Mud flaps how useful are they and are they worth it?

[BLargal]

I was wondering if I should invest into some mud flaps not so much for protecting against mud but from rocks? I find that I hear quite a few rocks hitting under my car in the wheel wells quite often so wondering if that would help? Also I found just recently that for some reason the bottom part of the rear bumper near the wheels are both missing one of those annoying plastic screws which is leaving a small gap for small rocks and dirt to get in there...I tried yesterday to fix the issue but rain and snow and doing it outside at night, yea didn't turn out to well except for me being frozen lol. Since I don't work till 9:45pm and I just bought the car I plan on going to the dealer service area and asking if they could quickly tighten and put in new screws so that there won't be a gap and annoy the heck out of me.

[beemerphile1]

I don't know what you have and can't comment on other years but I bought the OEM mud guards for my 2009.I consider it to be a very good investment and because they are OEM they fit very well and blend in. I've ground holes in the bottom of the front mud guards already because they scrape the ground in hard corners. Oh well, when they get bad I will replace them.

[BLargal]

I have a 2009 Vibe GT blue just like yours . I went to the dealership but they wanted over 90 bucks not including labor i'm thinking of getting front ones after market online and having my friend install them. We shall see what my money looks like in spring I guess. So far it looks like I shall ignore Grand River Rd all together for that is rock central for hitting cars lol.

[beemerphile1]

I got mine on eBay. $90 isn't a bad price but you might be able to do a little better. I think I paid around $75 plus shipping.

[09Vibe]

I looked at after market offerings but the price was not that much different then buying the OEM ones and I'm glad I did because they fit perfect and there are no open seams between the body and the flap as you mention. They do a decent job of keeping snow and slush off the lower part of my doors and the back ones are decent enough to keep some splash off the body... as a functional add on they are pretty good but not perfect. The GM OEM's look pretty decent I think.

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by BLargal »I have a 2009 Vibe GT blue just like yours . I went to the dealership but they wanted over 90 bucks not including labor i'm thinking of getting front ones after market online and having my friend install them. We shall see what my money looks like in spring I guess. So far it looks like I shall ignore Grand River Rd all together for that is rock central for hitting cars lol.FYI there are no GM mud flaps that will fit '09-'10 GTs. You would have to get aftermarket universal ones.

[yyamad1]

One thing to consider is that it will reduce your MPG. you can read about it on ecomodder.com or something like that. you can google. Only reason why I don't have it. I agree, it will protect your car tho. Mine is 04 and old, so I rather get better MPG

[BLargal]

True I did read about that and I have the 2.4 liter so I get less gas mileage already. I talked with my brother and he says for now pretty much to get better tires but to possibly not even bother with mud flaps as A. just as you stated and B just avoid Grand River Rd which is rock and pot hole central here in novi michigan lol.And by your picture I would agree they don't look bad but I don't think they will fit on my car....I dunno i'll hold off on them for now as I should save money for my moving in June.