The performance of soft-rubber fenders varies across different road conditions, primarily due to their flexible material properties. They offer both advantages and caveats when handling complex situations, as detailed below:
1. Urban Paved Roads (Daily Commute): Excellent Performance and High Adaptability
Core Advantages: Urban roads are smooth and sparsely paved, allowing soft-rubber fenders to effectively block rain, mud, and sand kicked up by the tires, preventing them from splashing onto the vehicle body or chassis. Their flexibility allows them to withstand minor bumps without the vibration-induced noise of hard plastic, and their conformable design reduces wind resistance noise at high speeds.
Note: If the road has a few speed bumps or potholes, ensure the fenders are securely installed to prevent the mounting screws from loosening due to prolonged vibration. 2. Muddy/Rural Dirt Roads: Excellent splash protection, but requires careful cleaning.
Key Advantages: Muddy roads contain large amounts of mud and sand, and their adhesion is strong. The elasticity of soft rubber fenders cushions the impact of mud and sand, reducing direct impact on the vehicle's paint. Furthermore, soft rubber resists sticking to wet mud, and the vibrations of the vehicle during driving can naturally dislodge some of the mud and sand, making cleaning easier than with hard plastic (which is prone to mud and sand accumulation and forming dead corners).
Note: After extended driving, clean any dry, hardened mud and sand from the fender crevices promptly to prevent hardened mud and sand from squeezing the fender, causing deformation or a loss of fit.
3. Gravel/Unpaved Roads (Off-Road, Construction Roads): Limited protection, requiring additional reinforcement.
Key Advantages: The flexibility of soft rubber disperses the impact of small rocks, minimizing scratches or damage to the fender. It is more durable than hard plastic (which is prone to cracking due to rocks), and is less susceptible to breakage caused by rock jams. Precautions: If encountering large gravel (over 3cm in diameter) or sharp rocks, the soft rubber fenders may be punctured or torn. It is recommended to install metal protective strips or choose thicker soft rubber fenders in advance. Also, avoid running directly over high protrusions with the tires to prevent the fenders from being crushed and deformed.
4. Snowy and Icy Roads (Winter Low Temperatures): Superior frost resistance, but be wary of icing.
Key Advantages: High-quality soft rubber fenders contain an antifreeze formula that maintains its elasticity at temperatures between -10°C and -20°C, preventing them from cracking like hard plastic. On icy and snowy roads, the soft rubber cushions the impact of ice and reduces its adhesion to the fenders.
Precautions: If the road surface is covered with icy protrusions, avoid direct contact between the fenders and the ice to prevent scratches on the soft rubber surface. Before starting the vehicle, clear any thick ice from the fenders to prevent deformation caused by hard ice in cold weather. 5. Highways (80 km/h and above): Excellent stability and wind noise control.
Key Advantages: At high speeds, soft-rubber fenders, due to their soft material, deform slightly with airflow, reducing the "whooshing" noise caused by wind resistance, surpassing the wind noise of hard plastic fenders. Furthermore, their close-fitting design reduces the risk of being lifted by airflow at high speeds, providing enhanced stability.
Note: Ensure the fender edges are not warping. If you notice unusual fender movement during high-speed driving, stop and inspect the attachment immediately to prevent the fender from falling off due to wind resistance.
If you frequently drive on rocky or muddy roads, would you like me to compile a guide to strengthening and maintaining soft-rubber fenders? This guide includes recommended protective accessories for different road conditions, daily cleaning procedures, and repair methods for deformed fenders to help extend the life of your fenders.