Mud Flaps/Spash Guards - Affects on Fuel Economy?

[Blue-Adept]

I am going to install mudfaps/ Spash Guards on my Prius. Does any one have any info on how this affects MPG.
Thanks
Blue

[mikepaul]

I had my splash guards put on last Fall, and I'm getting 52MPG over the last couple of tanks. That's better around-town MPGs than I got last year, even in late Summer after 10,000 miles. Nearly 23K now.

I'm thinking 'hot' gasoline rather than some new aerodynamics based on having the guards on, but until I see another MPG change I have no idea what's up...

[galaxee]

I imagine it's pretty insignificant. The car is so aerodynamic anyway. It probably disturbs airflow around the car as much as that antenna and the windshield wipers do.

I have experienced no MPG change, but we installed mudguards after 200 miles. We are now at about 750 miles. I don't get great MPG in the first place because my commute is a whopping 2.5 miles, but I manage 43-44 on a regular basis.

[efusco]

Very little. A search way back when we first started putting these on found me very concerned too. In fact my first bit of driving after installing them had me down several mpg...but eventually it climbed back up and you can look at my LMPG by clicking the link in my sig.

I think the benefit is clearly worth the very minor added drag.

[Chrisus]

Did anyone install their own mudflaps? Do you have to drill any holes? How is the fit? Im planning on getting some once I get my car.

[wb9tyj]

No noticable change in gas mileage...i was able to put them on with the self tapping screws that came with it...on the front you can turn the tires, on the back, use a very small phillips screwdriver and you wont have to take the back tire off...just follow the written instructions and its easy...

[Floyd]

Chrisus: I just installed some from www.metrotpn.com today and it was a piece of cake. You need an elec. drill, 3/32 & a 1/4" drill bit, & phillips hd. screwdriver.
The only major thing you have to do is jack up the rear end & remove the back tires (one at a time); this is so you can drill some mounting holes in the plastic. They were a perfect fit and the instructions were very clear. I thought of painting the mud guards but rocks and road debris would eventually chip up the paint.

I doubt seriously that gas mileage would be affected.

[Tideland Prius]

They're standard here in Canada and I'm still able to get the high mileage (currently at 54mpg). So I don't think it'll have *that* much of an effect.

[eak354]

i havent noticed any noticeable difference. and if there was i'll take it rather than the headaches and aggravation of spashes, stubborn road tar and asphalt all of which i had a problem without the splash guards.

[Chrisus]

Thanks Floyd! I mentioned the flaps to the delaer and he said they werent available. I said they are in Canada and he was going to check on them. Othereise Ill order them online. I installed them on my mazda and they were a perfect fit! Do yours fit exactly too or are thers flaps that are sort of universal?