What do trailer mudflaps do?
The mudflaps (also known as splash guards or mudguards) are used to protect your trailer, other cars, and pedestrians from mud, stones, and other debris that are sent upwards via your trailer’s moving tyres. The mudflap go behind your trailer’s tyre, catching the debris as they are flying upwards, causing them to fall back to the ground.
In New Zealand, mudflaps / mudguards are a legal requirement for all trailers. This means that your trailer won’t pass its Warrant of Fitness (WOF) if it does n’t have mudflaps installed. Flying debris can be hazardous to your surroundings, potentially causing damage to the windscreen and paint job of cars around you.
Causes of mudflap problems:
Loose on incorrectly installed mudflaps – If the mudflap is loose, it can sway, shake and rattle while the trailer is moving, It may also make contact with your tyres, causing the mudflap and tyre to wear out quickly and need replacement.
Cracks or damage to mudflap – Eventually, the mudflap can crack, reducing its effectiveness. In this case, it should be replaced.
Symptoms of trailer mudflap / mudguard problems:
Common symptoms of faulty/loose mudflaps include:
Burning smell – When the mudflap scrapes against the tyre, you may notice a burning smell. This is often accompanied by a scraping noise.
Your trailer is dirtier – An increased amount of debris flying upwards will cause your trailer and car to become dirty more quickly, especially on the sides of the trailer.
Rattling and shaking mudflap – A loose mudflap will produce rattling and shaking noises while you drive. This is due to the component not staying fixed in one position.
Angry drivers behind you – if you are missing mudflaps on your trailer you may find the drivers behind you get angry with you if your trailer wheels flick up stones onto their cars paint work or chip or crack their windscreen. This can sometimes lead to unwanted “road rage”.
New Trailer Mudflap / Mudguard Installation & Replacement in Hamilton
Is your trailer in need of new mudflaps / mudguards? If so, we can help!
At Grimmer Motors, we can install the correct mudflaps onto your trailer. This will allow your trailer to pass its Warrant of Fitness and stay cleaner, while looking after drivers behind you (KEEPING THEM CALM AND AVOIDING ROAD RAGE).
For mudflap replacement in Hamilton, contact Grimmer Motors today!
Please Note – we don’t generally stock or supply just “parts only” for this service. We are a general automotive repair workshop. If you are able to bring your vehicle to us, we can diagnose the problem, find and fit the necessary parts, or organise the appropriate service for you.