Operating a car in conditions of Russian roads requires constant attention to the state of paintwork. Gravel, reagents and water flying from under the wheels, become the main enemies of the body. For owners of sedans and liftbacks Skoda Octavia A5 This problem is especially acute due to the design features of the arches.
Sprayers of ล KODA Octavia A5 This is not just a decorative element, but a necessary attribute to preserve the appearance and value of the car. Properly selected accessories can significantly reduce the load on the body, preventing the appearance of chips and foci of corrosion. In this article we will analyze all the nuances of choice, materials of manufacture and installation features.
Why do you need mud flaps on Octavia A5
Many car owners underestimate the role of arch protection, considering it an unnecessary waste of money. However, the statistics of repairs show the opposite. Body protection from abrasive effects begins with the installation of high-quality mud flaps. They intercept the main stream of dirt and rocks, directing it downwards rather than to side sills and doors.
This topic is particularly relevant for Octavia A5 with a body liftback. The rear door opens with the trunk wings, and without protection, dirt flies directly onto the glass and lower edge of the door. The front elements act as a barrier to the wings and sills. Installation of mudguards It allows you to keep the factory LCP in its original form even after winter.
Besides, it's a matter of aesthetics. A clean body, not dotted with black streams from tires, looks much more expensive and attractive. Ignoring the installation of spray on roads with reagents reduces the life of paint coatings by 30-40%.
Types and materials of manufacture
There is a wide range of accessories on the market, and it is important not to make a mistake with the choice of material. The main options are rubber, plastic and polyurethane. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when buying.
Rubber mud flaps It is considered a classic solution. They have high elasticity and the ability to withstand stone impacts without deformation. However, over time, rubber can tan in the cold and crack if the material is of poor quality.
- ๐ง They extinguish the blows of small stones.
- โ๏ธ Resistant to temperature changes (quality compositions)
- ๐ ๏ธ Easy to wash and do not retain dirt
Plastic models are often bundled with original doorsteps or as part of an aerodynamic body kit. They look neat, but the fragility of plastic in severe frost is their main disadvantage. When hitting a snowdrift or curb plastic elements They might just burst.
Polyurethane is in the middle. It combines the rigidity of plastic and the elasticity of rubber. Such products often have a more complex shape, exactly repeating the contours of the arch. Skoda Octavia A5This provides better protection.
- Rubber
- Plastic
- Polyurethane
- Factory kit
Differences between generations and bodies
When looking for accessories, it is important to understand the difference between modifications. Octavia A5 It was produced in several bodies: a sedan and an elevatorback, and there was also a version with a Combi body (wagon). The geometry of the arches is different, so universal mud flaps are often poorly suited.
For the sedan and liftback, the front mud flaps are often identical, but the rear elements have different shapes. The elevatorback rear arch is more elongated due to the shape of the rear door. Buying. Sprayers for the Skoda Octavia A5Be sure to specify the equipment: "for a sedan" or "for an elevatorback".
- ๐ Sedan: the rear is shorter, the shape of the arch is more rounded
- ๐ Liftback: the rear part is longer, the arch has a specific curve
- ๐ง Universal (Combi): its unique mounts and dimensions
It is also worth paying attention to the year of release. The restyled version (A5 FL, 2009-2013) may have minor differences in bumper mounting compared to the pre-facelift version (2004-2008). This affects how the element will fit into the body.
Carefully inspect the arch before buying. Sometimes on older cars, the bumper mount is displaced due to poor-quality repairs, which will require fitting the mud flap in place.
Original or Analogue: Which to Choose?
The choice between original parts from ล koda and third-party analogues (VAG, Vortex, Digma and others) are in front of many car owners. Original. mud flaps They usually have perfect geometry and high-quality fasteners, but they are much more expensive.
Analogues from proven brands often offer the best value for money. Many are made of softer plastic or rubber, which in some cases is even preferable to the hard original. The main thing is to check the thickness of the material and the presence of all the necessary holes under the bolts.
Some cheap Chinese copies may have a geometry error. In this case, the mud flap will be clapped or not close the desired section of the arch. High-quality analogue It should fit tightly around the perimeter without gaps.
- ๐ฐ Original: ideal landing, high price, durability
- โ๏ธ Good analogue: reasonable price, good quality, easy fitting is possible
- โ ๏ธ Cheap analogue: risk of poor planting, fragile material, rapid aging
Mounting and installation methods
Installation of mudguards on Octavia A5 This is a task that is feasible for any car owner. There are two main ways of attachment: on the regular holes and using screws. The first option is preferable, since it does not violate the tightness of the body.
