Rear mud flaps ล KODA Octavia A7 - this is not just a tuning element, but an important part that protects the body from dirt, sand and chemicals. Owners of this model often face the problem of rapid wear of the paintwork on the rear wheel arches, especially in winter. Properly selected mud flaps will not only extend the life of the body, but also improve the appearance of the car, giving it a more sporty or, conversely, more formal appearance.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about back mud flaps for Octavia A7: from the choice of material (plastic, rubber, carbon) to the nuances of do-it-yourself installation. You will learn which brands offer the best price-quality ratio, how to avoid installation errors, and how original parts differ from analogues. And also - unique life hacks on the care of mudguards, which will extend their service life by 2-3 times.
Why are rear mudguards needed? Octavia A7?
Many car owners mistakenly believe that mud flaps are purely a decorative element. In fact, their main function is body protection from mechanical damage and corrosion. While driving, the rear wheels lift small stones, sand and salt from the road, which hit the bottom of the doors, sills and arches. Without protection this leads to:
- ๐น The paint will chip โ even small stones leave marks at high speed.
- ๐น Corrosion โ salt and reagents corrode the metal, especially in areas of chips.
- ๐น Wear of seals - Dirt gets clogged in the cracks of the doors, accelerating their destruction.
- ๐น Increased wear of paintwork โ constant exposure to abrasives makes the paint dull.
In addition, mud flaps reduce the amount of dirt that gets onto the rear window and lights, which improves visibility and safety. And for the owners Octavia A7 with engines 1.8 TSI or 2.0 TDI This is also a way to keep the area of the exhaust system clean, where the most aggressive deposits accumulate.
โ ๏ธ Attention! If you frequently drive on gravel roads or in heavy snow conditions, the lack of rear mudguards may result in premature wear of wheel bearings due to abrasive getting into the mechanisms.
Types of rear mudguards: what material to choose?
Mud flaps are made from different materials on the market, each of which has its own pros and cons. For ล KODA Octavia A7 The three most popular options are:
| Material | Pros | Cons | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastic (ABS, polypropylene) | Lightweight, UV resistant, non-rusting, wide range of designs | May crack in the cold, dampens noise worse | 3โ5 years |
| Rubber (EPDM) | Flexible, absorbs shock well, does not break at sub-zero temperatures | Over time, it becomes tanned and may peel off from the fasteners. | 4โ6 years |
| Carbon (composite) | Durable, stylish appearance, light weight | Expensive, fragile under strong impacts, difficult to install | 5+ years |
| Metal (aluminium, steel) | Maximum protection, durability, premium look | Heavy, can rust (steel), expensive installation | 7โ10 years |
For most owners Octavia A7 the optimal choice would be plastic mud flaps โ they are lightweight, do not require special care and are offered in a wide range of colors (including body color). If you often drive off-road or in harsh climatic conditions, it is better to pay attention to rubber or metal options.
- Plastic
- Rubber
- Carbon
- Metal
- Haven't chosen yet
Top 5 Rear Mudguard Brands for Octavia A7
When choosing mud flaps, it is important to pay attention not only to the material, but also to the manufacturer. Poor quality parts may not fit well, break quickly, or may not fit properly. Here is a rating of proven brands that have earned the trust of their owners ล KODA:
- ๐ HEKO โ German quality, perfect fit, wide range of colors. Suitable for Octavia A7 from 2013 to 2020.
- ๐ฅ SABER - a budget option with good protection, often used in tuning.
- ๐ฅ MUD โ specialize in off-road mudguards, suitable for outdoor activities.
- ๐ง Original ล koda - factory parts, guaranteed compatibility, but high price.
- ๐ CarbonFiber โ premium carbon mudguards for lovers of sporty style.
If you are looking original mudguards, their articles for Octavia A7 (body 5E):
5E6 805 611/612โ for a sedan;5E5 805 611/612- for station wagon (Combi).
โ ๏ธ Attention! When purchasing analogues, check whether they are suitable for your modification Octavia A7. For example, mudguards for version with RS package may differ in fastenings from standard ones.
Before purchasing, check your vehicle's VIN with the manufacturer's catalog - this will help avoid compatibility errors.
Step-by-step instructions for installing rear mudguards
Install rear mudguards Octavia A7 you can do it yourself, without resorting to the help of a service station. For this you will need:
- ๐ง Phillips screwdriver or screwdriver;
- ๐จ Plastic clips (usually included);
- ๐งด Silicone grease (for rubber seals);
- ๐ Ruler or caliper (to check gaps).
