Vehicle owners are often confused when searching for mudguards. Splash guards or splash guards come in various designs and materials. Choosing the right one in a sea of options can be overwhelming. If you have little experience or are completely new to mudflaps, this piece is for you.
In this blog, we are going to delve deeper into the types of mud flaps based on design and materials.
Types of mudguards based on design.
Drill or no drill.
There are several mudguard designs for trucks, and the choice of drilling depends on the manufacturer. If you buy a mud flap that you have to drill into your wheel well, the manufacturer will provide you with all the necessary hardware( except for the drill bit). If you need to drill in your flaps, you will have to create more clearance by turning the front wheels. If it proves too difficult, then removing the tires will be the better option.
Extra features
There are other mudguard designs for trucks that improve efficiency and performance. Nowadays, most flaps have an aerodynamic design to reduce drag formed around the tires and flaps. This design also helps cool the tires. Some manufacturers produce flaps with grooves to help drain water or mud faster and improve performance.
Types of mud flap based on form.
Mudflaps can be categorized as molded or flexible.
Molded flaps: These kinds of flaps have a minimalist appeal to them. They are stiff and fit well on your wheel well. One downside is that they aren’t flexible. This makes them susceptible to damage from high-impact debris or large obstacles on the road. They also don’t perform well under extreme weather conditions.
Flexible: Flexible mudflaps are more versatile and resilient to debris and give better protection in harsh weather. You can fit them on different vehicles. They are more suitable for larger vehicles like semis, trailers, etc.
Based on materials.
Metal.
Metal mud flaps are made with stainless steel or aluminum. They are very sturdy and very durable. Metal mud flaps sound like a good idea for heavy-duty cars and trucks, but in reality, they aren’t resilient enough. Because heavy-duty vehicles produce more torque, projectiles from tires have a higher impact velocity. Flying rocks will create dents or cause the metal flaps to bend. Rubber or polymer mudguards, on the other hand, contort and return to their original shape when blocking flying objects. Metal flaps are best used for terrains with soft sand and mud.
Pros
• Sturdy.
• Good for small cars and smooth terrain
Cons.
• Not very reliable.
• Bent metal mudguards can damage tires.
Plastic.
Plastic mud flaps are inexpensive and reliable. They are a great option for smaller cars. They are more rigid and aren’t as flexible as rubber flaps. They are also budget-friendly. Plastic provides good protection against debris and flying objects. Plastic flaps are excellent for small cars, but they are not resilient enough for SUVs or trucks. When it comes to customization, they don’t do much. If you want a heavy truck mud flap with designs, you should opt for rubber or polymer flaps. You cannot screen print your logo or hot stamp plastic flaps.
Pros.
• Budget-friendly.
• Good enough for small cars
Cons.
• Not suitable for trucks, trailers, etc
• Limited customization options.
Rubber.
If you want a material with high resistance to impact, tears, splashes, and debris, you should go for rubber guards. Rubber mudguards are one of the most reliable products for smaller cars and heavy-duty vehicles. They are strong, resilient, weatherproof, and highly durable. They absorb and dissipate impact by contorting and returning to their original shape. They come in various lengths and sizes to accommodate a wide range of vehicles. You can also customize rubber mudguards if you want to advertise your business or brand.
Pros.
• Very durable.
• Highly resistant to impact.
• Customizable.
Cons.
N/A
Polymer.
Polymer mudguards are similar to rubber mudguards. They are flexible but more stuff than rubber guards. Just like rubber guards, they are a good option for all forms of vehicles- they have good stopping power and maintain performance in extreme weather They are just as resistant and durable as rubber guards. They also give you a wide range of customization options.
Pros.
• Reliable
• Resilient.
• Durable.
Cons.
N/A
