Plastic flaps in FRONT of front wheels - 2011 Nissan Sentra

[Jimbomatic]

What is the purpose of the plastic "mud flaps" in FRONT of the front wheels on the Nissan Sentra?

I have managed to knock both of them off on not-that-high driveway entrances. One I managed to find, but the other one I didn't realize was gone until later.

I checked with the dealer, and you can't just replace those flaps, you have to replace THE ENTIRE SPLASH GUARD on the front end!

Right now, I just have them both removed, so it doesn't look cockeyed.

Is there a purpose for them? If you have a Sentra, do you still have them intact?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

The purpose of them is to reduce aerodynamic drag (and increase fuel economy). They also cut down on wind noise at higher speeds slightly.

Believe it or not, the exposed tiers are pretty bad for aero. The front air guards improve fuel economy probably in the .5-1% range. Not really enough for you to notice, and maybe not even enough to justify buying new parts to replace them... but if you come across some in a junk yard for next to nothing, it might be worth considering.