I was thinking of purchasing some mudguards for my 2011 prius lll. I read the threads and I'm just wondering how satisfied people are with both types. Does anyone see a mpg hit w/ the Euro's? My driving is mostly highway. Are the smaller U.S. mudguards effective? How is the fit/ finish on both? Thanks Mark C.
Thanks Mark for starting this thread I have been wondering the same thing now for the last couple of months. Aloha, ED
I installed the US mudguards simply because the European ones just looked too big for my taste. I have not seen a mpg hit from using the mudguards. The US version has done a satisfactory job to me.
I opted for the European spec versions. We just picked our 2011 up last week. I live in Northern Vermont and need a mud flap that can cover the entire Prius . 529 total miles so far, edging up to 51.1 mpgs. I hope these quick photos help.
So, mine are US version then. I have been getting 48 mpg but I don't think they would affect that much compare to EU version. Hwy/local and terrain also play a larger role on your gas mileage.
I also installed the US version. They seem to do just fine. No noticeable mpg loss but I suspect daily differences in driving conditions likely impact mileage more than the flaps. Pictures posted here.
I ordered the Euro flaps, held them up against the car and then sent them back. If I drove on a lot of dirt and gravel roads I would have kept them but the American version does a good enough job of keeping the side of the car clean on paved roads without looking like Dumbo ears.
Do you drive down a dirt road everyday to get to and from your house? If the answer is yes, get the Euro mudflaps. If you hardly every see a dirt road or any snow and ice, you will be happy with the smaller US version.
I just installed the US version on my new 2011 and happy with the choice. The front installed easily by simple adjusting the front wheels. The rear was a little more challenging due to lack of space. Wanted to take the rear tires off but could not remove the hub cap....tried but I thought I would simply crack the plastic.(I think the last car I owned which had hub caps was 30 years ago.) I used an awl to start the hole and just screwed in the self tapping screws. I paid $65 delivered
