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How to Pay for Custom Mud Flaps

How to · Auto

How to Pay for Custom Mud Flaps

Protect your car's paint from spring mud and road debris by splitting the cost of custom-molded splash guards into manageable monthly payments.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $250 before anything else
Across the 0% window $13.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $250 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Owning a car is a series of small bills that add up. Between gas and insurance, keeping the paint job intact usually falls to the bottom of the priority list until you see the first chip. Early spring is the best time to look for exterior accessories because shops are clearing out winter stock before the summer road trip rush. You want to get these on the car before the ground thaws and the roads get messy.

Negotiating for the parts is one thing, but paying for them is another. You can split a $250 set of guards into small monthly chunks using the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It gives you some breathing room so you aren't hit with the full cost right when other spring expenses start to pile up.

The 0% interest rate is a temporary window, not a gift of free money. If you still have a balance after those 18 months are up, the standard variable interest rate will apply to whatever is left, making your guards much more expensive than the original price.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop in late February

    Most retailers want to move last year's inventory before the spring mud hits. You can usually find a discount if you buy the front and rear sets together rather than separately. Check online warehouses for open-box deals on your specific model.

  2. 02

    Decide on the install

    Custom-molded guards often use existing factory holes, which means you can install them in your driveway with a screwdriver. If you need a shop to do it, they will charge for an hour of labor. Doing it yourself keeps the total project cost around that $250 mark.

  3. 03

    Use the right window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. If your splash guards cost $250, you can pay about $13.89 a month to clear the balance before the interest kicks in.

  4. 04

    Check the forums

    Car enthusiasts often post discount codes for specific vendors in their community threads. Before you click buy, call a local dealer to see if they will match an online price. This can save you the shipping costs on bulky items.

  5. 05

    Prep the wheel wells

    If you install these over old gunk, you are just trapping moisture against your frame which leads to rust. Wash the wheel wells thoroughly with a pressure washer and let them dry completely before you bolt anything on.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I really need custom-molded flaps?

Universal ones are cheaper but they rarely fit the contours of your fenders. Custom flaps match the lines of your car and actually keep the rocks from chipping your paint.

Is $250 a fair price for these?

For a full set of four high-quality, molded guards, yes. You might find generic plastic for $50, but they often crack or warp the first time they hit a speed bump in the cold.

Does this card have an annual fee?

No, this specific card has no annual fee. It is designed as a straightforward tool for splitting up a mid-sized purchase over a long period.

Will mud flaps hurt my gas mileage?

They add a tiny amount of aerodynamic drag. In reality, you won't notice a difference in your daily commute, and the protection they offer for your car's resale value is worth the trade-off.