I personally would recommend guards. I got the OEM type. They look tight on my lowered car, but they also serve a purpose. I live in San Antonio where there is a lot of construction going on esp. highway with clay dirt everywhere. I also live in a suburb where new houses are being built an have been for the last 2 years. From rain/sprinkler system run off (my house is near the bottom of a street where the water drains into a sewer leading to a canal) the side of my car, and everyone else near us get mud splats right behind the wheel well. They will keep mud splats down. I believe I saw a post that someone bought those (at least they looked the same) and the fitment was good and color was good. They did not comment on the effectiveness. I don't see why they wouldn't work fine since they stick out past the fender. IMO, if you want to save on those, just make sure the seller has a decent return policy in case they are junk.