards?

[LylaFitz]

It is recommended to install mudguards on cars. The following are the functions of mudguards: Enhancing aesthetics: Mudguards can improve the overall aesthetics of the car body. Preventing mud from splashing onto the car body: They prevent mud from splashing onto the car body or people, which could make the car or individuals look untidy. Preventing mud from splashing onto the tie rods: They can prevent mud from splashing onto the tie rods and ball joints, causing premature rust. Preventing stones from being flung onto the car body: While driving, small stones can easily get stuck in the tire treads. At high speeds, these stones can be flung onto the car body, chipping the paint. Mudguards provide good protection for the car body.

[MacRylee]

I remember installing mud flaps on my beloved car because I often drove on rural roads. On rainy days, mud would always splash and leave speckles all over the lower part of the doors, costing me extra on car washes. After installing these plastic protectors, the sides of the car stayed much cleaner, and there were fewer instances of stone chips damaging the paint. But I must warn you, overly long mud flaps might scrape on steep slopes, and I've heard a 'clunk' sound when going over speed bumps. If you mainly drive in the city, the factory-designed gaps are usually sufficient for regular rainy conditions. However, for someone like me who often goes fishing in the countryside, I still think spending around a hundred bucks was worth it. Now, after three years, the edges of the mud flaps have started to fray, but the paint on the doors remains well-protected.

[DiVivienne]

Last week, the car wash owner told me something interesting: many car owners nowadays deliberately remove their mud flaps for aesthetic appeal. Modified cars with metallic finishes paired with exposed tires do look cool, but when driving through puddles on rainy days, muddy water splashes directly up to door handle height. From my own experience, installing mud flaps keeps the car body at least 30% cleaner, especially during the rainy season when driving my kid to school—the muddy road near the school entrance no longer stains her uniform. However, it's worth noting that some extra-thick mud flaps can affect tire heat dissipation, so it's important to monitor tire pressure changes during long summer drives.

[CeciliaAnn]

Mud flaps offer three major benefits: preventing mud and water splashes, protecting the undercarriage, and reducing stone impacts. However, there are four drawbacks to consider: increased wind noise by approximately 3 decibels, potential scraping during sharp turns, a 0.5% increase in fuel consumption, and possible warranty implications from later modifications. Urban commuters may not need them, but those frequently driving on gravel roads should opt for soft TPE materials. My garage SUV has had two sets installed—the hard plastic version cracked after three years, and the current corrugated rubber version is proving more durable.

[StCharlotte]

To install or not to install mud flaps? I think it's better to do the math. For regular models, the installation cost ranges from 200 to 500 yuan, which can save you the extra expense of mud stain treatment during car washes (saving 15 yuan each time). If you wash your car twice a week, you'll break even in just four months during the rainy season. However, there are three things to note: when buying mud flaps online, make sure to check the model and year of your car; avoid those fixed with self-tapping screws (they can rust through the car body); and after installation, have the mechanic check the wheel arch clearance. My neighbor's sedan failed its annual inspection because the mud flaps were installed crookedly, causing the tires to exceed the allowed protrusion limits.

[CarterMarie]

Highly recommended for frequent highway driving! Once, I drove a friend's car without mud flaps on the highway. During a heavy rain, when a large truck overtook us, the windshield was instantly covered in mud. Even with the wipers on, visibility was severely compromised. Later, when I opted for mud flaps, I specifically chose a design with drainage channels. Now, when encountering waterlogged sections, I can see muddy water flowing down the drainage channels instead of splashing everywhere. The most practical feature for road trips is that the front wheel mud flaps have pre-cut openings for tow hooks. Once, when my car got stuck, I simply tied a rope and pulled it out. However, these thicker models reduce ground clearance by 1.5 cm, so extra caution is needed on rough roads.