Ok,here's the question,will splash guards protect the paint on my HHR so I don't have to install running boards on it? I don't need to hear all about the virtues of the running boards and how much you like them etc. I just don't happen to like the looks of them so I didn't get them on my dark silver 2LT.I am concerned about the paint getting damaged from the tires,and would be happy if the spash guards would protect it.Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks,Darrell

 

Splash guards I imagine will be okay alone. It all depends on where you live. In snow and ice country, I really see the runningboards as a necessity. The front tires throw a lot of sand and road salt directly onto the rockers and rear doors, which is a problem, and is partially addressed by GM. Their part of the deal is a one time paint job to affected areas, if you qualify. In the TSB they published, they mention that the "molded assist steps", AKA running boards are an option that will prevent paint damage. They have put their dealers in a horrible position, more or less forcing them to deal with the issue. The real issue is GM ignoring a problem to make money. Do I talk too much??

 

If you get the flat type, you could mount them lower. If I wasn't up here were the large sand is needed I would try that. But nnnoooOOOOO I have the runningboards and splash guards.

 

My boards will be installed next week. I'm not going to have that damage again.

 

I ordered a set of splash guards last week. I'm hoping they will protect my paint long enough to afford the running boards. Although...... There are a couple of eBay auctions making it really tempting to break out the credit card and get the running boards now.... I have to keep reminding myself I'm going on a two week vaccation in August to Georgia then up to Virginia. Gotta have money for that.

 

I went with full boards ($318) when I had my damaged rear panels repaired. From what I have read on the forums the mud flaps -- at least the stock kind -- don't protect all that well. I would recommend that if you put the flaps on you don't take advantage of the one-time free paint work from GM until you can afford to get running boards put on. I haven't had a chip on my rear panels since I had the running boards installed.

 

I have both. The hard plastic molded flaps are only on the back, but I think it has helped, I have no paint problems. I think that putting them on the back helps keep road trimmings from flying up and chipping my paint. If you read other post about this then most people are going for running boards for protection. The ones without the running boards are getting tore UP! Chip, Chip and more Chips.

 

I have both, and live in NYC where they use salt and sand in the winter. So far, so good (but I dont want to jinx myself).

I must admit that when I ordered them, it was for asthetics and not to save the paint (perhaps dirt).

 

I definately plan on getting the running boards sometime in the near future. Just can't swing the cost of them right now. When I get ready to do it, I'm going to print out the repaint bulletin and take it with me to the dealer. As of right now, I have had no major chipping problems but I get a lot of mud and muck on her.

 

Same as teknobunie here - I've got both. I got the 2LT w/running boards, OEM, but still had a small problem with water splashing onto the body. I've since installed the splash guards for that issue, and they've helped quite a bit. I also like the way they look, too. If you can, get BOTH!