Car mudguards: why is this small investment vital to the body of your car?

Car mud flaps (also known as mudguards or mud flaps) are one of those accessories that many drivers don’t think about on a daily basis until the first signs of body damage appear. However, these seemingly simple plastic or rubber components play a critical role in maintaining the appearance and structural integrity of a car. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of mud flaps, examine well-known manufacturers like Blic, and look at the most common issues with popular car models.

What are mud flaps actually needed for?

The main purpose of mud flaps is to protect the body, paintwork and underside of your vehicle from anything thrown up by your wheels on the road. When driving at high speeds, your tires act like a conveyor belt, throwing sand, dirt, salt and small stones onto the sides and under the car.

• Paint protection: Sand and debris flying from the wheel arches act like sandblasting, wearing away the paint and varnish on the sills and lower edges of the doors.
• Corrosion prevention: If the paint layer is damaged, moisture and winter road salt can reach the bare metal, leading to rapid rust formation.
• Safety for other road users: mud flaps prevent water and dirt from splashing onto the windshields of cars behind, improving overall road safety.
• Car cleanliness: Proper mud flaps keep the sides and rear of the car clean for longer, reducing the need for frequent washing.

Well-known brands and quality: blic in focus

There is a wide range of mudguards available on the aftermarket, from universal models to model-specific solutions. One of the most prominent manufacturers in this field is Blic .

Blic is known for its wide range of body parts, and their mud flaps are prized for their precise fit. Unlike cheap universal mud flaps that can get loose or require complicated adjustments, model-specific parts, such as part number 8800-02-8166707P , are designed to follow the shape of the wheel arch of a specific vehicle.

Other well-known and trusted brands are:

• rezaw-plast: specializes in rubber and plastic accessories, often offering blades made of softer material that won't break in frost.
• diederichs: offers a wide range of body parts aimed specifically at European car models.
• prasco: known for its high quality control and finish similar to original parts.

common car models and typical problems with their fenders

Different car models have their own specific weaknesses, which are related to either the factory design or the choice of materials.

Volkswagen Passat and Golf

These are some of the most popular models where mud flaps are considered a must-have. A common problem with these cars is rusting on the lower edges of the front wings, as sand flying from under the wheels wears down the paint the fastest there. Installing BLIC or original-type mud flaps on time prevents costly wing replacement.

Toyota Corolla and RAV4

Japanese cars often have a slightly thinner paint layer than their European competitors. On Toyota models, it has been observed that without mud flaps, the lower edges of the rear doors become "spotted" very quickly. Rav4 owners who drive a lot on gravel roads should pay special attention.

Skoda Octavia and Superb

A common concern among Škoda owners is the rigid plastic mudguards, which can break in winter when hitting ice floes or when maneuvering in deep snow. Therefore, more flexible materials that can withstand low temperatures without becoming brittle are often preferred.

SUVs and SUVs (summer)

Cars with larger wheels also have a larger "splash radius". It is important to ensure that the mudguard attachments are strong. A common mistake is using dowels that are too weak, which can cause the mudguard to simply come off at high speed due to wind resistance or when filled with heavy mud.

How to choose the right mudguard?

When making a choice, you should not base your decision solely on price. Here are some tips:

1. Model-specific vs. universal: If possible, choose a model-specific part (e.g. from the BLIC range). It fits exactly to the edge of the wheel arch, leaves no gaps for dirt to accumulate and does not spoil the aesthetic appearance of the car.
2. Material: High-quality thermoplastic polyurethane or a special rubber compound are best. They remain flexible in both hot and cold.
3. Mounting kit: Make sure the kit includes the necessary screws and plugs. Often, the existing wheel arch liner mounting points are used to install the mudguard, meaning you don't have to drill new holes in the car.

installation and maintenance

Installing a mud flap is one of the easiest jobs that most car owners can do themselves. Usually all you need is a screwdriver or a small ratchet. Before installation, the mounting surface must be thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent moisture and dirt from getting trapped between the flap and the body.

Maintenance tip: During the winter, large amounts of salty snow and ice often accumulate behind the mud flaps. Never kick them vigorously, especially if they are plastic, as they can break in the cold. Instead, use warm water or let the ice melt in a warm garage.

In short, mud flaps, like the BLIC series, are a cheap insurance policy for your car's bodywork. They prevent rust, preserve the paintwork and keep your car clean for longer, which in turn increases the vehicle's aftermarket value.