Selecting a Manhattan Acura Dealer

Purchasing a new or used vehicle is often a fun and exciting process. Many individuals love acquiring a new vehicle. Although the process may be exciting, doing businesses with a bad dealership can cause the excitement to dwindle in a matter of seconds. There are a large number of new and used car dealers in the Manhattan, New York area. If you are interested in purchasing a new or used Acura car there are a number of ways to select a reputable Manhattan Acura dealer to do business with.

One of the best ways to ensure that you doing business with a reputable Manhattan Acura dealer is by doing the proper research. This research can include using the internet or seeking the advice of your friends or relatives. Obtaining feedback from a previous customer of the Manhattan Acura dealer, that you wish to do business with, is a great way to learn about the dealer. The internet can also be used to obtain business reviews. It is highly likely that a past customer would want to warn other potential customers if they were scammed by a particular car dealer. You should use this information wisely. If a large number of individuals offer warnings about a particular dealership you may want to rethinking doing business there.

You should also use your own instincts when trying to determine if a Manhattan Acura dealer is legitimate. You should do this by visiting the dealership and speaking to the sales staff. A reputable dealer will have a kind and polite sales staff. A sales representatives should provide you with all of the information that you request. You should be leery of any dealerships that hesitate when giving you an answer to your questions. If you feel uncomfortable or sense that something is not right with this dealership you should move on. You should never do business with an establishment that makes you feel uncomfortable or uneasy.

For you to visit all of the area Manhattan Acura dealers you will need to know their names and where they are located. There are two main ways to acquire this information. If you live in the Manhattan area you can use a local phone book. You can typically find a large number of car dealerships in the yellow pages of a phone book. If you live outside the Manhattan area you can use the internet to search through an online phone book. These phone books can often be obtained by visiting the website of a company that traditionally supplies the phone books in your area. A benefit to using an online phone book is that you can often get a map to the dealership in a matter of seconds.

Since there are a large number of dealerships in the Manhattan area you will have to find the best Manhattan Acura dealer that will suit all of your needs. Once you find a reputable dealership it is highly likely that you will soon be finding a reliable vehicle.

Justin Ross is a writer for Springfield Acura where you can find information
on choosing a Manhattan Acura Dealer

Sometimes automakers really do listen to consumers. In the case of Ford, particularly with its crowd pleasing F-150 pick-up truck, Ford not only is listening, but delivering. What am I talking about? A hot-rod pick-up truck, that’s what. That’s right, Ford is going ahead with plans to market a truly “boss” version of its perennially best selling truck, the F-150, to give many fans just what they have wanted. Read on for a sneak preview of Ford’s soon to be released FX2, a dream-come-true for avid Ford lovers.

With gas prices approaching record levels, some are questioning Ford’s decision to release yet another version of its highly popular full sized pick-up truck, the F-150. Yet, demand for big trucks and SUVs continues to remain strong suggesting that size really does matter for many consumers. True, a smaller truck can be adequate for some motorists however most contractors require the large carrying capacity of the F-150 thus the continued high demand of these types of trucks. Plus, serious pick-up truck drivers will tell you that there is nothing that matches the abundant capacity of an eight foot bed in carrying everything from lumber to yard debris to sport gear and more.

As it is with many truck owners, function is one thing while styling is but another. Base versions of the F-150 are attractive and capable enough, but sport concepts have continued to create so much buzz that Ford is responding to consumer demand by building the FX2. Specifically, the new model is in response to the overwhelmingly positive buzz a concept version has been receiving at auto shows everywhere.

So, what separates the FX2 from the average F-150? Plenty, including the following features as shared by Ford in a recent press release announcing the new model:

– a dark billet grille

– a sporty, deep front valance

– clear headlights paired with platinum bezels

– monochromatic paint scheme that blends in the bumper, side mirrors, and door handles with the rest of the truck

– chrome exhaust tip

– 18 inch wheels

– black captain chairs with red stitching, available in clothe or in leather

– flow-through center console with floor shifter

Engine choices haven’t been announced, but Ford has said that its popular 5.4L V8 will be offered. The FX2, a two wheel drive vehicle, will complement an existing off road model, the FX4. Ford builds more versions of its full sized pick up truck than any other manufacturer in the world.

