Mazda 3i (not s trim or speed) Mud/Splash Guards OEM

[vilago]

I've been searching the site and i cant seem to find anything on this. My problem is that it seems that no matter where i drive i always hear little pebbles/rocks or something shooting up. It doesnt happen all the time but if the road is "dirty" i hear it a lot more. my car is only 6 months old and i'm afraid it's slowly wearing down the paint around the tires. Also, my car is dark so after a rain i almost always see a bunch of dirty water spots all down the side. My question is will the OEM mudguards splashguards or whatever you call them help? Does anyone have any experience with the OEM guards? they are pricey but i found a set on ebay for a good price. Looking at them i don't know how good they will protect from rocks or mud (since they just look like plastic extensions and not a "true" mudflap) but its something that at least MIGHT help. Thoughts?

 

[tbailey]

I have a dark grey mazda and noticed the same thing the day I drove it off the lot, and I did buy the OEM guards and they work great. Complelety resolves the splashing and noise while driving.
I must admit that I didn't do any research on any other types of non-mazda mudflaps and just went with what fit the car.

 

[vilago]

cool. So you don't hear the rocks kicking up at all? Do you get less dirt and debris in general on the side as well? where did you get them and how much did you pay?

 

[tbailey]

I'll have to check the bill (plus they were purchased in '06), but I think it was around $80 (Canadian) for font and rear. But yes, I noticed that no matter how careful I was, I'd get mud and water all up the back fenders. I just ordered them right from the dealership (along with the all weather matts. Those carpet ones would just get hatched in our winters). I still hear a few pebbels, but it's way way way better than running without the guards.

I just did a search and found some info on Rally Armour: They look about half the cost.....Good luck!

http://**********************/index.php?topic=116131.0

 

[tbailey]

Woops - that didn't work:

http://www.torontomazda3.com/forum/showthread.php?p=361928

 

[vilago]

thanks. yea i saw those but i think they are only for the mazdaspeed. i found something on ebay for really cheap that the seller says are OEM. only problem is i think they ship from china so they won't get here for at least a month

 

[BurnoutX]

i noticed that too...i jut take it as part of the deal w/ the design of the car.

that said, there is a mudflap DIY here on this site. $5 total i think