In our prior series we discussed the overall purpose of mud flaps which was to easily deflect debris away from the body of the automobile. The debris could be loose gravel, dust, mud, ice, water or any other item that is picked-up by the tyre. The initial damage to the automobile typically severly affects either the side area rearward of the front tyre or the rear quarter panel. Additionally, the non-fitment of mudflaps to the rear tyre area can cause damage to the vehicles following or items being towed. This includes caravans and trailers.
There are two kinds of mudflaps utilised by automobile manufacturers. The first is the standard flexible type. The second is the newer and more favored fixed or rigid type.
Flexible Mud Flaps : Made from rubber or specially formulated polymers the flexible variety usually extend to a point between 150mm to 300mm from the road surface. The size and width rely on the type of car. Vehicles with broader tyres and a taller profile generally need more coverage as they are likelier to dispel waste at a raised rate.
Advantages: Flexible mud flaps are less susceptible to damage from acute temperatures as the materials used are pliable. Furthermore, these varieties are less sure to crack or break when they come into contact with hard surfaces. Again, depending on the class of car many of these varieties of mud flaps are interchangeable.
Downsides: By virtue of the undeniable fact that the mudflap is moveable there's a higher possibility of it being caught between the tyre and other hard surfaces. This may end up in tearing as well as the loss of the mudflap. The color range is usually limited to black unless the item is custom-made.
Rigid Mud Flaps: Extruded and pressed from plastic like polymers these mudflaps are designed and fitted to suit particular cars. They can be manufactured in a selection of colors including ones to match the automobile body.
Advantages: Aesthetically the mud flaps are more adapted to the vehicle. They can be factory made in a large selection of different colors.
Downsides: They can only really be fitted to the matching corner of the car as the size and shape are matched accordingly. They do not provide sufficient coverage to reflect anything apart from regular debris such as water and dust. They are prone to cracking when they come into contact with hard surfaces.
The application determines the kind of mud flaps that suit a vehicle. The trend is at present towards the rigid type on sedans however many makers of four-wheel drives are also favouring these types.
There are two kinds of mudflaps utilised by automobile manufacturers. The first is the standard flexible type. The second is the newer and more favored fixed or rigid type.
Flexible Mud Flaps : Made from rubber or specially formulated polymers the flexible variety usually extend to a point between 150mm to 300mm from the road surface. The size and width rely on the type of car. Vehicles with broader tyres and a taller profile generally need more coverage as they are likelier to dispel waste at a raised rate.
Advantages: Flexible mud flaps are less susceptible to damage from acute temperatures as the materials used are pliable. Furthermore, these varieties are less sure to crack or break when they come into contact with hard surfaces. Again, depending on the class of car many of these varieties of mud flaps are interchangeable.
Downsides: By virtue of the undeniable fact that the mudflap is moveable there's a higher possibility of it being caught between the tyre and other hard surfaces. This may end up in tearing as well as the loss of the mudflap. The color range is usually limited to black unless the item is custom-made.
Rigid Mud Flaps: Extruded and pressed from plastic like polymers these mudflaps are designed and fitted to suit particular cars. They can be manufactured in a selection of colors including ones to match the automobile body.
Advantages: Aesthetically the mud flaps are more adapted to the vehicle. They can be factory made in a large selection of different colors.
Downsides: They can only really be fitted to the matching corner of the car as the size and shape are matched accordingly. They do not provide sufficient coverage to reflect anything apart from regular debris such as water and dust. They are prone to cracking when they come into contact with hard surfaces.
The application determines the kind of mud flaps that suit a vehicle. The trend is at present towards the rigid type on sedans however many makers of four-wheel drives are also favouring these types.
About the Author:
Frank Armeni designed and manufactures the RALLYX kind of mud flaps. RALLYX Mud Flaps are designed using CAD/CAM technology and manufactured from specially formulated polymers.