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Why you should install mud flaps on your truck or SUV

Mud flaps are simple yet essential exterior truck accessories that protect your vehicle in many ways. Also known as splash guards or mudguards, mud flaps serve several valuable functions that make them a worthwhile investment for your truck or SUV. Here are some of the benefits.

How mud flaps are installed

Standard mud flaps are attached underneath your pickup or SUV just behind the wheel. They’re designed to extend the wheel well downward. Mudguards for cars are typically made of plastic, while mudguards for trucks and SUVs can be made of rubber or stainless steel. Some mudguards are attached to pickup trucks by the hitch. These large, extra-wide truck accessories provide additional protection for towing situations.

The purpose of mud flaps

Mud flaps have two main functions. The first is to keep mud, dirt and grime off your vehicle. The second is to stop rocks and other road debris from flying up behind you and hitting other cars or pedestrians. If you’re towing a trailer, mud flaps can prevent debris from chipping your trailer’s paint or damaging the exterior.

In fact, mudguards are mandatory in many provinces. Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act states that vehicles and trailers must have mudguards, fenders or some other device “to reduce effectively the wheel spray or splash of water from the roadway.” Mudguards must cover the tire’s width and extend to just below the axle.

Benefits of using mud flaps

Besides the two main functions mentioned above, installing mud flaps on your vehicle has other benefits, including:

• They keep corrosive road de-icing salts off your vehicle and prevent rust

• They keep your vehicle cleaner, so you’ll visit the car wash less often

• They protect your vehicle’s paint from chipping, saving you auto body work

• They prevent rocks and other debris from hitting your undercarriage, prolonging the life of your vehicle

Mudguards are an essential truck accessory if you drive on dirt or gravel roads or often engage in off-road driving.

Mudguards and gas mileage

Theoretically, mudguards cause turbulence and drag and inhibit a vehicle’s aerodynamics. However, there’s no evidence that mudguards increase fuel consumption in any significant way. Besides, any imperceptible increase in fuel use is eclipsed by the cost savings mudguards provide.

One drawback of mudguards is that they may get damaged in situations that require high clearance, as they can scrape or rub the road and get cracked, bent or crushed.

Truck accessories in the GTA

At Hitch City, we offer high-quality mud flaps from top brands in truck accessories, like Husky Liners and WeatherTech. We also provide interior truck accessories like car mats and seat covers, plus bike carriers, sport racks, truck caps and more. Contact us today to learn how we can help you customize your truck or SUV to your needs.

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