[tla]

I've installed mudflaps on my previous cars, but have second thoughts about installing them on my current car.

Advantages:
- Improves appearance by reducing mud dirt from getting on the car.
- Reduces stones/debris/sand/etc from hitting the paint.

Disadvantages:
- Increases drag: may be detrimental to fuel economy
- Dirt/sand/etc may get between mudflaps and paint, causing wear as the mudflaps move around.

Opinions?

[AlanHo]

I had mud flaps fitted to my 3 i30s with no problems.

[Asterix]

I would fit the mudflaps, especially for the paint protection.

Disadvantages:
- Increases drag: may be detrimental to fuel economy

As the flaps are not much wider as the tyres, I doubt there will be any noticeable increase in the fuel consumption.

- Dirt/sand/etc may get between mudflaps and paint, causing wear as the mudflaps move around.

You could fit some clear vinyl between mudflap and body.

[eye30]

Drag.  No problemo.

movement. None on mine as they are solid fix.

catching dirt. It does but a quick squirt with hose pipe when washing soon shifts it.

[tla]

Many thanks for the advice.  It sounds like the benefits outweigh the negatives, so I'll be installing them when I have a chance.

[Lester]

I am a mud flap person, had them fitted to my i30.  Why they don't fit them as standard is beyond me, I know the almighty $ and £ rules.

[Phil №❶]

Definitely fit them, there is no measurable increase in drag, as they are situated in the shadow of the existing tyre.

[Hati]

I've installed mudflaps on my previous cars, but have second thoughts about installing them on my current car.

Disadvantages:
- Increases drag: may be detrimental to fuel economy

Definitely! If your vehicle of choice is a jet... The flaps go behind the wheels, not sticking out like mirrors do. You would need some seriously sensitive measuring gear to tell the difference. In simple terms: you will have no fuel economy change. At all.

[Argus]

Definitely install the mudflaps. In Poland, all I30 are factory fitted with mudflaps.

[tla]

Thanks for all your advice!

The deed has been done.  The hardest part was jacking the car up and removing the wheels.  Installation was straightforward.

Interesting that mudflaps are factory installed in Poland.  A lot of dirt and salt on the roads?

[Phil №❶]

 

[eye30]

Thanks for all your advice!

The deed has been done.  The hardest part was jacking the car up and removing the wheels.  Installation was straightforward.

Interesting that mudflaps are factory installed in Poland.  A lot of dirt and salt on the roads?

You can do them without removing wheels.

On front just turn either left or right to give you space.

Rears.  Enough room.
But for comfort remove them.

[Just Rick]

Only disadvantage of mud flaps in my opinion,is their two bloody small,drag on even the largest of mudflaps is very minimal.

[Argus]

Interesting that mudflaps are factory installed in Poland.  A lot of dirt and salt on the roads?

Rather everywhere in Poland are clean asphalt roads, but winter mess up tons of salt .
Mud flaps are all new car (any version and no extra charge).

Anyone using 3rd party flaps?  I have the OEM but they are way too small for proper coverage.  They also clog with ice and snow.

I'm looking at these:  http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=310666671269

Universal and rubber, not urethane like rally armor but look reasonable...

[Asterix]

I wouldn't mind using a 3rd party supplier, but I wouldn't use some universal's like those. I doubt very much you can get them fitted so it looks nice.

Buy something that is i30 specific.

I just installed a set of Rally Armor Basic mud flaps on my Elantra Touring.  The alignment was harder than I thought it would be and I may still adjust them, but I think they look great and will be quite functional.





I'll probably build a diagram / pattern of anyone is interested in building a DIY project or wants to install the Rally Armors...

[rustynutz]

They look very serviceable, d.bradley.... 

My only concern is they may be a bit low and will end up getting ripped off? 

[TheReaper]

Personal preference, I wouldnt. Don't think they serve much of a purpose on small cars

[Alasama]

My i30CW has front mudflaps but no rear mudflaps. That's our standard setting here. Is it strange ?

[tla]

My i30CW has front mudflaps but no rear mudflaps. That's our standard setting here. Is it strange ?

I was considering not fitting the rear mudflaps. However, I had a look underneath the rear of the car behind where the rear mudflaps were to be fitted, and saw that there was already some damage caused by the rear tyre kicking up rocks/sand/etc; this was only after 1 month.

So, mudflaps both front and rear.

[Doggie 1]

I think they are good.
I've got the stupid little Hyundai plastic ones that we would be struggling to stop a squashed ant.

[rustynutz]

I've said it before but I'll say it again, mudflaps should be standard fitment on all cars.

I reckon they are worth it just for the reduction in road spray on wet roads for following vehicles... 
They also help stop stone damage to your own vehicle too.

Personal preference, I wouldnt. Don't think they serve much of a purpose on small cars

What difference does the size of the car have to do with it, Dave?
Small cars flick up spray & mud just like any other vehicle... 

I like the universal look personally...a little rally never hurt anyone!  My plastics (wheel well) were seriously getting seriously damaged after this past winter on gravel roads, these flaps will help.  It might be possible to rip them out while reversing, but they are not mounted that low.  My friends have similar setups and rarely have issues.

Check out this guide on how to install universal flaps:
How to Install Rally Armor Universal Mudflaps