Yes, the FX2 is another part of Ford’s “Bold Moves” promotional campaign. While the new model is based on an existing truck, it does something that Ford is finally learning to do right: listen to its consumers. With the 2007 F-150 FX2, it appears that Ford has responded with certainty.

Copyright 2006 – Matt Keegan is a freelance auto writer covering new and future models. Your Ford F-150 FX2 is a truly hot truck that can be further enhanced by installing trustworthy aftermarket products by top manufacturers including Access, Highland, and Extang.

Reasons For Buying A Used Motorcycle:

Have you checked out the price of a new bike lately? It wasn’t
that long ago when you didn’t have to fork out that much dough
for a new car. In fact, many bikers will remember when you
didn’t have to pay much more than that for a modest house. The
prices for houses and cars have shot up over the years. And, so
has the prices of motorcycles. The point is, the price of a new
bike can take a good-sized bite out of any budget. Buying a used
motorcycle is one way to lessen the dent a motorcycle will make
in your wallet.

There are a number of benefits to buying a used motorcycle. The
first is, of course, that you can save a lot of money. As a
general rule, motorcycles lose a higher percent of their value
when they roll out of the showroom than do automobiles. The
possible exception to this is Harley-Davidson. Harleys always
seem to retain a high resale value. The second reason is that
many motorcycles are not ridden many miles each year, especially
in colder climates. So, it is easier to find a good, low mileage
bike. Makes such as Moto Guzzi are especially durable and a low
mileage model will have many trouble-free miles left in it. A
third reason is that if there are any quirks to be worked out of
a new model or a particular machine, these will likely have been
done by the time the second owner gets the bike.

There are a number of sources available when buying a used
motorcycle. You can buy a bike from the current owner. The
classifieds online and in the newspapers are filled with ads for
used bikes. You can also check with a dealership for trade-ins.
Bikes at dealerships will often come with a warranty.

Tips On Buying A Used Motorcycle

So, how do you make sure you get a good deal? Here are a few
tips on buying a used motorcycle. First, check out a used
motorcycle price guide. There are several good ones. A good one
is the National Auto Dealers Association (N.A.D.A.) price guide.
The prices in this monthly guide reflect the average price of
motorcycles of similar make, model and condition across the
nation. The price guide is issued monthly.

Spend a little time reading the reviews of various makes and
models. Many of these reviews are posted on the web and they can
give you some subjective information on what these particular
riders think about the bike.

Check the condition of the motorcycle over closely. What is the
condition of the drive belt, chain or drive shaft? Are the tires
worn or weather checked? Has the bike ever been wrecked? Does it
leak oil? Is the muffler or mufflers free of rust? Is the wiring
in good shape? Does it start easily and run smoothly?

If the deal likes like a go at this point, ask to take the bike
for a test drive. While you are at it, if possible, take it to
your mechanic and get a second opinion.

If your mechanic gives you the OK, get your wallet out and enjoy
the ride. Most makes of motorcycles these days are well
engineered and high quality machines. Don’t make the process of
buying a bike a bigger deal than it needs to be. Used
motorcycles are generally an excellent value, especially when
compared to the price of new bikes. Besides, this is one time
when it is fun to shop. So, have some fun buying a used
motorcycle.

Diesel engine designs striving to increase engine performance have made great advancements in engine fuel delivery to the combustion chamber. Today’s diesel engine is quieter, smoother, and more powerful. But today’s diesel engine owners are overlooking one important factor. The quality of today’s diesel fuel has not advanced at the same rate as the engine improvements.

