I noticed the other day that the inside wheel arch has a felt like material. Does anyone know the purpose of this other than possibly sound deadening. It seems that in muddy conditions this could turn into a real mess.

 

I haven't found this material to be a problem on previous cars I've owned. I believe it is for sound deadening, especially from debris like rocks from the road being thrown up by the tires.

 

Sound deadening.

I've had this material on other cars, and it's never been an issue.

 

And it helps "slow down" wheel spray from water..