The installation process takes about 1โ1.5 hours. Follow this algorithm:
Raise the vehicle on a lift or use a jack with jack stands|
Clean the mounting points from dirt and rust|
Check the complete set of mudguards (clips, bolts, instructions) |
Remove the rear wheels (optional, for convenience) -->
Removing old mudguards (if any). Carefully pry the clips with a screwdriver and remove the part. If the clips are broken, replace them with new ones.
Trying on new mudguards. Attach the part to the arch and check the alignment of the holes. If there are gaps, adjust them with a file.
Installation of fasteners. Insert the clips into the holes on the body. For Octavia A7 Typically 4โ6 mounting points are used per wheel.
Fixing the mudguard. Secure the part, starting with the top clips. Make sure it fits snugly to the body.
Check. After installation, spin the wheel and make sure the mudguard does not touch the tire.
If you have Octavia A7 with DCC suspension (dynamic chassis control), pay attention to the gaps - when changing the clearance, the mud flaps should not rub against the tire.
What to do if the mudguard doesn't fit?
If the purchased part is slightly larger or smaller, it can be adjusted using a hair dryer (for plastic) or a hacksaw for metal (for aluminum). The main thing is not to overheat the plastic so that it does not deform. For rubber mudguards, use a sharp knife and sandpaper to sand the edges.
Common installation mistakes and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners sometimes make mistakes that lead to broken mud flaps or damage to the body. Here are the most common of them:
- ๐ด Incorrect fastening of clips. If the clips are not fully inserted, the mudguard will wobble and may fly off at speed.
- ๐ด Ignoring gaps. If the part is too close to the wheel, it may break or scratch the disc when hitting a bump.
- ๐ด Installation on a dirty surface. Sand or rust under the mudguard will accelerate body corrosion.
- ๐ด Using the wrong tools. For example, metal screwdrivers can scratch plastic.
To avoid problems, follow these tips:
- ๐น Before installation degrease fixing points with alcohol.
- ๐น Use plastic tools for mounting clips.
- ๐น After installation, check the fastenings while driving - drive on rough roads and listen for any rattles from the mudguard.
If after installation the mudguard rattles on bumps, most likely the problem is weak fixation of the clips or incorrect fit.
Caring for mudguards: how to extend their service life?
In order for mud flaps to last longer, they need to be properly cared for. Basic rules:
- ๐งผ Washing. Clean mudguards regularly to remove dirt and salt, especially in winter. Use a soft brush and car shampoo.
- ๐ก๏ธ Protection. Apply to plastic parts UV protection spray (for example, Sonax Plastic Care) to prevent burnout.
- ๐ง Checking fastenings. Once every 3-4 months, inspect the clips and tighten them if necessary.
- ๐งด Lubrication. Treat rubber seals with silicone grease to prevent them from tanning.
For metal mud flaps Additionally recommended:
- ๐น Renew the anti-corrosion coating once a year;
- ๐น Avoid high pressure washing (may damage paint);
- ๐น If chips appear, immediately paint over them with a special pencil.
โ ๏ธ Attention! Never use to clean mudguards. solvents or abrasive cleaners - they destroy the protective layer of plastic and rubber.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about rear mudguards for Octavia A7
Is it possible to install mudguards from Octavia A5 on A7?
No, the bodies of these generations are different, and the mountings will not match. The exception is some universal models from tuning studios, but they need to be customized.
What color of mudguards should I choose: to match the body color or contrasting?
It depends on the style. For a classic look, body color is suitable, for a sporty look - black or carbon. Contrasting mud flaps (for example, red on a white car) look aggressive, but require perfect cleanliness.
Do I need to remove the bumper to install rear mudguards?
No, the rear mudguards are on Octavia A7 installed without removing the bumper. An exception is some kits with extended threshold protection.
Is it possible to drive without rear mudguards?
Technically yes, but this will lead to accelerated paintwork wear and corrosion. Especially noticeable on cars older than 5 years.
What are the differences between mud flaps? Octavia A7 and Octavia A7 FL (facelift)?
In the restyled version (FL, since 2017) the shape of the rear arches has changed slightly, so the mud flaps from the pre-Restyle may not fit. Check compatibility by VIN or article numbers.