Why do we need small mudguards in front of the wheels

Increasingly, you can find cars with small mudguards attached in front of the wheels. The first thing that can be assumed about the role of such aprons is that they prevent dirt, gravel and sand from getting on the body, preventing the formation of minor scratches and damage. However, the front mudguards perform a few more useful functions.

Improved aerodynamics

Such shields in front of the wheels perform an important aerodynamic function. In the process of movement, especially at high speed, due to the large volume of injected air in the wheel arches, a zone of increased pressure arises, as a result of which the lifting force that prevents movement increases. Front mudguards divert airflow from the wheel arches, thus reducing drag.

Aquaplaning warning

The air flow from the mudguards displaces water in front of the wheel, thus improving traction and reducing the risk of hydroplaning. As a result, the level of safety in the process of driving through puddles or wet asphalt is increased, because the reaction of the car to the movement of the steering wheel during turns, avoiding obstacles and changing lanes largely depends on the adhesion of the tires to the road surface.

Reducing noise

Mudguards change the direction of the airflow, which reduces extraneous noise, especially when driving at high speeds.

When aerodynamic mudguards get in the way

However, aerodynamic mudguards have one drawback - they can perform all their useful functions only when driving on city roads and highways. In the event that an off-road trip is ahead, you should be careful - when you hit an obstacle, the front aprons break easily, thus reducing the off-road potential of the car.

In Europe, aerodynamic mudguards in front of the wheels are installed on many car models by default by the manufacturer. In Russia, only the presence of rear mudguards is mandatory - an administrative penalty is provided for their absence, so that each driver can decide for himself whether this part is needed on his car.