Operating a car on Russian roads requires the owner to pay close attention to the safety of the paintwork. For owners Skoda Octavia A7 this is especially true since the body of this model has many joints and areas susceptible to gravel impacts. The main reason for the premature appearance of corrosion and chips is not only the quality of the road surface, but also the lack of effective protection against splashes flying from under the wheels.
Installation of quality mud flaps - this is not just a tribute to aesthetics, but a necessary element of passive protection. They create a physical barrier that prevents mud sludge, salt and aggressive reagents from entering the sills, arches and lower parts of the doors. Ignoring this stage of preparing the car for the winter season can lead to expensive body repairs after just a couple of years of active use.
Why are mud flaps needed on the Skoda Octavia A7
Many car owners wonder whether plastic guards can really significantly affect the condition of the car. The answer is clear: yes, especially in our climate. Main task mud flaps - cut off the flow of dirt that is lifted by the rotating wheels. Without them, the dirt flies in an arc, hitting the mudguard and scattering to the sides, but with them present, this flow is sharply slowed down.
For model Octavia A7 (Liftback and Combi bodies) protection is critical in the areas of the rear arches and sills. In winter, reagents mixed with sand act as an abrasive. If you do not install protection, body will begin to lose its properties after the first season. This is especially noticeable on dark cars, where chips from stones flying from under the wheels of cars in front are most clearly visible.
In addition, the presence of standard or high-quality analogues of mudguards is often a requirement for passing technical inspection in some countries, although in the Russian Federation this is not always strictly controlled. However, to maintain the liquidity of the car during subsequent resale, the preservation of its appearance plays a decisive role.
Types and materials of manufacture: what to choose
The accessories market offers a wide range of solutions that differ in material and mounting method. The most popular option remains products from polypropylene or thermoplastic. They have sufficient elasticity so as not to break when hitting a curb or snow, and hold their shape well.
There are also mud flaps made of hard plastic or rubber. Rigid plastic may be cheaper, but it is more brittle in cold temperatures. Rubber products, on the other hand, are very durable, but can stretch or become deformed over time under the weight of dirt. For Skoda Octavia A7 The best choice is considered to be reinforced plastic models with metal inserts at the attachment points.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of holes for standard bolts. This simplifies installation and eliminates the need to drill additional holes in the body, preserving the factory anti-corrosion treatment. Quality mud flaps have precise geometry that follows the curves of the body, which ensures a tight fit and no gaps.
- ๐ก๏ธ Polypropylene is the golden mean in terms of flexibility and price.
- ๐ก๏ธ Rubber โ maximum durability, but risk of deformation.
- ๐ง Metal frame - strong fastening on uneven surfaces.
Features of selection by body type and year of manufacture
It is important to understand that mud flaps are not universal, even within the same model. Skoda Octavia A7 It was produced in liftback and station wagon (Combi) bodies, and the geometry of the rear arches is different. Installing parts from a liftback on a station wagon will result in them hanging in the air or, worse, rubbing against the wheel when fully loaded.
There is also a difference in the design of the front mudguards depending on the year of manufacture and the type of bumper. Restyled versions (A7 FL) may have a modified shape of the air intakes, which requires the selection of specialized accessories. Before purchasing, be sure to check the part number with the catalog for your VIN code or year of manufacture.
For vehicles with ground clearance an enlarged version (if such a configuration was considered) or when installing non-standard discs with an offset, the standard mud flaps may not be suitable in length. In such cases, extension cords or specialized models with tilt adjustment are often used.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Do not buy mudguards โby eyeโ in the transition. Even a slight difference in fastening can cause the part to break during the first high-pressure wash.
- Liftback
- Combi (Station wagon)
- Scout (Off Road)
- I don't know, I need to check
Self-installation instructions
Installation of mudguards on Skoda Octavia A7 - a procedure available to every car owner who has a basic set of tools. You'll need a Phillips screwdriver, a 10-socket ratchet (for the wheel well bolts), and possibly a T20 or T25 Torx wrench for some of the fasteners. The process takes from 30 to 60 minutes depending on experience.
Before starting work, you must thoroughly wash the arches and sills. Dirt under the mudguard will trap moisture, which will accelerate corrosion. If there are remnants of old sealant or tape on the body, they must be carefully removed. Next, remove the wheel or turn the steering wheel as far as possible for easy access to the mounting points.
It is important to follow the sequence of steps to avoid damaging the plastic bumper latches. Do not use excessive force when tightening the screws, as the arch plastic may crack. Use a torque wrench or tighten until you feel moderate resistance.
