OEM mud flaps on 2015 SEL?

The new to me Passat SEL came with OEM (factory installed) splash guards/mud flaps. Many VW owners (eg. MK4's) stated the OEM splash guards/mud flaps contributed to paint failure and premature rust at and around the attachment area.


Does any have these installed? What's been your experience?


I will say that the ones my car seem to be well designed in how they are attached and reinforced. Meaning - tight fitted and designed not to flex under normal road conditions.

I think its pretty much impossible to be a mudflap and not flex.

And since flex is pretty much inevitable, having it tight fitting will lead to paint wear. Once the paint wears off, rust will form.

What I did when I had them is put a piece of clear vinyl between the mudflap and the painted body panel. Never had a problem.

JohnTso

That's a good tip... thanks!

I did the same thing with mine, put a carbon fiber looking vinyl behind the mid flaps.

FYI I put on the ChiCom ones from eBay, 20 bucks delivered, 3 out of 4 are fubar after 15 k miles.