Owners of a compact hatchback Nissan Note second generation known as E12, are often faced with the need for additional body protection. Even when driving carefully on dry asphalt, the wheels throw up fine gravel, dust and reagents, which over time leave marks on the paintwork. Installation of quality mud flaps - This is not just a decorative element, but an effective measure to preserve the appearance of the car and prevent corrosion.
Model Nissan Note E12, produced from 2013 to 2016 (and later with minor updates), has a specific arch geometry, which imposes certain requirements on accessories. An incorrectly selected element may rub against the wheel when turning the steering wheel or fly off on the first bump. In this article we will look at which solutions are best suited for your Nissan Note, how to distinguish an original from a fake and how to carry out installation yourself without contacting service.
Design features of the arches of the Nissan Note E12
When choosing mud flaps for Nissan Note E12 It is important to consider the design of the front and rear arches. The front wheel arches on this model have a complex shape, and the bumper itself often protrudes beyond the fender line. This creates a risk of the accessory contacting the wheel if the part is too rigid or has an incorrect bend radius. Factory fasteners are often hidden under decorative plugs or located in hard-to-reach places.
Rear arches E12 also require attention, especially in the threshold area. Dirt often accumulates here if the mudguard does not cover the entire width of the arch. Many owners mistakenly believe that universal rubber mats will fit perfectly, but they can be too wide and catch on the fender liners when the trunk is fully loaded. Need to check compatibility according to the catalog before purchasing.
Particular attention should be paid to materials. For Nissan Note Mud flaps made of soft rubber or polyurethane, which bend when hitting a snowdrift rather than breaking, are best suited. Hard plastic can crack at low temperatures, causing it to deteriorate quickly.
Types of mudguards: original, analogues and universals
In the auto parts market there are three main categories of accessories for Nissan Note E12. Original mud flaps from Nissan (part code 99900-NH400 or analogues) fit perfectly in shape, have original holes for bolts and the brand logo. They are guaranteed not to rub against the wheel and will last a long time, but they are often overpriced.
High-quality analogues from third-party manufacturers (for example, Street Storm or IPD) offer a compromise between price and quality. They are often made of a more flexible material than the original, which is a plus for our roads. However, the shape may vary slightly, requiring adjustments during installation. Universal models are the most budget option, but they rarely fit the geometry E12 without modification of fastenings.
- 🚗 Original: Perfect fit, high price, guarantee of plastic quality.
- 🛠️ High-quality analogue: Good flexibility, affordable price, minor modification possible.
- 💰 Universal: Low price, requires drilling or cutting, risk of poor fixation.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing mud flaps with the Nissan logo, check the quality of stamping. In fakes, the logo is often unclear, and the plastic itself has a pungent odor and quickly turns yellow in the sun.
The choice of material directly affects durability. Rubber mud flaps are elastic and absorb impacts well, but can stretch over time. Polypropylene products are more rigid and retain their shape, but require careful handling in winter.
- Rubber
- Plastic
- Polyurethane
- Original Nissan
Step-by-step instructions for installing front mudguards
Installation mud flaps to the front Nissan Note E12 - a process accessible to every owner if there is a minimum set of tools. Usually you don't need to remove the bumper to do this, just look into the wheel arch. However, access to the mounting points may be limited by dirt or old plugs.
First you need to clean the arch and find the standard mounting points. On E12 Plastic clips or bolts are often used. If the mudguard kit does not have its own fasteners, use the original ones. Otherwise you will need self-tapping screw with a wide head or heat-shrinkable tube to protect the metal from corrosion.
- 🔧 Prepare a tool: a Phillips screwdriver, a set of heads, a drill (if necessary).
- 🧹 Clean the installation area from dirt and dust so that the sealant (if used) will adhere better.
- 📏 Attach the mudguard and check the clearance to the wheel when turning the steering wheel.
- 🔩 Secure the part without over-tightening the plastic to avoid cracks.
☑️ Installation of front mudguards
If you don't tighten the bottom bolt, the part will wobble and make noise at speed. Use a torque wrench if possible to avoid stripping threads in soft plastic.
What to do if there are no holes?
If the standard holes do not match, you can carefully drill new ones. Use a metal drill with a diameter of 3-4 mm. Be sure to treat the edges of the drilling with an anti-corrosion compound, otherwise the metal will rust.
Installation of rear mudguards and work with thresholds
Rear Nissan Note E12 has its own nuances. The fasteners are often located in the wheel arch niche, behind a plastic plug. To get to them, sometimes you have to bend the fender liner a little. Be careful: plastic becomes brittle in the cold and can easily break if you apply too much force.
