Holes in wheel arch liners

[NotPoodle]

Moderator comment - thread renamed from "Holes in wheel wells"

So i submitted a service request for a couple of bits i needed to be sorted on my new Model 3, one of the items on the list were for holes in the rear of the front wheel wells that seem to be strategically located to collect all the road crap that gets kicked up by the front wheels (see photos).


I've just had a response from Tesla that the holes are supposed to be there. I find this strange as the only function it seems to perform is to act as a time capsule to collect samples of all the roads you've driven. Does everyone else have these holes? can anyone who's owned one longer than a few weeks comment on just how much crap this hole collects in the medium to long term?

 

[Cogarch]

Another argument to fit the mudflaps..

 

[pdk42]

Yes, I've fitted mudflaps and these holes are completely covered. Car looks good with mudflaps too - I actually think it improves the look since it fools the eye into thinking the car is a bit wider at the wheelarch.

 

[Durzel]

I find this strange as the only function it seems to perform is to act as a time capsule to collect samples of all the roads you've driven.

Nothing to add except to say that this statement made me chuckle at work, so thanks. Hope you get it sorted out, whatever you do.

 

[Tatoo1]

Yes, I've fitted mudflaps and these holes are completely covered. Car looks good with mudflaps too - I actually think it improves the look since it fools the eye into thinking the car is a bit wider at the wheelarch.

Which ones did you go for? and more importantly pics please.

 

[Keeper]

Well spotted. I dried the area with kitchen towel and then cut a short length of black insulation tape to cover the holes pro tem. Hopefully any water in there can escape! Got the mudflaps - just haven't fitted them yet.

 

[pdk42]

Which ones did you go for? and more importantly pics please.

These are the ones I got:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07V9CQZW1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

£24 on Amazon. The qulaity is fine and fitting was very easy. The only photo I have is this one but they aren't easy to see. I'll post a better one later when I get back to the car.

 

[evGuesty]

These are the ones I got:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07V9CQZW1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

£24 on Amazon. The qulaity is fine and fitting was very easy. The only photo I have is this one but they aren't easy to see. I'll post a better one later when I get back to the car.

View attachment 464892

did you have to drill holes for these or do they use the existing securing points? Thanks

 

[pdk42]

did you have to drill holes for these or do they use the existing securing points? Thanks

You need to drill a pilot hole in each front mud flap since there's a self tapping screw on the top that has no existing hole. However, it's only into the thin plastic arch liner so it's very simple and minimal. If you ever took them off, a small plastic plug or a dib of mastic would seal it. I really wouldn't worry about it.

 

[pdk42]

Some better photos:

 

[Tatoo1]

Thanks! On the order list!

 

[Cherub77]

You can get colour coded mud flaps on Amazon, cant say if they are any good though!

 

[NorfolkMustard]

To the OP. I think they're holes to enable easy removal of the lining - big enough to get a finger it to prise it open.

 

[MrBadger]

These are the ones I got:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07V9CQZW1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

£24 on Amazon. The qulaity is fine and fitting was very easy. The only photo I have is this one but they aren't easy to see. I'll post a better one later when I get back to the car.

How long did they take to deliver? These seem to ship from China so not until end of month/early Nov delivery. iirc I saw some seemingly identical ones shipping from UK within a day or so, but cannot find them now.

Are they as soft//rubberised as they say?

 

[webbah]

I ordered these. Tesland only sells quality stuff. I also ordered the Frunk and Trunk metal protection for the sills. Top notch quality!

Mud Flaps for Tesla Model 3

Frunk sill protector Model 3

Tesla Model 3 rear trunk sill plate cover

 

[pdk42]

How long did they take to deliver? These seem to ship from China so not until end of month/early Nov delivery. iirc I saw some seemingly identical ones shipping from UK within a day or so, but cannot find them now.

Are they as soft//rubberised as they say?

Mine shipped from UK. Got them within the week. Maybe I posted the wrong link. Rubberised? - yes, they feel pretty bendable.

 

[V7Cocktails]

Anyone know if these are anywhere near the correct colour?!

 

[TonyJag]

I found this thread very informative and helpful and referenced it in a newer thread that covers the "Mystery Hole" and more about Model 3 Rust Vulnerability:
Rust Vulnerability?

 

[ChickenDipper]

Anyone know why Tesla only supply front mud flaps with the official kit? Is the rest not susceptible to paint damage etc?

 

[Dilly]

I got coloured mudflaps from Torque-Alliance in Holland. Quick delivery and a perfect match View attachment 553880 View attachment 553881