Splash Guards & Mud Flaps for Kia Forte

Kia Forte Splash Guards and Mud Flaps

Among the many automotive accessories available for your Kia Forte, splash guards are some of the more interesting. Were used to seeing mud flaps on semi trucks and pickup trucks, but theyre becoming more common on vehicles of all sizes.

Although Kia Forte splash guards and mud flaps serve the same purpose - to protect your paint job from damage - mud flaps and splash guards differ mostly in placement, appearance, and even what part of the country youre from. Mud flaps are the rubber, stainless steel, or molded plastic rectangles we usually see hanging behind the rear tires of trucks and SUVs to protect the undercarriage from rust. Splash guards usually refer to heavy-duty plastic and metal caps that fit over the edge of the wheel well to keep your car clean. Some vehicles have both.

Mud flaps and splash guards can be visually appealing, sometimes decorated with text or pictures. However, they also have a very definite function, especially in areas with extreme road and weather conditions. Whether you choose the type that fit on the chassis of the vehicle or the ones that hang from the undercarriage, the purpose is to shield your Forte or the car or truck behind you from

• Rocks and gravel
• Road salt
• Spray from rain and snow
• Flying road debris

You should test-fit to make sure theres enough room between the tire and the wheel well to install your chosen splash guard without hindering wheel motion or hanging too low to the ground. Many current truck and car models have pre-drilled holes on the outer edge of the wheel well to install splash guards. If yours doesnt, you can use the holes in the guard as a guide for drilling; there are also drill-free models on the market. The rest of the procedure is as follows:

• Clean the installation area carefully with a de-greasing agent.
• Insert the plastic hole liners if they came with your mud guards.
• Put the splash guard into place on the front and rear of the vehicle, making sure to line up the holes.
• Loosely insert the screws without tightening them all the way.
• Check that each guard is positioned correctly and parallel to the ground.
• Finish tightening the screws.

There are a wide range of OEM mud flaps and splash guards in different sizes and made from different materials. You can find guards that are custom-made to fit your Kia. Also available are universal parts that are purpose-built for standard size SUVs and off-road vehicles.

Mud flaps and splash guards are made to be durable and stand up to rough road conditions. As long as the parts you buy are of good quality, maintenance is minimal. Usually, you can wipe them clean with a cloth. For tougher grime, a little elbow grease and a cloth soaked in warm soapy water will do the trick. You can also have them rinsed off and shined up when you go to your local auto detailer.