You might have observed that semi-trucks have large rectangular rubber flaps behind their rear wheels. These are mud flaps that stop rocks, pebbles, mud, or small objects from flying off the tires and damaging nearby vehicles. These rubber flaps are typically thick and heavy. They might seem like a simple piece of rubber, but they are pivotal in protecting vehicles and pedestrians from potentially dangerous projectiles.
When a truck drives over debris, it can latch onto the tire and get flung in the air at high speeds. Sometimes, these projectiles can shatter windshields, which can be extremely dangerous on the highway because they can surprise drivers and result in an accident. Aside from keeping other vehicles safe, mud flaps also protect the truck and its cargo from damage caused by debris.
Since semi-trucks usually have eight tires on their rear, they can create a lot of spray that can reduce visibility for other drivers during rainy weather. Mud flaps can also be beneficial on wet roads since they’ll catch the water flung by the tire, reducing tire spray. It also doesn’t hurt that mud flaps can help keep the truck and its cargo clean from road grime. In a worst-case scenario, mud flaps can prevent tire pieces from flying off during a tire blowout.
Mud flaps can prevent pieces of your truck’s tire from flying off during a blowout.
–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician
Why Do Semi-Trucks Have Mud Flaps?
Many vehicles can have fenders or mud guards, but why does a truck’s mud flaps need to be so massive? Mud flaps for semi trucks need to be large enough to cover the area behind its tires. Since semi-truck tires are significantly taller and wider than conventional tires, semi truck mud flaps also need to match the tire’s size. Otherwise, the flaps won’t be able to stop all the spray and debris flung from the tire.
Are Truck Mud Flaps Mandatory?
Yes. That said, each state has unique guidelines for mud flaps.
States like Texas, Arizona, Delaware, and Missouri require mud flaps to be no more than 8 inches from the ground. This means the mud flap’s bottom edge must not be higher than 8 inches. Meanwhile, Alaska requires trucks to hang their mud flaps at most 14 inches from the ground.
Many states follow the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice. This indicates that the mud flap must be wide enough to cover the tire’s full width. Additionally, the mud flap must be long enough to cover the tire’s rear. The specific requirement states that the mud flap must be no more than 1/3 the distance from the rear tire to where the mud flap is mounted. For example, if the mud flap’s mounting point is 39” behind the center of the rear tire, the mud flap’s lowest point must not be more than 13” off the ground.
Why Do Mud Flaps Have Designs?
At some point, truck companies realized that the large mud flaps could be used as advertising space to display company information or brand logos. After all, many drivers and passengers constantly stare at the rear of the vehicle in front of them. Any custom design or information on a mud flap is going to be visible to a bunch of people regularly, especially if the truck is driven often. Nowadays, practically every truck has custom mud flaps.
Where to Get High-Quality Mud Flaps for Your Truck
As mentioned, mud flaps are mandatory for each state. And while some states have different guidelines regarding the flap, you still need it if you want to drive your truck without violating the law. Head to CarParts.com today and get a brand-new mudflap if your old one is damaged or worn.
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