running boards or mud flaps?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 185
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From: St. Paul, MN
running boards or mud flaps?
Hello,
I am new to the Escape forum as we have just purchased our Escape this last Thursday.
Having only a few miles on the Escape, I notice that the wheels throw a lot of road sludge onto the the doors and the front of the rear fenders. I would like to hear experienced opinions as to whether it is better to get running boards or mud flaps to keep the vehicle cleaner during the sloppy winter months.
I am new to the Escape forum as we have just purchased our Escape this last Thursday.
Having only a few miles on the Escape, I notice that the wheels throw a lot of road sludge onto the the doors and the front of the rear fenders. I would like to hear experienced opinions as to whether it is better to get running boards or mud flaps to keep the vehicle cleaner during the sloppy winter months.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 2
From: Warren, MI
Hello,
I am new to the Escape forum as we have just purchased our Escape this last Thursday.
Having only a few miles on the Escape, I notice that the wheels throw a lot of road sludge onto the the doors and the front of the rear fenders. I would like to hear experienced opinions as to whether it is better to get running boards or mud flaps to keep the vehicle cleaner during the sloppy winter months.
I am new to the Escape forum as we have just purchased our Escape this last Thursday.
Having only a few miles on the Escape, I notice that the wheels throw a lot of road sludge onto the the doors and the front of the rear fenders. I would like to hear experienced opinions as to whether it is better to get running boards or mud flaps to keep the vehicle cleaner during the sloppy winter months.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 185
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From: St. Paul, MN
Thanks for the reply Bill.
That is an interesting thought that the mudflaps would affect gas mileage. We do not drive very much on freeways, but prefer the backroads. I think that aerodynamics wouldn't hurt us too badly at the speeds that we drive.
One similar thing that I heard from a mileage geek is that the wheels have a major effect on mileage - that smooth flat wheels (flat wheelcovers flush with the rims) would make a huge difference in fuel economy. I am going to keep my eyes open for something that would look like that.
In the meantime, I think that I still would want to get some sort of road dirt protection. I don't want to spend everyday at the carwash.
That is an interesting thought that the mudflaps would affect gas mileage. We do not drive very much on freeways, but prefer the backroads. I think that aerodynamics wouldn't hurt us too badly at the speeds that we drive.
One similar thing that I heard from a mileage geek is that the wheels have a major effect on mileage - that smooth flat wheels (flat wheelcovers flush with the rims) would make a huge difference in fuel economy. I am going to keep my eyes open for something that would look like that.
In the meantime, I think that I still would want to get some sort of road dirt protection. I don't want to spend everyday at the carwash.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,534
Likes: 2
From: Warren, MI
Thanks for the reply Bill.
That is an interesting thought that the mudflaps would affect gas mileage. We do not drive very much on freeways, but prefer the backroads. I think that aerodynamics wouldn't hurt us too badly at the speeds that we drive.
One similar thing that I heard from a mileage geek is that the wheels have a major effect on mileage - that smooth flat wheels (flat wheelcovers flush with the rims) would make a huge difference in fuel economy. I am going to keep my eyes open for something that would look like that.
In the meantime, I think that I still would want to get some sort of road dirt protection. I don't want to spend everyday at the carwash.
That is an interesting thought that the mudflaps would affect gas mileage. We do not drive very much on freeways, but prefer the backroads. I think that aerodynamics wouldn't hurt us too badly at the speeds that we drive.
One similar thing that I heard from a mileage geek is that the wheels have a major effect on mileage - that smooth flat wheels (flat wheelcovers flush with the rims) would make a huge difference in fuel economy. I am going to keep my eyes open for something that would look like that.
In the meantime, I think that I still would want to get some sort of road dirt protection. I don't want to spend everyday at the carwash.
Theres two kinds of Ford splash guards, molded and flat. I never could find a picture of the molded ones and my dealer would have to order them but I changed my mind before ordering. If you ever see a compact SUV of any kind with splash guards, let me know. I've never seen one yet!
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Joined: Jun 2006
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The plastic molding along the bottom is there because of the dirt that may be thrown up from the road. The running boards would be more practical for people who need a step up. The dirt can just easily be hosed off.
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: St. Paul, MN
Thanks for the replies.
I should have taken a picture before I removed the chunks of ice/dirt this morning. I bet I removed 25 lbs. The rear doors were especially thick (maybe 3 inches thick).
I will have to wait until summer to get the hose out and in the mean while, I need to wait until temps are near or above freezing so that the doors don't all freeze shut.
I started searching the internet and here is a link for what I have found so far: Escape front moulded mud flaps
I am interested in which tires give the best mileage. I also want to know how good the traction is on ice.
