Mudflaps are made from one of two main materials: PVC or rubber. For generic and universal mudflaps, both materials are commonly available. For precision-fit rally style mudflaps, the vehicle-specific kind designed to complement an enthusiast car’s arch profile, PVC is the standard choice. Here’s why that is, and how the two materials actually compare.
PVC Mudflaps
PVC mudflaps are made from a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride. It is a versatile and durable material that can withstand the rigours of heavy use. Mudflaps made from PVC are typically very water-resistant.
PVC mudflaps are also relatively inexpensive, making them a good option for budget-minded drivers. This should also suit off-road and motorsport use, where mudflaps may need to be replaced more often.
One major benefit of PVC mudflaps is that they are easier to cut to size and shape compared to rubber mudflaps. This allows PolyWard to manufacture custom, perfectly fitting mudflaps that add style as well as protection to cars. For this reason, virtually all precision-fit rally style mudflaps are made from PVC rather than rubber.
Another benefit of PVC being easier to cut to size is for rally racing, where PVC mudflaps can be cut and fit to make sure they always meet the MSA regulations.
However, PVC mudflaps also have some drawbacks. PVC is not quite as flexible as rubber, and typically, PVC mudflaps aren’t as thick as their rubber counterpart. Therefore, PVC might not be as good at deflecting large debris such as rocks and branches. PolyWard uses 4mm PVC across all rally style mudflaps, which substantially improves impact resistance compared to thinner budget PVC alternatives from other suppliers.
Rubber Mudflaps
Rubber mudflaps are made from natural or synthetic rubber. It is a flexible material that is resistant to cracking and breaking. Mudflaps manufactured from rubber are also more water-resistant than PVC mudflaps, so they may last longer in extremely wet conditions.
However, rubber mudflaps are also more expensive than PVC mudflaps. Rubber mudflaps are also more likely to attract dirt and grime. They may need to be cleaned more frequently and can end up looking more permanently tarnished quicker than PVC ones.
Rubber mudflaps are harder to cut and shape to size, so there are fewer options for custom-fitting mudflaps specific to a particular vehicle. It is more difficult to get them cut to size for competition regulations.
Which Material is Right for You?
The best material for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable option that can provide a custom fit, then PVC mudflaps may be a good choice. If you are looking for a thicker material that is resistant to cracking and breaking, rubber mudflaps may be better if you don’t need a stylish, fitted option.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which material is right for you is to understand your needs. For style and motorsport use, PVC is the better choice. For standard road driving, “one size fits all” rubber mudflaps will work just fine and should last a long time.
We supply a variety of PVC mudflaps for all applications. Whether it is to add style and protection to your street car, or MSA-compliant mudflaps for competition use, PolyWard has you covered!
Precision fit, UK made. Available for the following vehicles:
[…] If you’d like to learn more about the technical and practical differences between various mud flap materials, we have a more in-depth comparison article published on our blog: PVC vs Rubber Mudflaps […]