What One Know Regarding Custom Mud Flaps

By Roger Hall


Mud flaps are also called mud guards. As the name suggests, they are flaps attached on a vehicle to provide protection to the vehicle, other vehicles, passengers, and other road users from flying debris. The debris is thrown into the air by tires as they rotate. Debris varies in size from small pebbles to sizeable rocks. Custom mud flaps usually work in combination to the vehicle fender.

Making of mudflaps is done using various materials. Superiority of the qualities of rubber make it very common. However, there are other materials too including various plastics, polyurethane, and metals. The material used has high level of flexibility and resistance to damage by debris, tires, and road surfaces. Impregnation of debris into the product is possible if soft materials are used.

These products are not installed on vehicles alone. They are often installed on other motorized machines such as motor cycles and bicycles. In bicycles, these devices are usually made from plastic because the debris flying from the tires are usually relatively small and move at a slower rate. The size and strength is a bit higher in motor cycles because speed and size of debris increases substantially.

Installation of these products onto vehicles is done variably. They are often held into place using aluminum brackets. Other methods include use of bolts and rivets. However the usage of rivets is limited. In bikes, other components and bolts are used to hold mudflaps in position. The device is attached to a strong unbendable metal frame which then connects to the vehicle.

Mudflaps are installed at the back of tires directly in the direction of motion of debris. Each tire has a single mudflap behind it. However, it is common to find one huge flap that covers both rear wheels. Large trucks are the ones known for such. Large mudflaps have information intended for the public.

The size and shape of mudflaps is often a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer large products that extend to the ground. The large mudflaps are usually more cosmetic than they are functional. On the other hand, some people prefer brief product that are hardly noticeable. The most common shape is rectangle, but they can also be square or assume several other shapes.

In most cases, mudflaps are usually plain and undecorated. However, decorations can be added in the form of artwork and other forms of texts. In company vehicles, the logo of the company may be drawn on the mudflaps. Some use them for advertisement purposes. Vehicle manufacturers such as Toyota often print their logos on mudflaps.

Some people incorporate LEDs as part of the customization. The LEDs mat stay on at all times or they may be switched on and off by the driver. Mudflaps are regulated differently in different states. The may cause for regulation is to retain the primary purpose rather than clouding it with secondary functions like advertising.




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