What is the purpose of the small flaps just forward of front tires?

[RonFLA]

Two pages n’ 12 post and I still don’t know what we are talking about…. Anyone got a picture for those of use who can’t just walk to the driveway/garage and look?

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[Edge Haley]

Two pages n’ 12 post and I still don’t know what we are talking about…. Anyone got a picture for those of use who can’t just walk to the driveway/garage and look?

Inside the circle is where the "little" tire wind/rain deflectors are located. About the size of a baby's hand, can't really see the piece in the red circle, that is simply were it is located. They deflect mostly wind, but also deflect rain from hitting each front tire. Most all manufacturers are adding these little inexpensive plastic items to help decrease wind resistance or turbulence. The greater the speed the wind resistance to aerodynamics is compounded. Wheels/tires in particular are a significant negative force against aerodynamics.

 

[CoryDallas8123]

Can’t tell if this red circle is a joke attempt to circle the spot or not. Hahahahahaha

 

[AutobahnSHO]

 

[projectvortex]

What is the purpose of the small flaps that extend below and at the rear of the front bumper just in front of the front tires? I frequently drag them on curbs when I park. I think I can unbolt and remove them. I don’t see that they serve any purpose. Maybe a minuscule effect on mileage?

These are called curb feelers.

 

[ThisWas]

 

[Red Ryder]

These are called curb feelers.

No, no, I was THERE:

and they were hideous, like blue dots.

As Edge Haley's post indicated, the Maverick's vortex modifiers serve a purpose, remove them at your own risk. Whether it's a fraction of a MPG or flipping a semi over in the adjacent lane is certainly up for debate.

 

[Clock Doc]

These are called curb feelers.

As the Op posted he hits them on curbs when parking. So annoying! I don't know who taught him how to park but maybe don't go 'til you hit you hit something before stopping.

 

[Mavonorder]

[QUOTE="Edge Haley, post: 349653, member: 1418"

If cars drag coefficient Cd is 0,216 its wheel drag can be 0,04 to up to 0,07. In percentages that is 18,5 to 32% of total drag of the vehicle.

That is quite stunning

 

[FloodingdowninTX]

Corporate average fuel economy regs play into this engineering and design thinking no doubt. They're doing it this way to buy the offset to make and sell profitable bigger vehicles, especially since there are no small cars to figure into Ford's USA market. Taking the entire Maverick fleet, every single MPG adds up for them.

 

[olderbudwiser]

Well done on the pic. Easy to see. thanks

 

[Maverick Grabber]

I don't like them because I have to get down on my hands and knees to wash them, then dry them then put armor all on them. Three trips to the ground every time to save .0000000001 MPG. I just love it so.

You kneed them lol

 

[Optimus]

If it were me I’d be inclined to trim them, leaving the fasteners in place, rather then fully remove them. I had them off temporarily recently(and then some), and there are 8 fasteners each that tie a few different pieces together for added stiffness at the corner of the wheel well. This would include the wheel well liner and the front bumper’s lower valence into the unibody.

 

[BluegrassNbass]

If it were me I’d be inclined to trim them, leaving the fasteners in place, rather then fully remove them. I had them off temporarily recently(and then some), and there are 8 fasteners each that tie a few different pieces together for added stiffness at the corner of the wheel well. This would include the wheel well liner and the front bumper’s lower valence into the unibody.

Not sure why this is new to me(removed air dam on silverado). And now I'm going to follow this advice. I will mark them then remove and hit them with my rotozip,then re-install. Or maybe my multi tool if it looks doable while still attached.

 

[EchoPear]

If it were me I’d be inclined to trim them, leaving the fasteners in place, rather then fully remove them. I had them off temporarily recently(and then some), and there are 8 fasteners each that tie a few different pieces together for added stiffness at the corner of the wheel well. This would include the wheel well liner and the front bumper’s lower valence into the unibody.

Not sure why this is new to me(removed air dam on silverado). And now I'm going to follow this advice. I will mark them then remove and hit them with my rotozip,then re-install. Or maybe my multi tool if it looks doable while still attached.

Why couldn’t you just remove the piece, and then re-install the hardware from where you took them out? Seems better than chopping up your plastic

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