Owners of the Lada Granta sedan often face the need to protect the wheel arches from the aggressive effects of the external environment. Arch expanders perform not only a decorative function, visually expanding the body, but also serve as a reliable barrier against flying from under the wheels of stones, sand and reagents. This problem is especially relevant in the autumn-winter period, when the road surface leaves much to be desired.
Installation arch-pad This is not just tuning, but a preventive measure to preserve paintwork and body metal. In this article, we will analyze in detail what materials exist on the market, how to choose the right components for your model and conduct a step-by-step approach. installation without the involvement of car service specialists.
A well-chosen set can extend the life of the body for several years. However, it is important not to make a mistake with the type of fastening and the material, so as not to get the opposite effect in the form of accumulated moisture and corrosion under the plastic.
Manufacture materials: plastic, rubber or ABS
The market of auto accessories offers a wide range of solutions, but not all of them are of the same quality. The main material for arch-extension It serves as polypropylene, which is characterized by high elasticity and the ability to restore shape after deformation. It's key-parameter when choosing, as a hard material can burst at the first serious load or temperature drop.
A more budget option is products made of ordinary rubber or a mixture of rubber crumb. They extinguish the blows of gravel, but over time they can fade under ultraviolet light and lose the saturation of black. Polyurethane linings They are considered to be the premium segment: they are practically indestructible, but their installation often requires specific skills and adhesive compounds.
⚠️ Attention: Cheap plastic of low quality in the cold becomes brittle. When hit by a stone, such an expander can split, turning into sharp fragments, dangerous to tires and passers-by.
When choosing, you should also pay attention to the texture of the surface. Glossy options require constant care, as scratches from branches and washing on them are immediately visible. Matt texture ("spinning") is more practical and better hides minor defects in operation, perfectly combined with an unpainted bumper or sill protection.
Types of fasteners: screws or double-sided scotch
The method of fixation directly affects the durability of the structure and the safety of the body. The most common option is combined, where the main load falls on the screw-trapScotch prevents vibration and rattling of plastic. The use of only adhesive tape is permissible only for light decorative linings that do not perform a protective function.
When fastening to screws, it is critically important to process the drilling points. The metal under the lining should be protected from moisture, otherwise after a year you risk finding swollen paint around the fasteners. Lada Granta sedan It has a thin metal in the area of arches, so accuracy is above all else.
Some owners use a special car sealant instead of mechanical fasteners. This method requires a perfectly clean and fat-free surface, as well as time for polymerization. Hermetic good that fills all the voids, not allowing water to flow between the body and the lining, but remove such elements without damage will be extremely difficult.
Comparison of manufacturers and price segments
Brand choice is often dictated by budget, but savings can come out sideways. We have analyzed popular offers in the market and compiled a comparative table to make it easier for you to navigate.
| Manufacturer | Materials | Type of attachment | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original Lada | ABS plastic | Self-tasher | Perfect geometry, high price |
| AutoFamily | Polypropylene | Combie | Good elasticity, accessibility |
| Nazar | Rubber/Plastic | Self-tasher | Budget option, a bit tight |
| tuning-room | Polyurethane | Clay/Scotch | Maximum strength, expensive |
Chinese counterparts without a brand often sin bad geometry. Gaps. between the body and such a lining can be uneven, which is striking and contributes to the accumulation of dirt. Before buying, be sure to try on the kit or study the reviews of real owners for the body "sedan", as the arches of the hatchback and liftback may differ.
The Secrets of Plastic's Long-Life
Manufacturers often do not specify the composition of stabilizers. To extend the life of black plastic, use special silicone-based blueberries every 2-3 months. This will prevent the burning and graying of the material.
Tools and workplace preparation required
For a high-quality installation, you will not need complex equipment. The basic set includes a drill or screwdriver, a drill with a diameter of 3-4 mm (under screws), a degreasing agent (antisilicone), a construction hairdryer and a set of screwdrivers. Construction hair dryer It is necessary for activation of the adhesive layer of double-sided tape, especially in the cold season.
Surface preparation is a stage where time cannot be saved. The body should be washed, dried and thoroughly defatted. Any dust or bitumen residue under the tape will lead to uncooking of the lining at the first wash under pressure. Degreasing - a guarantee of reliable fixation.
Preparation for installation
It is better to work in a warm room or on a sunny day. The cold plastic becomes tough and the adhesive properties of scotch are reduced. If the installation takes place in winter, bring the kit into the heat at least a day before the start of work.
Step-by-step instructions for installing expanders
Start with fitting. Apply the overlay to the arch and assess the gaps around the perimeter. If geometry allows, map out the locations for drilling holes with a marker directly through the technological holes in the plastic. Drilling It is better to produce carefully, without strong pressure, so as not to damage the metal of the workpiece.
Then comes the gluing step. Remove the protective film from the tape, warm the adhesive layer with a hair dryer to a warm state (not hot!) and tightly press the lining to the body, moving from the center to the edges. Then you can screw it in. screw-trap, pre-dropping into the hole a drop of sealant or anticor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not pull the screws! The plastic may crack around the cap, or the metal of the arch will go in waves. Wrapping to the point from the hand, then slightly tighten with a screwdriver.
After installing all four arches, allow the structure to "stand" for several hours, preferably in warmth. This will allow the scotch to gain maximum adhesion. On the first day, avoid high pressure sinks and driving through deep snow or mud.
Post-installation care and maintenance
Established arch-layings of Grant's sedan They require minimal but regular care. At each car wash, try to remove dirt from under the edges of the expanders. The accumulated mixture of sand and reagents works like an abrasive, erasing paint on the body.
Once a season, check the reliability of the screws. Vibration and temperature changes can weaken their grip. If you notice that the plastic began to move away in some place, do not pull - glue it or add a fixation point. Regular examination It will help to avoid corrosion.
The main task of the owner after installation is to prevent the accumulation of moisture and dirt between the body and the lining, as this is the main cause of hidden corrosion.
To preserve the appearance, use polishes for plastic. They restore a deep black color and create a water-repellent layer, thanks to which dirt sticks less to the arches during movement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to remove the wheels for installation?
Remove the wheels is not necessary, but it is highly desirable. This will provide access to the lower part of the arch and will allow you to qualitatively degrease the surface around the perimeter, as well as conveniently place the drill at the right angle.
Can plastic expanders be painted?
Yes, but special training is required. Normal paint on metal or body will not hold. A special adhesive soil for plastic (primer) is needed, then an elastic paint for bumpers. Without soil, the paint will crawl out in pieces at the first deformation.
Does the overlay affect aerodynamics?
Visually, the car becomes wider, but the real fuel consumption and speed characteristics of standard expanders do not affect. However, at very high speeds (over 140 km/h), they can create additional vortices, which theoretically increases noise.
What to do if rust starts under the lining?
The overlay must be removed immediately. Clean the corrosion center to metal, treat with a rust converter, prime and paint. On top, paste a new piece of double-sided tape or use a sealant for fixation.