Mud guards - User opinions?

[diesel]

I was thinking of getting the Volvo mud guards fitted as the back of our car is permanently covered in road grime. I was wondering if anyone has experience of both with and without them and could rate their effectiveness.

[Smallvo]

From what I've read on here, the mud guards won't work on the 2.0 because of the body kit.

[weedevil]

I think Diesel means the 2000cc diesel model. Here in the UK we dont get 1.0 or 2.0.

The 2.0(U.S.) has the r-design body kit. Diesel do you have the body kit?

[diesel]

Weedevil is right - it's a 2 litre diesel SE MY07, no bodykit.

Over here we for MY07, we got:
S which I guess is the same spec as basic US 1.0.
SE (mine) No bodykit but bigger wheels, rain sensors, dimming mirror etc. and SE Sport Which looks like your 2.0 but has lowered sports suspension as standard and has the bodykit.
SE LUX same as an SE but with leather seats and folding mirrors and headlamp washers and heated seats.

However I think this is being changed a bit With the R design stuff replacing the 'sport' models for 08

[weedevil]

Sorry Diesel have no experience of the mud guards...but given that I'm a cheap stake I have the black plastic bumpers...and having spoken to the dealer...he said it wouldnt be worth it... wow thats refreshing... hope that helps till someone replies with more experience.

[Gunners-C30]

I got the mudguards in December, and they look great, but I thought the adhesion to the body kit a bit flimsy. I added a couple extra screw holes and used two more sets of rivets to give it a little more strength against whatever may pop up off the road. The look is clean, and I got them for the same reason, to keep the junk off the car.

I live in rural San Diego, California, with occasional rains, but a lot of dust and debris. You mix this with using products on the tire rubber to keep them sparkling, and you end up with a mix of grime on the side of the car. Finally, the car throws a lot of mist when driving wet roads, and I hate other cars for failing to minimize the effect on other drivers.

[noah katz]

Gunners,

So how effective are they in reducing grime on the sides, or did you put them on as soon as you got the car?

[Gunners-C30]

I put them on 3 months after getting the car, and it has rained so much we are no longer in drought conditions in SoCal, plus I drive mostly 2 lane country roads through the mountains to work & back, so I get a fair share of grime and road-debris.

The mud-guards cut it down at least 50% on the doors and rear fender, but it mainly cut down the amount of moisture and grime on the rear window greater than 70%. Either way, enough to mark it a success in my book. Especially since the install, other than removing the rear tires, was pretty easy and done at leisure in two hours.

[noah katz]

Good to hear, thanks.

[diesel]

Thanks, that’s what I wanted to hear – It’s the road spray on the back window that really bothers me. I’ll definitely make some enquiries about getting them fitted. I’ll get the dealer to do it though as I don’t have the tools or facilities to fit them myself.
For anyone in the UK contemplating any official mods to their cars I’d recommend joining the Volvo owners club as you will be entitled to discounts on parts and service – I had parking sensors fitted and saved the price of my annual membership on that alone.

[Tora]

Diesel, I live where it rains all the time (in winter at least...and almost any time of year...), I put the mudguards on but also have a wider wheel/tire combo and am lowered. I find that the guards have very little covereage. If you have a skinnier wheel/tire package they will "block" more of the tire area. I don't find they really did much at all as far as dirt getting on my car. I suppose it cut down a little but nothing noticeable to me. As for what it kicks up towards other cars I would think it has helped. When I go over short aggressive speed bumps the front ones sometimes scrape (to give you an idea how low they are). If I were to do it again I would buy some good polyurethane and make my own flaps with more covereage.

[diesel]

It's good to hear for and against. I have standard tires and suspension (maestra 17" wheel, not sure of tire width). I'd be especially scared about drilling in to the wheel arch linings after reading SwapDOHC's latest post about wind noise. It would also invalidate my warranty on the car I'm sure, so it's dealer fitted or nothing for me I'm afraid. Good point about speed humps, I'll look in to that as there's some sharp ones on my street.

[Tora]

Diesel, although my review was somewhat negative I don't DISLIKE them, but I am used to Rally style mudflaps which do WAY more but wouldn't look too hot on the C30....I am happy with them but I probably wouldn't spend the money on them again.