Diesel fuel begins to deteriorate as soon as it is produced. Within 30 days of refining, all diesel fuel regardless of brand, goes through a natural process called re-polymerization and oxidation. This process forms varnishes and insoluble gums in the fuel by causing the molecules of the fuel to lengthen and bond together. These components now drop to the bottom of the fuel tank and form asphaltene also known as diesel sludge. The fuel begins to turn dark in color, smell bad, and in most cases causes engines to smoke. The engines smoke because some of these clusters in the early stages are small enough in size to pass through the engine filtration and into the combustion chamber. As these clusters increase in size, only part of the molecule gets burned. The rest goes out the exhaust as unburned fuel and smoke. With increases in cluster size they begin to reduce the flow of fuel by clogging filters. The filters only address the symptom and not the cause.

It is estimated that eight out of every ten diesel engine failures have been directly related to poor quality and contaminated fuel. The build-up of contaminates in the fuel systems and storage tanks can quickly clog filters, thus resulting in engine shut down, fuel pump wear, and diesel engine damage.

Understand that most fuel has some amount of water in it from either condensation or vents. This threat requires that we realize the added burden placed upon diesel fuel as opposed to gasoline. Gasoline acts as a fuel only. Diesel fuel, on the other hand, also must cool and lubricate injection system parts. These parts are engineered to very close tolerances - up to 0.0002 of an inch - and any contamination means rapid part wear. Water displaces the diesel fuel. When the fuel is displaced wear occur because lubrication is now absent.

Water that enters the combustion chamber results in even more serious damage. When it comes in contact with the heat of the combustion chamber (in excess of 2000 degrees F), it immediately turns to steam and often explodes the tip of the injector. Water causes corrosion of tanks, lines, injectors, and greatly reduces combustibility.

Other areas of concern include the producing more exhaust emissions and effecting EPA standards.

Bacteria also present a serious problem. Bacteria feed on nitrogen, sulfur, and iron that may be present in the fuel or tank.

Then there are algae. There are absolutely no algae in diesel fuel. You may have fungus and microbial contamination but no algae. This is a misnomer for diesel sludge. So if you have a diagnosis of ALGAE and add a biocide, you have done two things, 1) found a mechanic that is wrong and 2) done nothing to fix the problem.

Why is there so much bad fuel?

The number one reason is due to the increased popularity of diesel power and the accompanying increased demand for more diesel fuel. There was a time when diesel fuel remained in the refinery storage tanks long enough to naturally separate and settle, allowing the clean fuel to be drawn off. Now with increased demand, diesel fuel never remains stationary long enough for settling, and the suspended water and solids are passed on to you, the user.

The change in refinery techniques is another problem. In order to get more products per dollar; diesel fuel is now being refined from more marginal portions of the crude oil barrel. This results in a lower-grade product that is inherently thicker and contains more contamination.

Thirdly, current fuel distribution methods also have a negative impact on the condition of the fuel at the time of delivery. In many cases, brokers control fuel sales to major distribution terminals and determine delivery dates. There is no telling how long that fuel has been in the distribution network and how many times it has been transferred. Seldom do these distributors filter the fuel as they transfer it.

The solution: Multifunctional diesel additive packages and hardware.

For your single vehicle or fleet the improvement of fuel quality by the use of additives and current technology is always a good choice.

Many diesel fuel additive packages address the key issues with respect to fuel performance; some improve fuel economy, increase lubricity, improving cold flow, and improve cetane number. And some only address the issue of rust and corrosion, but all should be considered.

Most diesel fuel additives contain combustion improvers that release oxygen during the compression stroke. This allows combustion to start sooner, providing for a more complete fuel burn. A more complete burn provides all the power your fuel and engine is capable of producing. As combustion improvers and you get a smoother running engine, an increase in horsepower that improves fuel economy and the reduction in black smoke emissions.

Cetane is a performance rating of a diesel fuel, a higher cetane number or cetane rating indicates greater fuel efficiency. The fuel’s cetane influences, duration of white smoking after start-up, drivability before warm-up, and intensity of diesel knock at idle. Increase the cetane number of a fuel and you have improved performance.