Pay special attention to the bottom of the mudguard. It should cover the thresholds, but not touch them when passing speed bumps. If the mudguard is too long, it is better to cut it with tin snips or a construction knife. Length should be such that dirt does not fly onto the rear doors.
For reliable fixation, it is recommended to use not only self-tapping screws, but also additional clips. In some cases, the standard holes have play, and the mudguard begins to rattle. In this case, place a rubber gasket or a piece of electrical tape between the plastic of the mudguard and the body.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use harsh chemical solvents to clean the installation area before installation. They can damage the factory anti-gravel layer on the sills.
If you are installing logo mud flaps, make sure they are positioned symmetrically. On E12 The rear wheels are often covered by wide fender liners, so the mudguard must be wide enough to be effective.
| Mounting type | Difficulty of installation | Reliability | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard clips | Low | High | Ideal for the original |
| Self-tapping screws | Average | Average | Requires rust protection |
| Double sided tape | Very low | Low | Only as an addition |
| Combined | Average | Maximum | Best choice for winter |
Rear mudguards require careful checking for gaps with the sill, as damage to them can lead to chipping of the paint on the doors when braking.
Caring for mudguards and extending service life
Even the most durable mud flaps require regular care, especially in winter. Dirt, chemicals and fine gravel can get lodged in the gaps between the mudguard and arch, creating an abrasive effect. When washing your car, be sure to direct a stream of water under the splash guard to wash away any accumulated dirt.
In winter, be careful when clearing snow and ice. Metal scrapers can easily scratch or tear the rubber. Use plastic spatulas and soft brushes. If the mudguard is frozen to the ground or body, do not tear it off by force - let it thaw or use warm water.
- ❄️ Wash mudguards once every 2 weeks to avoid the accumulation of aggressive reagents.
- 🧴 Use special rubber conditioners to keep the material elastic.
- 🔍 Regularly inspect fasteners for loose or corroded bolts.
If you notice that the mudguard is out of shape or cracked, do not delay in replacing it. A damaged element ceases to protect the body and can become a source of noise or even fly off on the road, creating a danger for other road users.
Periodically lubricate the threaded connections of the fasteners with silicone grease. This will prevent them from sticking and make it easier to dismantle in the future.
Frequent mistakes when choosing and using
Many owners Nissan Note E12 They make the mistake of buying the cheapest mud flaps without taking into account the make of the car. Universal models often have holes for fastenings that are too large, which leads to play. As a result, the part begins to dangle and rattle on uneven surfaces, irritating the driver and passengers.
Another common problem is improper installation. The mudguard should fit snugly to the body along its entire length. If there is a gap between it and the arch, dirt and water will get in there, which will accelerate the corrosion of the metal. Don't skimp on careful fitting.
Sometimes owners forget that mudguards must be flexible. Hard plastic on E12 may not withstand impact with a curb or snowdrift. Look for products that bend easily by hand but return to shape. This is a sign of a quality material that can withstand harsh operating conditions.
⚠️ Warning: Never use superglue or instant adhesives to secure mudguards. They can corrode the plastic or leave permanent marks that will ruin the appearance when later replaced.
Choosing and installing the right mud flaps is an investment in preserving the value of your vehicle. Clean and unpainted body Nissan Note looks much more expensive and attractive, especially when resold.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Are mud flaps from Nissan Note E11 suitable for E12 model?
No, mudguards are from the previous generation E11 will not fit E12. The body geometry, the size of the wheel arches and the location of the mounts differ for these models. Using incompatible parts will result in poor fit and damage to the body.
Do I need to drill new holes during installation?
In most cases, high-quality mudguards do not require drilling, since they use standard mounting points. However, if you buy universal models or an original from a different configuration, you may have to drill holes for self-tapping screws.
How often should mudguards be replaced?
The service life depends on the quality of the material and operating conditions. Rubber mud flaps last 3-5 years, plastic ones last longer, but can crack on impact. Regular inspection will help determine the need for replacement ahead of time.
Is it possible to install mudguards yourself without a lift?
Yes, installing front and rear mudguards on Nissan Note E12 possible without a lift. It is enough to have access to the wheel arches, which is provided by turning the wheels to the side and using a jack if necessary.
Does installing mud flaps affect the vehicle warranty?
The installation of mudguards does not affect the warranty if it was not carried out in violation of technology (for example, important components or wiring were damaged during drilling). The use of standard fasteners is completely safe under warranty.