How did mud flaps become one of the most common exterior mods? Well, you can thank Rally Racing and their many campaigned machines that included Subarus, Evo’s, Peugeot’s, and so-on. Because slinging rocks, mud, and tarmac debris can be especially dangerous to surrounding drivers as most of us can attest to what tiny rocks can do to our windshields.

Yet 15 years ago which could be highly debated as peak Subaru culture, mud flaps became the #1 exterior mod not only for Subarus, but for other sport compact friends such as the MazdaSpeed 3 examples, Evo’s, as well as the Ford Focus/Fiesta ST models. There was a lot of hot hatch competition that also included the likes of the Volkswagen GTI models and the GR STI. This was also a time when the late legendary Ken Block’s Gymkhana videos really took over the internet with the first Gymkhana 1 video that was quickly followed up with GymKhana 2. Circa 2013 when the hot hatch cars had a large presence in the sport compact world, this really drove down the prices of the first-generation USDM WRX and STI models (2002-2007), and these cars would unfortunately fall victim to the identity of vape, cheap coilovers slammed to the ground dragging frame on tilted replica wheels, as well as phallic shift knobs. Skinny jeans and flat-billed hats everywhere, followed by your choice of screamo music with that hilarious crab dance that the said screamo bands performed.  

What does all of this drabble have to do with mud flaps? Because aside from their main function which we will talk about in a sec, they made the overall ‘stance’ of the vehicle appear wider and they were especially popular among the ‘wheels that don’t fit’ crowd as they turned Subarus into street sweepers.

Fast forward to present time, what we learned to this day as an industry is that mud flaps was never a fad. In fact, they are still highly sought after and purchased for many makes and models as of today. Why? Because they are highly beneficial and we’re gonna talk about why.

 

 

PROTECTS YOUR PAINT FROM GETTING SANDBLASTED

That’s correct. Especially if you have wider, stickier tires on a wider wheel. And most especially if you have a soft compound tire at the track. Softer tires whether they are a dedicated race tire or if they are a high-performance summer tire, are more prone to pick up smaller rocks and pebbles from the road. Your front tires will sling those rocks to the lower corners on the front of your side skirts where they will also bounce off your lower doors. Your rear tires will pepper the lower corners and sand blast your rear bumper with rocks.

Muf flaps will block the majority of these rocks and pebbles getting thrown from your tires so that you can prevent excessive rock chips eating away at your paint.

 

 

BE CONSIDERATE OF DRIVERS BEHIND YOU

 

Aside from sand blasting your paint, you are also being considerate of the drivers behind you. Which is a good thing because being nice is never a bad idea. It’s the main reason why it’s the law in many states that lifted trucks, as well as 18 wheelers must have mud flaps because those larger tires will get larger rocks stuck in between the tire tread. We all know how bad it sucks to get a cracked windshield and aside from construction trucks leaving gravel pits, getting your windshield cracked by another car in front of you running over a rock a never anyone’s fault. However, with mud flaps, you are being extra considerate for those behind you, and who knows maybe the universe will reward you for your consideration by aligning the stars for your Subaru in another way, shape, or form.

 

 

GIVES YOUR SUBARU RALLY-INSPRED LOOKS

The key reason why mud flaps are still one of the most preferred exterior mods is because they do provide your exterior with rally-inspired looks at a great price point. When installed, they give the body of your Subaru with a slightly wider-looking profile. And they are available in a variety of different color finishes to add a little more personality to the overall theme of the exterior.  And remember they are not just for Subarus only:

 

 

 

INSTALLATION IS NOT THAT BAD EITHER

 

If you are capable of safely jacking up each corner of your vehicle and removing your wheels, then you are more than capable of installing these mud flaps. With basic hand tools, and following instructions or tutorials, you too, can install a set of mud flaps without having to pay a mechanic.

 

 

FINAL WORD: ONE OF THE BEST EXTERIOR MODS FOR UNDER $200

You get the looks and the protection at a great price point. Mud flaps are a great way to preserve the paint and protection of your Subaru or any other make and model as rock chips can go deep enough to get to you your metal which can cause rust. And rock chips are not attractive especially when they are all in a central location which can happen with wider wheels and tires. Also, know that mud flaps are not just for lowered Subarus and sport compacts with wider wheels and tires, they are also a must-have especially if you are building an overlander and will frequent the mountains or the trails as your dirt tires can fill your wheel wells with clumps of dirt. Plus, you need to complete that off-road look with mud flaps. Highly versatile, safe, and a great investment for your vehicle.

 

 

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