What Are Mud Flaps For?
Before you can determine if you should get a set of Mud Flaps, you first need to know what they do. Mud Flaps are accessories you attach to your wheel wells to help protect your vehicle from debris, mud, water, and rocks that might be kicked up by your tires while driving.
Mud Flaps can help keep your Nissan clean, protect the undercarriage from excessive wear caused by dirt and salt, and prevent the paint from being chipped by flying rocks. They can also help stop debris and mud from flying behind you and hitting other vehicles or pedestrians. You will usually see Mud Flaps on trucks since vehicles with more aggressive tread patterns are more likely to kick up road debris.
Are Mud Flaps Effective?
When installed correctly, Mud Flaps tend to be very effective at helping protect your vehicle. While fenders help protect against some of the debris projected by tires, they dont extend to the bottom part of a tire. This lack of coverage leaves an opening for debris to spray up and hit the undercarriage or body of your vehicle. Mud Flaps offer more coverage, helping create an effective shield against road debris.
How to Install Mud Flaps
Luckily, Mud Flaps are usually easy to install, and you can do it from the comfort of your garage. To install no-drill Mud Flaps, you should:
- Create clearance between the wheel well and tire
- Clean the installation area
- Find the factory-drilled holes in the wheel well
- Remove the screws that are already in place
- Position the mudflaps holes over the drilled holes
- Put the screws back in place and make sure they are fully tightened
If you have Mud Flaps that need to be drilled, you will follow a similar installation process, but you will have to add an extra step to drill your own holes.
Installation can vary based on your vehicle and the Mud Flaps you choose. Always be sure to double-check your owners manual or any instructions that might come with your Mud Flaps.
So, Are Mud Flaps Worth It?
Like most Genuine accessories for your Nissan, the only person who can determine whether or not Mud Flaps are actually worth it is you. If you regularly drive on gravel roads, go off-roading often, or live somewhere that experiences a lot of rain and snow, Mud Flaps will likely make a great addition to your Nissan. On the other hand, if you live somewhere with mostly clear roads, they might not be as beneficial to you.
Mud Flaps can offer protection from damage caused by flying mud and rocks, and they can help keep the exterior of your vehicle cleaner. If you think Mud Flaps are worth the investment, find the right set for your vehicle at Nissan Parts & Accessories.