In diesel fuel systems, the fuel provides lubrication for the fuel pump and injectors. A fuel with poor lubricity can cause excessive wear and premature failure of these components. Improve lubricity and extend engine life.

Diesel fuels have pour points (the lowest temperature at which an oil or other liquid will pour under given conditions) within the range of normal winter temperatures. As a fuel approaches its pour point, paraffin in the fuel form wax crystals that prevent it from flowing. Flow-improver additives modify the wax crystals, lowering the pour point of the fuel and give better cold weather performance.

For on-sight storage tanks other issues must be looked at. On-sight storage tanks always have a small amount of the first gallon of fuel ever put in them, unless it is drained 100% and cleaned. So adding new, fresh fuel always has a bit of the bad added to it every time fuel is purchased. Diluting the bad with good over time is a loosing battle. The fuel will always be bad fuel until the core problem is addressed

The order of treatment for fuel related problems should always begin with a determination of whether there is water in the fuel and if the fuel has microbes (fuel bugs) in it. Water Paste and Fuel Test Kits can be used for this stage of maintenance. If microbes are detected, then the use of biocides is needed. Biocides have no effect on and will not eliminate the sludge problem. Biocides kill bacteria, that’s all!

The water issue should always be remedied first by the use of fuel water separators on the tank or on the equipment. Next a multifunctional chemical additive should be added to improve fuel performance and then if needed a problem specific additive to dissolve diesel sludge and or a rust inhibitor to protect steel tanks. For long-term prevention, the use of magnet fuel conditioners is recommended. These devices continually reverse the re-polymerization of the fuel during circulation and reduce the need for ongoing additive use. All the needed cures are available from Dieselcraft Fluid Engineering at www.dieselcraft.com
Conclusion

There is no good time to find out that your engine won’t operate or that half its life span is gone prematurely because of contaminated or poor quality diesel fuel. Since no one can predict a breakdown, the only safe method is prevention.

Realize now that you do have a problem, and manage it now, or deal with the unexpected catastrophe and reduced equipment life that comes at the absolutely wrong time and is not in the budget!

John T. Nightingale President of Dieselcraft Fluid Engineering, Auburn CA 95604,manufactures of diesel fuel purification systems. www.dieselcraft.com

What is GPS? GPS stands for Global Positioning System. High
above us, there are a group of 24 satellites orbiting the earth
constantly providing information to tell us the map location
(latitude and longitude) of a car or other vehicle. It also
tells us how fast the vehicle is traveling and in what
direction.

How is GPS Tracking Information Helpful? * For parents, it takes
some of the worry out of your kids driving long distances home
from college. You know where they are and when to expect them
home. * For parents of teenagers, you never have to wonder if
your son or daughter is where they say they are. No more late
night phone calls asking - “Where are you?” * For baby-boomers,
the shoe is on the other foot - it helps to take some of the
worry out of your elderly parents driving home from vacation or
just driving around town. You know where they are and this
allows them to be more independent. * GPS tracking is customer
service at it’s finest. You know instantly which of your drivers
is closest to the customer needing help. * Imagine how thrilled
your customers will be when you can tell them exactly when to
expect their delivery! * For employers, using GPS tracking
allows you to know how fast your employees are driving, how long
a break they are taking (vehicle hasn’t moved), and if they are
where they say they are! * GPS tracking also allows you to
monitor fuel usage based on how fast your employee is driving
and the automatic mileage feature reminds you to schedule,
regular preventative maintenance. * GPS tracking is customer
service at it’s finest! You know instantly which of your drivers
is closest to the customer needing help. And Imagine how
thrilled your customers will be when you can tell them exactly
when to expect their delivery! * GPS Tracking can eliminate the
need for having your truckers fill out driving logs. * Many
insurance companies now offer discounts for vehicles protected
with tracking systems.

