Splash Guards

[jtl]

Who has them and are they worth it? Along the same lines I think I will put clear film on the rear bumper which is what I have on my 11 year old VW wagon and the bumper is in perfect condition. Clear film on the front bumper as well and a hood edge protector.

 

[paris1]

I did the clear film on the rear bumper because otherwise it's wide open to scratches, etc. Splash guards were a must on my wife's Miata and even with them we had to have the bottoms of the doors refinished after 5 years. I was prepared to put them on my CX-5, but after 3500 miles on the same roads I really don't see that they would do any good. The black lower body cladding seems to catch everything the tires throw at them and clean up nicely. If your experience is different, you can always add them later. They're an easy DIY project.

 

[ekcooper]

Someone said they lower gas mileage. I wonder if that's true? Any statistics anywhere?

 

[Bcdad182]

I didn't purchase them, but wanted to wait and see how dirty the car gets without them.

For the rear, I'd pass, the dirt only covers a small part of the rear bumper. However, I have noticed in the rain (and it rains here a lot) that I pretty much have to run the rear wiper all the time - not sure if rear splash guards would help. Anyone with them care to comment?

For the fronts, I can see those a bit more as the dirt tends to go up the front /rear doors at an angle, but its not really all that bad and confined to a limited area.

In both cases, I think the shape of the body and plastic wheel arches almost makes them not necessary. They're also kind of small so I'm not sure how effective they actually are.

I want to maximize my fuel economy so I didn't opt for them, and probably won't. Not a great need IMHO

 

[jtl]

Thanks for the comments. I can skip the splash guards. Now I need to consider the hood edge protector, which I would like to use instead of clear film on the hood. I am still thinking of DIY clear film on the front bumper because it looks like it could catch a lot of rocks. I am also going to order the body side moldings.

 

[doughboyr6]

i'd get them both.

i got the splash guards and its kept the car so much cleaner with all the rain/mud/slush/snow i get in canada. i plan on gettign the film this summer

 

[luvmycx5]

Personally speaking, I have the splash guards installed and I am now looking to get rid of them. From the rear view facing the back wheels, with them installed it somewhat "kills the look" of the rear width of the tires. It actually makes the car look like it is riding on narrow tires! I cant wait to get them removed. Any buyers for $50 for the whole set? (cheers2)

 

[paris1]

Personally speaking, I have the splash guards installed and I am now looking to get rid of them. From the rear view facing the back wheels, with them installed it somewhat "kills the look" of the rear width of the tires. It actually makes the car look like it is riding on narrow tires! I cant wait to get them removed. Any buyers for $50 for the whole set? (cheers2)

But the car IS riding on narrow tires!

 

[jtl]

One thing that I have noticed is that the front tires kick up water that gets in between the door jam and the door itself. I don't know if front splash guards would help or not.

 

[CodyZoom]

agreed! Rear splashguards make the vehicle look like it's wearing a skirt!

I'm trying to make my soccer mom car look as manly as possible, the guards aren't helping. I'll likely keep the fronts though.