โ๏ธ Preparation and installation of mudguards
Common installation mistakes
The most common mistake is the wrong orientation of the mud flap. Make sure the upper part with the attachment is adjacent to the body, and the lower free part hangs down. Also often forget about washers, which prevent the screw from crashing into the plastic of the arch.
Comparative table: OEM vs Internal vs External
To make an informed choice, it is worth considering the main types of mud flaps available for purchase. The standard elements coming from the factory often have a simplified design and may not cover the entire area. The inner ones (installed in the arch) protect against noise and dirt, but they are more difficult to install. The external is the classic version we are considering.
Below is a table that helps to compare the main characteristics of different types of protection for the Octavia A7:
| Mudguard type | Material | Difficulty of installation | Noise protection | Aesthetics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staff (factory) | PVC, thin plastic | Minimum (already standing) | Low | Modest. |
| Analogues (universal) | Hard plastic | Average | Average | Not always suitable. |
| Reinforced (Sport) | Polypropylene + frame | High | High | Sporty look |
| Inside the arch | Rubber, felt. | Very high | Excellent | Invisible outside. |
Care and operation in winter
The winter season is a test for any car. The squirrels, like the entire body, require regular maintenance. After each trip on roads treated with reagents, it is necessary to wash the dirt from the bottom of the mud flap. A mixture of salt and moisture that has been accumulated in the gaps can cause corrosion even where the plastic fits tightly into the metal.
Particular attention should be paid to the check of anchorages. From vibration and temperature changes, the screws can weaken. It is recommended once a month, especially before long trips, to inspect the condition of the mud flaps. If you notice a crack in the place of attachment, the part must be replaced or strengthened so that it does not come off on the go.
Many owners wonder if they need to remove the mud flaps for the summer. This is not recommended, as they protect the body and summer from flying stones and insects.. The only exception is the case when mud flaps interfere with the installation of non-standard rubber or towing devices.
- ๐งน High pressure washing is mandatory after winter trips.
- ๐ Check the fasteners - once a month or after off-road trips.
- ๐ก๏ธ Cleaning ice โ Do not use sharp objects to avoid damaging the plastic.
Before winter, apply a thin layer of silicone spray to the inner surface of the mud flaps. This will prevent dirt and ice from sticking, and will also make cleaning easier.
โ ๏ธ Warning: Never try to bend a frozen mud flap with your hands or stick. In the cold, the plastic becomes brittle, and you are likely to break its mounts or the part itself.
Effect of mud flaps on aerodynamics and noise
Some skeptics argue that mud flaps worsen aerodynamics and increase cabin noise. In practice, the right products are selected for Octavia A7 They do not have a significant impact on fuel consumption. Modern forms of mud flaps are designed with streamlining in mind, creating minimal resistance to airflow.
As for the noise, the situation is ambiguous. Thin plastic mud flaps can vibrate at speed, creating an unpleasant hum. However, high-quality, rigid models, tightly adjacent to the body, work as an additional sound insulator, blocking the access of noise from under the wheels to the cabin. The effect is enhanced if the sprayers have a multilayer structure or rubber insert.
To reduce noise at high speeds, special vibration insulation materials can be used in the attachment areas, if the spray-repeat design allows it. The main thing is to ensure reliable fixation without backlashes, which are the source of rattling.
โ ๏ธ Warning: If you hear a whistling or hum from under the wheels after installing the mud flaps, check the density of the fit. Perhaps the part is installed incorrectly or interferes with the free rotation of the wheel when turning the steering wheel.
Properly installed mud flaps not only protect the body, but can also serve as an additional element of noise insulation, if the models with high-quality materials and a tight fit are chosen.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Can I install the mud flaps without removing the wheels?
In most cases for Octavia A7 It is enough to turn the steering wheel to the right direction. This will provide access to splash-flavor mount bolts in the front and rear arch. However, for the ideal installation quality and check of all mounting points, the removal of the wheel is still recommended.
Do I need to drill new holes in the body?
High-quality mud flaps for this model are designed to use standard holes. If you are buying unoriginal cheap analogues, you may have to drill. Try to avoid such a need, so as not to violate the anticorrosive layer of the body.
How to check if the mud flaps are suitable for R17 or R18 discs?
Usually, the manufacturer indicates compatibility with the size of the disks in the description of the product. If you have changed the regular drives to wider ones, be sure to measure the offset of the wheel. In some cases, the mud flaps can rub against the edge of the disc with the suspension fully moving.
What to do if the mud flap is off on the move?
Don't panic. If he's stuck in a wheel, it's dangerous. Stay in a safe place, check the integrity of the disk and arch. If the mud flap just sagged, it can be temporarily fixed with a clamping or tape to the nearest service, but it is better to replace the broken mounts immediately.