On the front wheels, regular bumper mounting places are often used. It is enough to unscrew one or two screws, substitute a mud flap and twist them back. Sometimes you need to use additional clips that come with the kit. Rivet installation or screws are permissible only in extreme cases when there are no regular holes.
โ๏ธ Installation Tools
If you have to drill additional holes, do it carefully, treating the edges with an anti-corrosion composition. This will prevent rust in the future. For a tight fit in the winter, the plastic can be slightly warmed up with a hair dryer so that it becomes more elastic and takes the form of an arch.
The sequence of actions during installation is usually as follows: cleaning the installation area, fitting, fixing with standard bolts, checking gaps. Do not tighten the fastener too much so that the plastic does not burst.
What to do if the mudguard rubs against the wheel?
If you hear rustle or friction after installation, then the mud flap is installed too close to the wheel. Relax the fastener a little, bend the edge a couple of millimeters and tighten again. In rare cases, it is necessary to cut the edge with metal scissors or a stationery knife.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Never use glue to fix the mud flaps. When hitting a snowdrift, it will not work as a shock absorber, and a rigidly fixed element can tear off a piece of bumper or burst itself. Use only mechanical fastening.
Specifications and Dimensions
When choosing accessories, it is important to consider the dimensions. Incorrectly selected dimensions can lead to the fact that the mud flap will stick out or will not cover the dirt. Below is a table with averaged data on dimensions for different modifications.
| Body model | Front dimension (SHV), cm | Rear size (SHV), cm | Mounting type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octavia A5 Sedan (pre-styled) | 20 x 24 | 22 x 28 | Staff + screws |
| Octavia A5 Liftback (facelift) | 21 x 25 | 23 x 30 | Regular |
| Octavia A5 Combi (Wagon) | 21 x 25 | 24 x 31 | Special brackets |
| Package with slats | 30 x 40 | 32 x 45 | Self-tapping screws + clips |
Please note that the sizes may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. Before buying, it is recommended to measure the space in the arch of your car. Also consider the presence of cast discs โ sometimes wide discs require mud flaps with a deeper cutout.
Selection of mud flaps VIN code is the most reliable way to avoid errors. Dealer centers and large online stores allow you to enter the car ID and get an accurate list of compatible spare parts.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you plan to install wide wheels or increase ground clearance, standard mud flaps may stop performing their function. In this case, elongated models or special arched expanders will be required.
Operation and care
Even high-quality mud flaps require care. In winter, ice and snow freeze on them, which increases the load on the fasteners. Regular washing of the bottom and arches will help to extend the service life of the elements. Reagent cleanup prevents the destruction of plastic or rubber material.
When washing your car in a car wash, be careful with a high-pressure jet. Do not direct the jet at a sharp angle to the mounting places, so as not to tear the mud flap. Also, do not use aggressive chemicals that can eat up plastic.
- ๐งน Wash the mud flaps with a soft brush
- โ๏ธ Remove the ice carefully without using sharp objects.
- ๐ก๏ธ Once a year, treat plastic with a special air conditioner.
Regular inspection of the fastener and timely cleaning of ice is the guarantee that the mud flaps will last the entire life of the car without replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to remove the wheel to install mudguards?
In most cases for Skoda Octavia A5 No wheel removal is required. Access to the mount is through the arch. However, if you install flap kits or use complex mounting schemes, removing the wheel can make it easier to work and provide better visibility.
Can I put the A5 on the A7?
No, that's impossible. Body geometry Octavia A5 and Octavia A7 (and even A3/A6) is radically different.) The size, shape and shape of the arches are incompatible. Use only specialized parts for your model.
Does the installation of mud flaps spoil the appearance of the car?
Modern models, especially black or body color, look very organic. They protect the body and often add a sporty or off-road look to the car. Cheap white or too large models can ruin the design, so choose carefully.
What to do if the mud flap falls off?
If the clip is broken, replace it with a new one (sold in car stores). If the bolt hole bursts, you can use a metal washer to distribute the load or glue a piece of plastic on the back side before puffing. In extreme cases, use a high-quality screw with a wide hat.
Do mud flaps affect aerodynamics?
Standard mud flaps have minimal impact on aerodynamics. They are designed to avoid creating additional resistance. At high speeds, the difference in fuel consumption will be invisible. However, too large or incorrectly installed elements can create noise.