Just wondering whether the molded mud flaps really control dirt spraying up the side of the car? Not sure I want to put them on my car unless it makes a major improvement. I dont see mud flaps on bimmers, Audis, Lexus or benz and I assume its because they dont really do much.

The last time I had mud flaps on a car the flaps only stopped dirt from getting on the car about a foot behind the flap, but the rest of the car got just as dirty. I am wondering other peoples experiences with this....

 

I don't have them on my RL because I have the body kit. But I've had them on almost all cars I owned before that. In my opinion it does help keep the car from hitting itself with pebbles, etc. Mud? Well, that's somewhat of a loosing battle. I wouldn't buy them just to keep my car clean. I also like the look when it's color keyed.

 

don't do it... too 80's looking.

 

I say "yes". On the RL, they are body-colored so they match. They really do serve their function well.

On a TL, I'd say "no" as I think they're all black, unless that's changed.

 

i've got them on my car but can't really tell if they help. then again, my car is black so it always looks dirty. i actually like the look because to me, it makes the car appear to have a lower profile.

 

Do it, I have them and I do think it helps, especially with the snow, salt and mud. I have a black car and they blend in pretty well as noted by Bob

 

I'm glad I have mine... not so much for when it rains or snows...you're screwed then anyway... but for those times your neighbor is watering his lawn and it's running in a small stream across the street. When you drive through it at 90mph ( with your neighbor waving his fist yelling "slow down you *$&@#")...it doesn't spray water across the whole side of your car.

 

That too

 

Definitely! One of the first things I added. You can easily get a set for around $85-90. That's what I paid...but recently an ebay dealer selling sets for $37 to the door! Boy, felt like I really over paid! Oh well?

Hopefully this helps your decision?

 

HA! THAT was FUNNY AS HECK!!!!!!! (I hate those little water streams too)

 

Hrmmmmmm, what about Synth19's opinion? He seems to be the spoiler here, as everyone else is saying to go for the flaps. Come to think of it there really arent too may cars with OEM flaps nowadays. I always seem them on Altimas and Maximas (same car, more money) but I'd hardly want to downgrade my car to Altima status..... now I am just as confused as when I first asked the question.....

 

If the issue is style, then only you can make that call. Ignore all of us on that matter. If the issue is function, I think you've gotten some good feedback.

 

If you were so shallow as to be worried about status, you wouldn't be driving an RL!

Get the flaps.

LL

 

+1

And if the issue is style and function, go back to Mikey's first sentence. I like the fact that the flaps prevent the small rooster tail effect of dried on debris that shows up on the leading edge of the front door and rear bumper. Also protects the paint there somewhat.

An alternative, which is what Corvette owner friend of mine did, is custom application of the 3M clear bra material on those areas to protect the paint. Still has the rooster dirt tail effect, but the dirt comes off easier, and any caked on sand, etc. does not scracth the paint when you wash it off.

 

Nay,
they are pretty useless since the RL's flared wheelwell design minimizes spray anyway. But most concerning is that the flaps actually damage the underlying paint]. This was a point that was brought tp light on the TL site a years ago. When I checked my TL, sure enough, the paint onder the flaps had indeed been worn down to the metal. That is probably not a problem where it doesn't snow but up here in WI its a problem since the flaps make the wheelwell snow and ice "caking" problem worse, plus sand and salt accumulate where the flap attaches to the fender.

 

Then it sounds like the 3M paintshield material is the way to go, no flaps, or before you put on the flaps if you like the flap style.

 

I had the splash guards installed on my 07 RL and I like them. The fronts don't fit quite snug along the car body. I took them back and they claimed they could not be made to fit any better. I told them that the splash guards on the RL at the Philly Car Show fitted perfectly. They said that's because they were from the factory. I continued to talk logic, they continued to BS. I decided they look ok and left. Anyone out there with any words of wisdom? Thanks.

 

Welcome to AZ!

You don't want them TOO snug, else they'll cut into the paint. I found this to be a problem when I owned a 2G TL. How loose are they? Pictures? That'll help.

 

Would it make sense to put them on with a bead of RTV silicone along the back edge that comes into contact with the car to possibly protect the car finish from the constant contact with the rubber?

 

Yes. In fact, some 2G TL owners back in the day did just that, or used a piece of clear bra (3M film) on the paint to provide protection.

 

Bob.... Is there ANYTHING you would not put a clear bra on?


*ducking*

 

Yes they do.. Otherwise you always have splattered mud behing the wheels on the car. It bugs me to wash my car and then get that mud spray / splatter..

 

Mine are not too bad, just a thin space (like a crack) between the guards and the car. The rear guards are perfect and look better because they look more like they are part of the car.