[Mike-Bracknell]

...what are the plastic flaps for underneath the car in front of the rear wheels?

Airflow?
Spray reduction?
Frightening the crap out of new owners who think something's fallen off?

[AlanQS]

They are also in front of the front wheels as well.

Miniature mudflaps?

[Jeff123]

Hi

You are right - frightening new owners.

I knocked one of mine in the snow and it was hanging down off the car. I "friend" suggested that it could be serious so I booket it into a dealer - £5 for the flap and £45 to fit it (all plus VAT) - its a two minute job, but by the time the car gets put on the ramp and back off, the job takes 20 minutes in total.

It's referred-to as a "deflector strip." My guess is that it deflects the air, and the spray in the air away from the car. I would leave it and get it done at the next service - or buy one and crawl under the car to fit it yourself. The strip just seems to slot in.

Jeff

[craig2859]

Originally Posted by Jeff123

Hi

You are right - frightening new owners.

so I booket it into a dealer - £5 for the flap and £45 to fit it (all plus VAT) - its a two minute job,

Another great Job by the Stealers ............... easy money, it really is

[Jeff123]

Hi

I know. I feel a complete fool now - but it's easy in hindsight. Any decent garage would have told me to wait until the service is due.

They spent more time hoisting the car up onto the ramp and doing their "healthcheck."

Jeff

[Oli]

Originally Posted by craig2859

Another great Job by the Stealers ............... easy money, it really is

But in fairness, it was a 2 minute job, and could have been done by the OP himself, but he chose to book it into a dealer and they have to cover their time, they would have also checked the car over, and like was said they have to put it on the ramp etc, and RT it to make sure nothing else has been effected! You make your choices and pay your money.

[Shadow]

Well, if you're me, it's for catching tree branches. I wouldn't have believed it was possible but I ran over a smallish dead branch and must have caught it JUST SO, because it actually speared through the rubber of nearside rear flap and hung there making a hell of a racket (and sweeping the road). I ended up having to make a tiny cut with my trusty leatherman to get it out. Glad to hear the flap isn't too expensive though, will have to get it done next service.

[Jamese93]

From recollection they're there to deflect road spray and in bad weather, slush, which is kicked up by the car infront and your front wheels towards your rears - the direction of rotation means that any large amount of crap gets taken straight down by the wheel to the contact surface....

So they do have a purpose - you find them on Saabs to - well, proper pre GM shit ones....although they do look pretty crap!

[shane55]

Originally Posted by Shadow

Well, if you're me, it's for catching tree branches. I wouldn't have believed it was possible but I ran over a smallish dead branch and must have caught it JUST SO, because it actually speared through the rubber of nearside rear flap and hung there making a hell of a racket (and sweeping the road). I ended up having to make a tiny cut with my trusty leatherman to get it out. Glad to hear the flap isn't too expensive though, will have to get it done next service.

I thought I was the only one who carrys a leatherman! and are they not for reminding you to slow down over speed ramps

[jjbirch]

i ripped one when driving over a curb, car has been in for a check and service since dealer didnt even notice it, cant be assed to fix it,

gives me 5 bhp more anyway lol

[acerboo]

Originally Posted by Jamese93

From recollection they're there to deflect road spray and in bad weather, slush, which is kicked up by the car infront and your front wheels towards your rears - the direction of rotation means that any large amount of crap gets taken straight down by the wheel to the contact surface....

So they do have a purpose - you find them on Saabs to - well, proper pre GM shit ones....although they do look pretty crap!

i thought they were air brakes, you learn something new every day!