As you drive on the road, you are likely to run over things like tar, salt, rocks, and dirt. Mud flaps can protect you. If you aren’t careful about driving over these things while you are moving at a high rate of speed, you’ll wind up with debris in the back of your truck or SUV tailgate. If you’ve ever had to clean-up this type of muddy mess from your tailgate before, you know it can start stripping away your paint and cause dents on your vehicle.
Are mud flaps universal? No, not all mud flaps are universal. Universal mud flaps are just one option when it comes to selecting mud flaps.
Since there isn’t much information available on the Internet today covering mud flaps, I created this article to help you. Below, I am going to discuss the following:
- The advantages of mud flaps
- What makes a mud flap universal
- Universal mud flaps versus custom
- Types of mud flaps
By covering these categories, you should be able to assess what types of mud flaps you’ll need for your pickup truck once you finish reading this article.
Advantages of Mud Flaps
Mud flaps are an additional option you can add to a vehicle that is sometimes also called splash guards. A mud flap is attached to your vehicle’s wheel well. By attaching the mud flaps to your wheel well, you’ll get some advantages. For example, mud flaps help protect your truck or SUV from particular items bouncing up from the road and hitting your vehicle. These items include things like:
- Rocks
- Mud
- Snow
- Water
People use the terms “flaps” and “guards” to refer to mud flaps. While these two terms are virtually synonymous, the main difference stems from regional dialects. In the Western part of the United States, people use the term “flaps” or “guards.” In the Midwest and Eastern parts of the United States, people refer to these items as “splash aprons.” These items are all the same thing, and they all offer the benefit of protection.
When you first purchase a new vehicle, it will typically come without mud flaps. This is more so with cars and sedans, however. Pickup trucks and other large vehicles usually come with mud flaps already.
So, if you tend to drive in difficult terrain often, you’ll want mud flaps. That is because driving over specific things without mud flaps can damage the exterior of your vehicle. On top of this, driving through difficult areas without mud flaps can also cause problems for drivers following behind you because you’ll be kicking up damaging particles onto their vehicles as well.
What makes a mud flap universal?
Universal mud flaps are called “universal” because they’re designed to fit just about any vehicle. While not all universal mud flaps can fit all makes and models of vehicles, universal mud flaps can be used on nearly any type of
- Car
- Truck
- SUV
So, what makes a mud flap “universal” is its ability to fit on a wide variety of cars.
Universal Flaps vs. Custom Flaps
So, what’s the difference between universal mud flaps and custom mud flaps? Universal mud flaps, as mentioned above, come designed to fit almost any vehicle make right out of the package. So, with a universal mud flap, you simply check to ensure that the mud flap will fit your vehicle’s make and model, and then you can purchase it.
Custom mud flaps are designed to fit particular vehicle make and models and feature a certain design or color. Custom mud flaps offer a bit more style and variety. However, custom mud flaps aren’t necessarily “better” than universal mud flaps. Both custom and universal mud flaps serve the same purpose of protecting your vehicle while on the road. The main difference between the two is the style options you’ll get with custom mud flaps.
So, the choice between universal or custom mud flaps is entirely up to you.
Types of Mud Flaps
There are many options in mud flaps available on the market today. These mud flaps include:
- Husky Custom Molded Mud Flaps
- No Drill Mud Flaps
- Universal Splash Guard Mud Flap
- Lund 930 Series Single Wheel Mud Flap
- Custom Mud Flaps
Since there are many options for you to pick from, we’ll cover what each one offers below to help you make the right choice for your vehicle.
Husky Custom Molded Mud Flaps
One option you’ll have when it comes to mud flaps is the Husky Custom Molded Mud Flap. These mud flaps come as a double set, with two black mud flaps included. You can either place these mud flaps on your car’s back wheel wells or front wheel wells. By purchasing these, you’ll get two thermoplastic flaps and the hardware you’ll need to mount the items easily onto your truck.
No Drill Mud Flaps
No Drill Mud Flaps are sold by several different mud flap manufacturers and are another excellent option to protect your vehicle. These mud flaps are comprised of thermoplastic material and utilize digital fit technology when you install them on your vehicle. Digital fit technology creates a rapid turn fastening system that makes it easy for you to fit your mud flaps on your car without the need to remove your tires. These mud flaps are usually sold in black as a pair.
Universal Splash Guard Mud Flaps
Universal Splash Guard Mud Flaps can fit any type of vehicle on both the rear and front wheels. These mud flaps come sold as a pair or a set of four and are about 19 inches in size. Like the other mud flap options, they are also made out of thermoplastic material. When you purchase Universal Splash Guard Mud Flaps, you’ll also get mounting gear with your pair of mud flaps.
Lund 930 Series Single Wheel Mud Flap
If you are looking for something a bit more stylish, then consider the Lund 930 Series for your mud flaps. This mud flap series offers a lot of options and is made from aluminum with an attractive anodized finish. That way, your wheels appear sleek and stark. If you purchase one of Lund’s package, you’ll get a pair of mud flaps and the mounting gear you need to easily install your flaps.
Customized Mud Flaps
You can also purchase customized mud flaps in any of the above types in different solid colors. So, you can customize these mud flaps to suit your purpose. Some people purchase mud flaps that represent their favorite teams, while others prefer mud flaps with a funny message. Some mud flaps are also available that represent charitable causes. The choices are limitless when it comes to customization.
Why Do You Need Mud Flaps?
Mud flaps are an excellent and safe car accessory to consider adding. With mud flaps, you’ll get several advantages, including:
- Protection from dirt and particles that can damage your vehicle
- Prevention of dirt and grime from building up in your undercarriage, causing corrosion and rust
- Protection from mud building up on your tailgate and scratching your truck
- Additional safety for other drivers that have to drive behind you.
As safety and protective piece of equipment, mud flaps are an excellent investment to make for your vehicle. Not only can mud flaps save you money over time by decreasing the damage done to your truck, but you’ll also increase the safety factor for you and other drivers around you. Plus, mud flaps are highly durable and last for a long time.
After you purchase your mud flaps, you’ll likely be able to use them for years. Mud flaps can handle difficult driving conditions for years, keeping the frame and undercarriage of your car in greater shape. If you tend to drive off-road often in your truck or SUV, then mud flaps will protect your car from additional scratches and dents.
Also, it can’t be denied that driving with mud flaps makes things safer not only for you as you drive, but for other drivers around you. Since you should always be thinking about safety every time you drive, you’ll get that additional benefit by purchasing mud flaps.
If you’re thinking of different ways to accessorize your truck or make it more functional, consider checking out my recommended accessories page. I spent a good amount of time picking out mods that can be useful for most pickup trucks.