I should have taken a picture before I removed the chunks of ice/dirt this morning. I bet I removed 25 lbs. The rear doors were especially thick (maybe 3 inches thick).
I will have to wait until summer to get the hose out and in the mean while, I need to wait until temps are near or above freezing so that the doors don't all freeze shut.
I started searching the internet and here is a link for what I have found so far: Escape front moulded mud flaps
I am interested in which tires give the best mileage. I also want to know how good the traction is on ice.
New User
Joined: Feb 2009
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Did you ever find a product for this - to block the stuff coming off the tires? I have the same problem. Added molded mud guards, look nice, did nothing to help. There has to be some type of guard / shield / flare that goes around the wheel opening on the fender to block this.
On the mileage - my aluminum wheels were not holding pressure and we got terrible mileage, 14.75 to 16 mpg. Now that they have been remounted and stay at correct pressure we increased to 17.5 - 21+ mpg!
On the mileage - my aluminum wheels were not holding pressure and we got terrible mileage, 14.75 to 16 mpg. Now that they have been remounted and stay at correct pressure we increased to 17.5 - 21+ mpg!
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: St. Paul, MN
I have not done anything yet. My Ranger has molded mudflaps, and those work very well. I saw an Escape with running boards yesterday and the sides of that vehicle looked pretty clean. I still do not know which way we will go.
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New User
Joined: Feb 2009
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My front tires throw the road crud all all the way around the opening - not just the bottom where a mud flap would catch it. For escapes 2001- 2004 (I think it's 2004) you can buy fender flares.
Mine is a 2006 XLT and we are going to try Pacer Performance Rubber Fender Extensions from: JC Whitney: Truck Accessories & Parts .
They come in 1/34" and 3" wide, they are contoured, you can buy them with steel reinforcement that allows you to contour them to the fender opening before attaching them. The 'copy says' they will not crimp. I'll post how it works when we do it. Just trying to decide if 1-3/4" is wide enough to catch all the crud!
You do have to cut them and bolt them on yourself. Please let me know if the running boards really make a difference next time we have slush - and you know we will!
Mine is a 2006 XLT and we are going to try Pacer Performance Rubber Fender Extensions from: JC Whitney: Truck Accessories & Parts .
They come in 1/34" and 3" wide, they are contoured, you can buy them with steel reinforcement that allows you to contour them to the fender opening before attaching them. The 'copy says' they will not crimp. I'll post how it works when we do it. Just trying to decide if 1-3/4" is wide enough to catch all the crud!
You do have to cut them and bolt them on yourself. Please let me know if the running boards really make a difference next time we have slush - and you know we will!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 629
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From: DFW Metromess, TX.
Supposedly the mini mudflap on the new Escapes increase mpg by 1/2 of a mile per gallon. I don't know that it's worth the price if you need a cleaner side with the use of larger mudflaps or a footrail... Just my opinion, but put some steps on it. I would.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Warren, MI
The "mini mudflap" as you call it is on the front of the rear wheel well not the back where a mudflap is normally installed.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: DFW Metromess, TX.
..I really don't care what it's called, or why it was called a flap. Just saying what they said.Also, the Escapes' tires, as equiped from the factory, are worthless in the snow. They are built for mpg, not traction per se. If they have the snowflake on the sidewall they will be biased towards snow traction. Otherwise, they are basically summer treads in their design, not so much of a snow tire.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Warren, MI
More of a aero flare then? The Ford website called it a mudflap.....I really don't care what it's called, or why it was called a flap. Just saying what they said.
Also, the Escapes' tires, as equiped from the factory, are worthless in the snow. They are built for mpg, not traction per se. If they have the snowflake on the sidewall they will be biased towards snow traction. Otherwise, they are basically summer treads in their design, not so much of a snow tire.
..I really don't care what it's called, or why it was called a flap. Just saying what they said.Also, the Escapes' tires, as equiped from the factory, are worthless in the snow. They are built for mpg, not traction per se. If they have the snowflake on the sidewall they will be biased towards snow traction. Otherwise, they are basically summer treads in their design, not so much of a snow tire.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,004
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From: North of Boston MA
I keep hearing that the stock tires on the Escapes are junk and worthless in snow but that has not been my experience. I've been through five New England winters driving Escapes on the stock Continental tires and have never had a problem. All three of my Escapes have been front wheel drive only, too.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 629
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From: DFW Metromess, TX.
I keep hearing that the stock tires on the Escapes are junk and worthless in snow but that has not been my experience. I've been through five New England winters driving Escapes on the stock Continental tires and have never had a problem. All three of my Escapes have been front wheel drive only, too.
Don't the 09 E/M/T come with Michelins now? I know it isn't Conti's on the new E/M/T any longer. Think about it this way: If they were really good, Ford would still be installing them.