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I remember with one Honda purchase some years back: picking up the car, had to wait while they put it up on the hoist and removed the rear wheels, in order to install the rear mud flap option.

Over the years I've used various stubby screwdrivers and right-angle drivers to avoid such a production. This little guy is the best, and dead simple:

Just take a stubby cross-head (I know, there's a proper name, I forget it) screw driver bit, the really stubby, bullet type bit, and wrap copious hockey tape around it. Indespensable!

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/646/5D_051-0641.jpg

BTW, I'm thinking now, this is a general Honda, or automotive wide topic, in no means HCHII specific, if any admin. would want to move it.

I put flaps on early last spring to protect the car a little more. I think all it will do is have a place for salty snow to collect this winter...Headed out to remove right now! They were cheap at least 12 dollars for all 4. Do they create a considerable amount of wind resistance?

I think they actually do increase drag, though aerodynamics are tricky. All the HCHII have a little rubber piece at the leading bottom edge of rear wheel well, I believe it's called a "strake". I think it's supposed to behave like a little air foil. Canadian models come with front mud flaps only, rear are optional. I understand with US model both front and back are optional.

And yes, they are a harbour for grit, salt, slime. I periodically take them off for cleaning, and anything else I can unbolt, in/around the wheel wells.

Addendum: I keep our on year round. If you've been driving in wet snow, they tend to accumulate staligmites of frozen slush. Pull into the garage and the next morning they've likely thawed enough to fall off on the garage floor ;)