1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

more mud flap flap

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Bob Allen, Jun 6, 2004.

  1. Bob Allen

    Bob Allen Captainbaba

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2004
    1,273
    11
    0
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    There have been numerous posts about mud flaps, specifically, how they might effect overall performance. No question that they work to keep the car cleaner, but have you found that: 1. they signficantly reduce your mileage, and, if so, 2. is it worth having them on even if they do reduce mileage?
    The preliminary posts were tentative, with Evan making the biggest contribution to the debate with his assertion that they do signifcantly affect mileage. Now that a number of us have mud flaps, we should have a better statistical base to assess their performance/benefits/drawbacks.
    I installed a set a month ago, and I believe they may be responsible for a decline in my mileage, from about 50-52 mpg to 47-49 while driving the same route to work each day. It's hard for me to quantify all the possible variables to determine if the flaps are the main cause, or maybe just outside temperature, etc. Before I think about removing them, I'd like to find out what some of you think based on your experiences.
     
    #1 Bob Allen, Jun 6, 2004
  2. TucsonPrius

    TucsonPrius Member

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2004
    167
    15
    0
    Location:
    Tucson, AZ
    Vehicle:
    2020 Prius
    Model:
    LE
    I've had no noticible change in MPG before/after mud flaperizing. But then, it's only been 600 miles since they've been on.

    Thanks,
    Shawn
     
    #2 TucsonPrius, Jun 6, 2004
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,192
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    I'm glad you started this thread Bob. My last tank of gas was calc. at 59mpg, my prev. best being 57.7mpg (computer).

    The tank I was on prior to flaps I was showing 58.3 and ended with something like 55mpg.

    Worst case scenario I'd say it reduces mileage by 1% or less...and if I can get 59mpg in the type of mixed driving on hilly roads that I do then the impact is probably negligible. I think that 'maybe' someone who does primarily interstate cruising might notices a more consistant drop.

    I'm VERY glad I've got the mudflaps. I think they clearly keep the car cleaner and I'm thrilled with my mileage and can't imagine I'd be much happier even it was 1-2% better--that's really splitting hairs.
     
    #3 efusco, Jun 6, 2004
  4. aja2460

    aja2460 Junior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2004
    27
    0
    0
    Location:
    Woodinville, WA
    I put on my mudflaps at about 500 miles. Now have 2700. Last tank was about 54 MPG (52.5 shown), Each tank has shown slightly better mileage with my lifetime at 49.6. I'm convinced that the break in has been mostly me getting better at driving the car. Live at the end of a 600 foot gravel driveway, and would use the mud flaps in any case, but I really think that their effect is minimal...javascript:emoticon(':)')
     
    #4 aja2460, Jun 6, 2004
  5. seeh2o

    seeh2o Prius OG

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2004
    447
    16
    0
    Location:
    City of Angels
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Persona
    I had them installed last month, and have driven from Los Angeles to San San Diego, San Diego to Phoenix, Phoenix to Los Angeles (all in one trip!). Then LA to Phoenix and back, then LA to Las Vegas and back (geez, no wonder my house is a mess...I spent all my time traveling!) and only saw my mpg go up. I was getting around 47mpg before the mudflaps and it has been hovering between 49 - 54mpg afterwards. I got my car in Feb, so it has been broken in for quite a while.

    My vote is that the mudflaps don't make a difference.

    Whew...now back to housecleaning and unpacking!
     
    #5 seeh2o, Jun 6, 2004
  6. nwprius

    nwprius Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2004
    227
    35
    0
    Location:
    Lacey, Washington
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Five
    No difference here.

    Bob
     
    #6 nwprius, Jun 7, 2004
  7. eak354

    eak354 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2003
    447
    0
    0
    Location:
    HI
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    i do city driving mostly so no noticeable mileage change for me. when i do go around the island for about a 60 mile drive i average 55mpg, so i'm happy. :clap: the most dramatic change is the absence of splashes of road tar/ grime or asphalt after driving in a downpour. with all the potholes here, i really needed the mud flaps and they're worth it! :wink:
     
    #7 eak354, Jun 8, 2004
  8. randalla

    randalla Member

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2004
    370
    2
    0
    Location:
    Lexington, SC
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    My mudflaps that I ordered from toyota.parts.ca have been on now about three weeks. I've seen minimal affect on mileage since installation. Before the installation I was averaging 52 mpg and that has only changed nominally to a low of 50.5 and then 51.3 but any number of driving circumstances could be attributed to the fluctuations, including possibly the mudflaps.
     
    #8 randalla, Jun 8, 2004
  9. aarons12

    aarons12 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2004
    704
    0
    0
    Location:
    long island, NY
    i just picked up the mud guards on ebay for a few bucks less than they were talked about here. i have always liked the way they keep the car cleaner... now if i only had a prius!! :D
     
    #9 aarons12, Jun 8, 2004
  10. springer

    springer New Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2004
    36
    0
    0
    Location:
    Portland Oregon
    mud flaps

    Does anyone have a picture of their car with mud flaps on?
    Where can I get mud flaps?
    Thanks
     
    #10 springer, Jun 8, 2004
  11. eak354

    eak354 Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2003
    447
    0
    0
    Location:
    HI
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    you can check the album section, there are some pics posted by smooth operator.
     
    #11 eak354, Jun 9, 2004
  12. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    19,891
    1,192
    9
    Location:
    Nixa, MO
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Re: mud flaps

    My album Evan's Prius has some photos of my Prius with mudflaps installed....you have to look close to see them despite large nice sharp photos b/c they're so OEM they're hard to see.

    ToyotaTown has them and various other sources. Someone got a set on Ebay for less than we've been paying at ToyotaTown.
     
    #12 efusco, Jun 9, 2004
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)