Brought to you by www.GPS-My-World.com for home and business GPS
tracking.

Cold temperatures increase wear on several auto parts, especially the starting and engine system parts. If you are living in an upland, maintaining a vehicle must be hard during winter and fall, but this should not dishearten you because there are many ways to prevent inconveniences that may result from extreme weather conditions. One is to replace worn out parts in your vehicle with tough and durable replacement auto parts.

One of the leading auto parts dealers in the country today, Auto Parts Discount, proudly features best replacement parts for Dodge pickup truck and other Dodge vehicles. Here you can find the affordable deals on top quality Dodge parts that can help you avoid distressing and life-threatening winter breakdowns.

The easiest and most convenient thing for you to do is to make your windows, doors and windshield air- and watertight. Dodge parts offered here at Auto Parts Discount include Dodge weatherstrips for windshield, front glass, front and rear doors, vents, rear gate, tailgate, run glass channel and cabs. They are made from high quality rubber, plastic and chrome and are designed to endure abrasion and can withstand extreme temperatures and moisture build up.

Extremely cold weather also takes its toll on your Dodge wheels and tires, belts, hoses and other auto parts of the electrical, ignition and cooling systems. The battery would require more power to start the engine—up to five times more than the usual starting power, so you also need a dependable alternator that would supply it enough power.

Check on the connections in the electrical system to ensure everything’s in proper working condition. Also, check on the distributor, the condenser and distributor cap in the ignition system as any damage or moisture build up can make starting more difficult. Before you drive your car to your destination, let it warm up first so that the fuel can circulate, especially around the engine.

Having enough lights in your car is also very important, especially when it’s too foggy or when it’s snowing heavily outside. Aside from your Dodge headlights, you must also have fog lights and off-road auxiliary lights to light up your way and keep your truck visible in the dark.

Risks of meeting road accidents are higher during the cold months, so you have to secure yourself and your vehicle. If you need to replace worn out parts, don’t think twice; however, make sure to get them at trusted auto parts dealer like Auto Parts Wholesale. Also, be extra careful while driving. Keep your speed down as much as possible to avoid misfortunes on the road.

Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 48 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications.

If you are about to buy a house that is a long distance away,
you may have wondered the best way to get all of your stuff
there. One of the best ways is to use one way truck rentals,
this will allow you to rent a truck where you live, load it up
and drive to where you are moving to. You then return the truck
to the branch of the rental company that is closest to the new
house.

1- Call around to rental companies that deal in truck rentals.
You will need to know if they have any one way truck rentals
available for the dates and destinations that you will require
them. Be sure to ask about prices, mileage limits and costs and
any extra fees associated with renting a one way vehicle.

2- The next step that needs to be completed before you can
actually start moving your belongings is to figure out how much
truck space you will actually need. You do not want to be caught
in a situation where you don’t have enough room on the truck for
everything you want to take with you. However, you don’t want
too much space; this will cost more and allow your possessions
to be damaged during transport. To decide on the size truck you
will need, ask the rental company for their advice, they will
have formulas that determine the size truck needed for the job.

3- Before you rent the truck, be sure to check it out for
quality. Most rental companies pride themselves on having
dependable transportation for rent; however, it will be in your
best interest to check things like the door latches, locks and
tires. This could only save you headaches later down the road.

4- Call your insurance agent to inquire whether your personal
auto policy covers the use of rental trucks and vans for this
purpose. While most insurance companies will cover the use of a
rental car, most don’t normally cover the use of a delivery
vehicle. If your policy does not cover the rental truck, you
will need to purchase the insurance policy that is offered by
the rental company.

5- Given your need for the use of a one way truck rental, it is
wise to ask about drop off destinations that are closest to
where you will be arriving. Ask about pick up service for the
truck, if this is available in the area you will be moving to,
it could save you valuable time upon your arrival.

6- If you are moving at the end or at the beginning of a month,
be sure to reserve your truck well in advance of the actual
moving date. These times are the busiest for rental companies
and if you wait to request a truck, they may not have any
available for you.

