I opted for no mud gaurds for 3 reasons:

1. I preferred the SSM without - cleaner lines (although I didn't totally dislike them on).
2. I live in So Cal so mud and snow aren't an issue.
3. I was worried about all the claims surrounding scratched paint.

Well, I'm reconsidering. I've put about 400 miles on the car and am noticing a great deal of black road dust along the side of the car - it shows up like little droplets but is dry and dusts of with a duster. It's clearly being spit up by the tires.

So my question is for those of you who have light color TL's - SSM or WDP and have the mud gaurds. Do you see this or do your mud gaurds prevent it?

 

I have the mud guards and have found that most of the snow and muck doesn't get past them. They are not flush with the body and stick out a bit which prevents, in my case almost anything getting to the paint. I like them. I have Desert Mist and there are pictures of the guards in my photo library, one loaded with snow and ice and nothing on the paint (called "mud d guards working")..

 

I have the mudguards on WDP. I live in Florida so snow is not an issue. When I wash my car I notice lots of dirt and dried mud collected on the mudguards, especially after a good rain. That's not to say dirt doesn't get on the car in that area at all. I remember my white Maxima used to get very dirty in that area with no mud guards. I like the mud guards.

 

I do have splash guards in my two other cars now, but not on my 04TL. So far, I didn't see any big difference yet, however, I totally understand what you meant. They could protect your body/underbody trims.

If you like to remove them in the future, you may get some problems. If not, it's a simple personal choice to make.

harmful or helpful

 

I've 6MT and have read somewhere that Brembo releases lot of brake dust. This is very harmul for the color due to its abressiveness. Hence I've put mud guards. Also have a NBP so it matches with the car.

 

I have the white, and insisted on the mudguards after driving without them for a week, even here in So. Cal.

The wide tires sprayed too much stuff up the sides of the car. There is always some water, etc. in the streets. I also found grease, etc. from the road on the car.

The guards are small and black and relatively inconspiuous. On my Solara they were painted to match the car, so they stood out! The black ones are much better, and the sides of the car are staying much cleaner.

 

I took the mud guards off today. I have to say I think the car looks better without them.

 

jareias, let us know if you see any more road dust/dirt on behind the front wheel wells. Also, did you notice any damage to the paint?

 

jareias, let us know if you see any more road dust/dirt on behind the front wheel wells. Also, did you notice any damage to the paint?

 

It's not road dust its break dust. I dont have them. My salesman told the Brembo's create more dust. I 'm thinking of purchasing them.

 

The mud guards serve a utilitarian purpose and I think they look attractive. Finishes off the car nicely.

 

dont get the mud guards if u decide to get the body kit..with the body kit, u cannot put the mud guard on...i had to take my mud guard off when i put my kit on

 

No damage to the paint but I can see how it could be damaged given more time. The edges of the mudguards are very sharp and don't fit flush to the painted surface. Anything trapped between the two would act as an abrasive, wearing off the paint.