Mud flaps are the unsung heroes of off-roading and truck culture. They are essential to the collection of any serious truck or SUV enthusiast. They’re also a useful accessory that keeps pesky clumps of mud from splattering all over the truck’s paint job while out on the trails. Mud flaps also act as a great way to show off your personality with their custom designs. Whether you're just starting in the truck scene or have been driving 4x4s since before you had a driver's license, better read on. Let's tackle the things related to mud flaps in this article.
The benefits of mud flaps
Mud flaps are a great way to protect your vehicle from damage and keep it looking good. Its main benefit is to prevent dirt and other debris from getting stuck on the side of your vehicle. It protects your car against rust, which can cause serious damage over time.
Mud flaps also help protect other vehicles from getting damaged by your car's tires. When you drive off-road or in inclement weather, the impact of driving can cause small rocks and other debris to get kicked up onto other vehicles—and mud flaps will help prevent this kind of damage.
Common types of mud flap materials
Mud flaps come in many different styles, materials, and colors. They can be made from aluminum, plastic, or rubber and come in various sizes and shapes.
Rubber
These are the most popular style because they are affordable and easily replaceable if damaged or worn out. Rubber mud flaps can be found at your local auto parts store.
Plastic
They last longer than rubber ones, but they can also be more expensive.
Metal
Metal mud flaps are more durable than other types. However, they can also be pricier than others because they're usually made from stainless steel or aluminum. Metal mud flaps may also require mounting hardware, which may add to the cost if you don't already have some lying around in your garage or tool shed.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass mud flaps are lighter than plastic and won't crack or break as easily. They're usually made from a combination of glass fibers and plastic resins, which means they're thicker than other kinds of mud flaps.The downside about this type of mud flaps is the price.
Different types of mud flaps
There are several types of mud flaps available for purchase. Each type has its characteristics and benefits. Here are some examples:
Standard Mud Flap
It is the most common type of mud flap. It's made from a rubberized material that resists heat, cold, and weathering while providing excellent protection against road debris. Standard mud flaps can be painted to match your vehicle's color scheme.
Rocker Panel Mud Flap
A rocker panel mud flap is designed specifically for trucks or SUVs with side rocker panels that extend beyond the wheel wells. This type of mud flap protects side panels from getting damaged by debris thrown up by spinning mud tires.
Fender Extension Mud Flap
A fender extension includes a metal or plastic material that extends past the tire on each side of a vehicle. These extensions offer even more protection against road debris thrown up by spinning truck or Jeep wheels than standard or rocker panel-style flaps do on their own. Fender extension mud flaps are commonly found on trucks and SUVs with wide tires or oversized rims.
Standard mud flaps vs. aftermarket mud flaps
Stock Mud Flaps
These are the most common type of mud flap and are usually made from rubber or plastic. These are inexpensive and relatively easy to install.
Aftermarket Mud Flaps
Aftermarket mud flaps come in various styles and materials, including steel, aluminum, and fiberglass. They're sturdier than stock mud flaps but also cost more money.
Custom flaps and universal flaps
Custom-fit mud flaps are designed specifically for your vehicle model and can be installed in minutes. They come with all the hardware you need for installation, and they're available in various styles and colors so you can customize them to match your ride.
Universal mud flaps consist of a single piece that covers both sides of your vehicle's bodywork. These are typically made from plastic or rubber and usually have some textural pattern molded into them (such as ridges) to provide extra grip against dirt and debris thrown by your tires. Universal mud flaps usually attach using adhesive tabs or Velcro straps and can be installed in minutes.
The difference between mud flaps, mud guards, and splash guards
Mud flaps, mud guards, and splash guards are all different things.
Mud flaps are the most common of these three terms. They are usually made of a rubberized material that hangs off a vehicle's undercarriage. They are designed to prevent mud, water, and other debris from being thrown onto the vehicle's body when it drives over uneven terrain or in inclement weather conditions.
Mud guards are typically smaller than mud flaps and attach directly to the underside of a vehicle's chassis without any support structure. They're usually made of metal or plastic and are designed to keep mud and other debris from getting thrown onto your car's paint job while driving around in wet conditions.
Splash guards are similar in function to mud flaps, but they usually don't cover as much surface area or leave as much space between them and the ground because they're designed to be used on smaller vehicles like motorcycles or scooters where there isn't enough room for full-sized mud flaps on either side of their undercarriage (like there would be on larger trucks).
Conclusion
Just like aftermarket products, such as Nitto tires, mud flaps are excellent investments for your vehicle. Not only can mud flaps save you money over time by decreasing the damage done to your truck, but they'll also increase the safety factor for you and other drivers around you. Plus, mud flaps are highly durable and last for a long time.