7- Most rental companies will require that you reserve your
vehicle with a credit or debit card. They will also, most likely
require that you be at least 25 years old to rent a truck. If
either of these items will be an issue for you, you will need to
have an older relative or friend rent the truck for you.

As far back as the year 1955, the classic convertible has
already been around. And some have believed that that the golden
age of the American automobile was beginning to come to light.
And among the world-renowned convertibles is the Ford
Thunderbird. And each year, this Ford vehicle has certainly made
its way through the streets of life, along with various
innovations and improvements meant to be called its own.

The Ford Thunderbird is offered in new colors, along with a new
interior package made available for all its patrons. Round the
list of improvements include new wheels , seats and equipment. Also, this
vehicle is offered in two models: Deluxe and Premium. It has
been designed to fill in two people inside. It has
air-conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, a
power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel mounted
with radio controls, a newly styled leather upholstery, and also
an AM/FM radio with in-dash 6-disc CD changer. Heated seats had
also been added in. The two-door Ford Thunderbird is made
available with a power-folding soft top, along with a heated
glass rear window or a removable hardtop with trademark porthole
windows.

Its engine is an aluminum 3.9-liter V8, giving the rear-wheel
drive convertible 280 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 286 lb-ft of
torque at 4000 rpm. Safety and security for its passengers has
also been installed with front and side airbags, making the Ford
Thunderbird the first Ford convertible to come equipped with
combination head-and-chest side airbags. It also includes an
anti-theft system, Ford’s Smart Locks system, the LATCH child
seat system, a perimeter alarm with an LED indicator, and a
glow-in-the-dark emergency trunk release handle. Its appearance
and color come in a selection of shades including merlot,
vintage mint green, and platinum silver, and its interior has a
light sand appearance.

For any need of parts for replacement or customization for your
Ford Thunderbird, Ford Parts Online gives you a wide variety to choose from.
Visiting the site is easy as 1-2-3. Just go see their collection
of quality A/C condensers, bumpers, fenders, and lights, just
to name a few.

Online new car buying is still a very new thing to most people and yet the truth of the matter is that many are missing out on the many advantages and benefits of this new privilege made possible by the World Wide Web.

You will tend to get most people’s attention when you point out the huge savings that are possible when buying a new car online. There are so many aspects that make this possible. For instance you can buy your new car from another state online, where that particular model and make is available just now at a very special unbeatable price. We even now have online brokerages that will quickly search for the exact type of new car you are considering buying. Their search can come down to every small, tiny detail including color and extras and options, all for a very minimal fee. And you will often end up saving not only your time but up to several thousand dollars as well, if you opt to go through with the purchase.

All these advantages of online new car buying have been made possible only because of the existence of the World Wide Web. While you may quickly get tired moving from one dealership to another looking at the cars, online new car buying means that your fingers do all the “walking” and shuttling across the keyboard in the comfort and coziness of your office or home.

You can even have that usual argument with you spouse over what model to go for without the embarrassment of a salesperson listening in. And you can be sure that they will take full advantage of all the information they can gather about you from the conversation to get as much cash as possible out of you.

Visit Chris Kavila’s buying a new car blog for other interesting tips and stuff you need to know when buying a new car. Visit now and claim the free gift of a detailed eGuide on how to shop for and buy a new car hassle free.

Rocks, sticks and debris meet their doom when they hit a mud guard. There’s plenty of other benefits to slapping-on a set of mud guards, including:

- Cleaner fenders that’ll save you a car wash or two

- Dent and ding protection that preserves your paint

- Sweet looks that go from mud-running master to smooth-style cruising

- Durable, long-lasting materials that stand-up to virtually any barrage

Cleanliness – it’s godliness for your vehicle

Nobody likes that telltale sign they’ve been off-roadin’ or trolling through puddles when you’ve only been cruising the streets. There’s nothing decorative about the resulting splatter spread on your wheel wells, fenders and doors, either. By the time you get a chance to spray the mud off yourself or run your vehicle through the local touch-free car wash, that dirt is caked-on and dried like spackle.

