According to its maker, Spraydown Aero Guard System, a uniquely designed 3-dimensional mud flap brought to the U.S. commercial vehicle market in 2010 through a strategic alliance between Spraydown USA and Betts Spring, is showing positive results in fuel savings, spray suppression and reduced emissions during fleet road trials, track and laboratory testing in Europe.
The vertical aero vanes manufactured into Spraydown mud flaps re-direct spray down through the pockets, smoothing airflow and reducing drag, resulting in substantial fuel savings, the company said. Standard two-dimensional mud flaps disrupt airflow, contributing to turbulent airflow patterns surrounding today’s heavy-duty vehicles. Additionally, safety is enhanced because with Spraydown flaps, 98% of spray is directed back to the road and out of the driver’s view, the maker added.
Since Spraydown was introduced in Europe more than four years ago, over a million miles of vehicle on-road and track testing has been performed. The results, supported by research and laboratory testing, indicate an improvement in fuel economy in the range of 1.5% to 3% by replacing standard mud flaps with Spraydown Aero Guards, according to the company. The mud flaps are available in 24-, 27- and 30-in. lengths in both straight and angled down configurations and are easily installed.
Spraydown USA products are manufactured domestically by Engineered Profiles LLC, at its facility in Columbus, Ohio.