Mud flaps necessary to prevent rock chips?

I am wondering if mud flaps are necessary to prevent rock chips from gouging the side of my Tacoma? I don't go off-road...on-road only. I already put Xpel clear bra on the rear wheel molding. Should I be concerned about the sides receiving rock chips? Thanks!

 

They can help but nothing is 100% going to protect from rock chips unless you cover your entire truck in a Bra, Brah.

ps. You're driving on Phoenix roads. Your entire vehicle exterior is vulnerable to rock chips. That's just the way it is here.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. You could always use this as an excuse to get sliders with fill plates. Those are good at stopping rocks

 

They may not be necessary for rock chips, but it may be illegal in your state/province to not have mudflaps.

 

They definitely help. Running boards (not steps) are a big help also. They deflect almost everything from your front wheels. I use tire shine when I wash the truck, and even though it's low sling it was still getting on the doors and especially the front end of my rear fender flares. With Flaps and running boards I've eliminated that problem almost completely. Logic says rocks would hit the same areas as the tire gel. I go offroad a decent amount but never do any intense 'wheeling'. Especially useful if you don't care about ground clearance.

 

Not in AZ for his stock application.

 

Interesting. Which ones are you thinking of that require mudflaps on passenger vehicles that already have fenders?

 

Yes... I have a new set OEM in the box brand new. Sell them to ya, send me a PM if interested.

 

For me here in alberta vehicles must have mudflaps and they must be in length that matches the centre hub of the wheel. Not sure about which states i was just throwing it out there.

 

Weird... prolly cause all the roads are dirt...

 

My 15 came with rocker panel extra coating (I think due to rust issues from previous years) and some clear plastic lining near the fenders that has saved me a few times if that is any consolidation. my latest rock kind of embedded a bit of itself after impact and just rubbed right off, I was impressed.

 

A lot of Toyota Tacomas were not shipping with mudflaps. Wonder if, in the states that law requires them, the dealers or Toyota were adding them on before sale?

 

Judging by a quick google search, no states flat out require mud flaps. From what I found, they require flares OR flaps if the tires extend past the flares. I'm sure there are some local statutes out there though.

 

Are you sure about the "and" part? Most states I've looked at out of curiosity are "or" -- i.e. you need to have one or the other. Speaking of passenger vehicles here, commercial trucks are a whole different ballgame.

 

I found the same thing. The only exception I found is if the tires poke out past the fenders, then flaps are required, but that isn't how trucks come stock.

 

I use the weather tech mud flaps. I like them a lot. They really help protect the fenders and doors. As smitty said, nothing is 100%. However, I would do it again in a heartbeat.

 

I have a brand new set in the box, never opened, that I've decided not to install after receiving this feedback from everyone. I'll let them go cheap if anyone is interested. $65.00 shipped to your door if you are in Continental US. Here is a description:

$108 Husky 56946 Husky Liners - Front & Rear Mud Guards | 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma with OEM Fender Flares - Black, 2 Pc. | 56946

Husky 56946, Mud Guards Black Front & Rear Set, 2016-2017 Toyota Tacoma.

E-mail me if interested: rob4092 at cox.net

 

Can't sell here bro. Breaking da rulez!

 

Your best best for sale is to place them in the marketplace. Just make sure you read the rules first.

 

I would use them if I were you. Just saying.