Any mud guard, splash guard or mud flap stops the cycle of splatter marks. In fact, a mud guard keeps the mess contained in the wheel well–out of sight and out of mind. Plus, mud is more likely to just fall off if it cakes inside the wheel well or on the back of the mud guard. Most times, you’ll just need a few minutes with a garden sprayer to dislodge the dirt and get back to a showroom shine. By keeping the splatter away, your truck or SUV stays ready for any on or off-road adventure.

A guide to mud guard protection

There’s a lot more than mud that can fly-up and hit your paint, and they do much more than cause a mess. Think of all the obstructions you see on or off road that tires could be shooting right at your doors and fenders: rocks, sticks, random metal pieces, tire treads and even roadkill. A good set of mud guards acts like an all-star goalie with all the kick-saves you need to keep your paint pristine. Dings, dents and chips meet a brick wall of coverage.

Don’t forget about potential damagers that are much more difficult to see and steer around. Sometimes it’s freshly-painted lane lines or turn arrows. It might be new asphalt or tar that isn’t quite dry. The corner cutting of a lackadaisical road crew can rob a few hours of your time, especially if enough tar or road paint makes its way onto your fenders. Thankfully, mud guards turn back the assault of these potential paint damagers, saving you time, energy, and rubbing compound.

A reference on mud guard and mud flap looks

Whether you spend your weekends churning through the deepest muck, or shuttling the kids to and from soccer with a side trip to the mini golf place, a nice set of mud guards or mud flaps can give your vehicle the look of an off-road commander. Or, a super long and flexible set of mud flaps helps you blend in with any convoy of 18-wheelers, which use these flaps to deflect costly windshield-wrecking rocks tossed at top speed.

Some mud guards offer not only serious protection, but eye-catching ornamentation, too. These include steel or aluminum sheet mud guards that offer premium gleam and rigid protection. While they look great, they can be quite troublesome if you’re wheel well-deep in the mess with your mud guards digging-in. Then again, if you’re that deep in the mud, you’re probably in trouble anyway. Best to stay on the hardball with a set of these metal mud guards.

Looking for the pinnacle of mud guard looks? Many mud guards can be color-matched to your vehicle’s finish. That’s because they employ a textured surface that receives paint without the need for primer. Basic colors can be done at home; any paint tone can be matched by a local shop. The finished product blends seamlessly with the fender and wheel well shape of your vehicle, giving you an extra dose of custom looks the other rigs on the road don’t have.

The basics of mud guard materials

Mud guards are offered in two basic material styles: sheet metal and rubber or rubber-composite. Both bring durability and longevity to your wheel wells, but they have a few distinct differences.

Rubber/rubber-composite mud guards and mud flaps

They can be a flexible mud flap, or a stiff mud guard. Either way, rubber and rubber-composite guards bring the rigidity you need to thwart debris, and the durability to last through the rigors of life on your wheel well. Certain rubber mud guards come ready to paint match with your vehicle’s original color.

One issue with flexible rubber mud flaps is sail. At high speeds, wind resistance blows the flaps out of position to reject the full compliment of rocks, mud and moisture. That’s why a premium flap-style mud guard employs bottom weights and/or a specialized frame that limits sail when you need coverage most.

Sheet metal mud guards

Offered in both stainless steel and aluminum, sheet metal mud guards are usually best for decoration use only. Sure, they’ll stop the splatter tossed rocks and even small-caliber bullets, but they can be a liability if they get caught in soft ground. Still, there’s no other mud guards packing an extreme shine such as the one displayed by these. If looks and on-road protection are your goal, this is the way to go.

Andrew Bernhardt is a writer and aftermarket accessory and performance part specialist for AutoAnything.com. Visit their site for mud guards and mud flaps.