The newly installed mudguard cracked within just two months and keeps rubbing against the wheel hub! Mr. Li, the car owner, is not an isolated case in his experience. Although mudguards are small parts of a car, they play a crucial role in blocking mud and sand and protecting the vehicle body. Choosing the wrong product for the wrong car model not only wastes money but may also pose safety hazards. Journalists visited multiple auto repair institutions and parts markets, and based on the suggestions of industry experts, sorted out this guide for vehicle model compatibility and selection. ​
Model compatibility is the core: Only precise matching can prevent "culture shock"
The body lines and wheel arch sizes of different car models vary greatly, so the mudguards must be precisely adapted. Wang Lei, the after-sales director of a 4S store of a certain joint venture brand, emphasized. Take the popular models Hyundai Elantra and ix35 as examples. The original factory mudguards are precisely molded based on the body structure, with an error of no more than 2 millimeters in the fit between the edge and the wheel arch, which can effectively prevent the wheel hub from being scratched or the brake heat dissipation from being affected during driving. ​
When making a purchase, it is essential to first clarify the vehicle information: the model year (such as the 2023 Camry 2.5S Fashion Edition), body type (sedan/SUV/MPV), and wheel size must be accurately provided. Tests by Pacific Auto Network show that compatible mudguards can reduce the amount of mud and sand adhering to the vehicle body by 60%, while the protective effect of the mismatched product is only 20%, and it may even cause mud and water to seep into the car bottom and corrode components due to excessive gaps. ​
Special reminder to new energy vehicle owners: For some models, due to the special layout of the chassis battery, it is necessary to choose dedicated low-barrier mud plates to avoid affecting the range and battery heat dissipation. When installing, give priority to choosing products that match the reserved holes of the original vehicle to reduce the damage to the vehicle body structure caused by drilling. ​
Choosing the right material makes things twice as effective with half the effort: Climate and road conditions are the key yardsticks
The material selection directly determines the service life and protective effect of the mudguard. Autohome data shows that the performance of different materials varies significantly under extreme weather conditions
Plastic material: Unit price 30-50 yuan, suitable for urban commuter vehicles in mild climate areas. However, its characteristic of being prone to deformation at high temperatures and cracking at low temperatures makes its damage rate as high as 40% in northern winters. ​
Rubber material: Excellent elasticity, capable of cushioning the impact of stones, stable performance in an environment ranging from -10 ℃ to 40℃, suitable for areas with frequent rain and mountain roads. However, long-term exposure to the sun is prone to aging and cracking. It is recommended to replace it every two years. ​
Resin material: It has the best comprehensive performance, is resistant to high and low temperatures and ultraviolet aging, and has a service life of over 5 years. However, the unit price is 80 to 150 yuan, making it more suitable for car owners with higher quality requirements. ​
Car owners in the north can give priority to choosing TPU soft rubber material with anti-freeze coating, with a thickness of 1.5 to 2cm being appropriate. In the rainy southern regions, it is recommended to choose resin materials with strong water resistance. For vehicles that frequently go off-roading, stainless steel materials can be considered, but they are relatively heavy and may increase fuel consumption by 0.1 to 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers. ​
The difference between original and third-party factories is huge: Three tricks to develop a "sharp eye"
The "original factory same style" gimmick is constantly emerging in the market, but in fact, it is far from the genuine product. A merchant at a certain auto parts market disclosed that the precision of the molds for the mudguards of the secondary factories generally deviates by 0.5 to 1cm. After installation, problems such as loose clips and excessive gaps are prone to occur. ​
Three major criteria can be followed to identify genuine factory parts:
Check the labels: The packaging of original factory parts is clearly printed with the brand LOGO and model code. For example, Hyundai models are marked with "HYUNDAI" and the corresponding part number, while counterfeit ones mostly have the vague words "General Purpose". ​
Check the workmanship: The original factory has smooth edges and corners without burrs, and the surface coating is uniform. The counterfeit factory often has injection molding marks and burrs. ​
Compare prices: The price of original factory parts is usually 30% to 50% higher than that of counterfeit parts. If the price of a certain product is too low, be cautious of the risk of material shrinkage. ​
Experts suggest that for key parts, original factory components should be given priority as they offer more comprehensive after-sales guarantees, with most providing a one-year warranty. If you choose counterfeit parts, make sure to recognize brands with ISO9001 certification and avoid purchasing "three-no" products. ​
Industry Tip: Installation and maintenance should not be ignored
When installing, it is necessary to ensure that the distance between the mudguard and the wheel hub is maintained at 8-10mm. If it is too close, it may scratch the tires and cause abnormal noises; if it is too far, it will affect the protective effect. Although adjustable mudguards have strong adaptability, it is necessary to regularly check the fixing screws to prevent loosening and falling off. ​
In daily maintenance, the mudguard should be cleaned with a mild detergent every three months to prevent the accumulation of sand and mud, which may accelerate aging. When cracks are found on the surface or the clips break, replace them in time. Do not let the damage of small parts affect the overall protection of the vehicle. ​
"Choosing mudguards may seem like a minor matter, but it actually concerns vehicle maintenance and driving safety." " Wang Lei suggests that car owners can purchase through regular channels such as brand 4S stores and officially authorized parts suppliers. Although the cost is slightly higher, it can guarantee the compatibility and quality to the greatest extent. After all, a suitable mudguard can provide long-term and considerate protection for your car.