Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

I'm just curious if anyone has the Prius mud flaps/splash guards installed, and if so, how has it affected your gas mileage?

Re: Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

no difference. I have a Canadian spec os mudguards are standard and living in BC, I can get 4.0L/100km (59mpg) 100% city driving of course.

Re: Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

Unless you do triple digit speeds, the splash guards give so small a hit on fuel mileage that you will never notice it.

Re: Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

Has anyone done any detailed studies on this?

Re: Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

if you don't have the mudflaps you likely have to wash your car more often

washing your car uses energy

water consumption is energy

(and don't forget the crap you are washing into your local creek, if you are washing at home) (but don't get me started on the environmental advantages of commercial car washes versus the home approach - still, I wash at home around 50% of the time)

Re: Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

No, but think about how little the profile is for them. The aerodynamic portion certainly has less effect than say the side mirrors.

Re: Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

True. So the next question is, does anyone drive with their mirrors folded back? :D

Re: Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

food for thought .. see also
Originally Posted by wjl https://www.greenhybrid.com/discuss/...s/viewpost.gif Splash Guards/aka: mud flaps

http://users.efni.com/~mjmorin/vorte...rear_small.jpg http://users.efni.com/~mjmorin/vorte...main_small.jpghttp://users.efni.com/~mjmorin/vorte...e005_small.jpg

Re: Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

I would like to see the mirrors much smaller! I have thought of turning them in, but I don't think we would notice a differences? I think a good wax job may help! H

Re: Mud flaps good/bad for mileage?
 

Mudflaps will have no effect on MPG, BUT they will help protect your car from small rocks, etc. My previous car was a Honda Fit Sport and I didn't have mudflaps...I had small dings along the bottom side of the car due to rocks and other debris.
I had flaps installed on my Prius, ding and dent free! I also had side moldings put on my doors because people don't care if they hit your car door or not!