Owning a car means not only the pleasure of driving, but also constant concern for the appearance of the vehicle. Particularly vulnerable areas of the body are doorways and thresholds, which are daily exposed to the mechanical impact of shoes, heels, bags and accidentally touched objects. Car door trims become the first barrier to take the entire blow, keeping the factory paintwork in perfect condition for many years.
The modern market of automobile accessories offers many solutions, from utilitarian rubber mats to luxury chrome strips that change the appearance of the car beyond recognition. Properly selected protection can not only prevent metal corrosion, but also add individuality to the car by hiding minor defects or, conversely, emphasizing the lines of the body. In this article we will look in detail at what types of linings there are, what they are made of and how to install them correctly.
Ignoring the protection of thresholds often leads to the fact that after just a couple of years of operation the owner is faced with the first pockets of rust, the removal of which requires expensive body repairs. Installing additional protection elements is a preventive measure that pays for itself many times over, preserving the marketability of the car for resale and maintaining its aesthetic appeal.
Main functions and purpose of overlays
The main task of any lining, be it on thresholds or doorways, is to physically protect the metal from abrasive wear. Sand, dirt, salt and reagents that get on shoes in winter work like sandpaper, gradually erasing paint and primer. Stainless steel or durable plastic in this case act as a sacrificial layer, taking the wear and tear on themselves. In addition, such elements protect against impacts from heels or heavy objects that may be accidentally dropped during loading.
The second important function is aesthetic. Standard thresholds often look rustic, especially on budget car models. Installing stylish overlays allows you to visually change the proportions of the car, making it more squat or, conversely, massive. Tuning The appearance of a car begins precisely with such small forms that immediately catch your eye when you open the door.
Don't forget about sound insulation. Thick pads, especially if they have a soft backing or are installed using quality sealants, can slightly reduce the level of wheel arch and road noise entering the cabin. This is especially true for cars with a high seating position, where the arches are located close to the doorways.
⚠️ Attention: A poorly installed overlay can become a source of moisture. If water gets under it and there is no way for it to evaporate, the metal under the protective element will rust much faster than without it.
When purchasing overlays, pay attention to the presence of factory holes for fasteners or the quality of double-sided tape - this will save time during installation.
Manufacturing materials: pros and cons
The choice of material directly affects the durability of the protection and the appearance of the car. Three main types of materials dominate the market: stainless steel, plastic (ABS) and aluminum. Each of them has its own operating and installation features.
Stainless steel is considered a premium material. It has a mirror shine, does not fade over time and can withstand severe mechanical loads. However, metal is heavier than plastic and requires more secure fastening. Chrome plated surfaces are easily scratched by abrasives, but these scratches can often be polished out, returning the product to its original appearance.
ABS plastic is cheaper, lighter and allows you to create linings of complex shapes with a carbon or wood texture. It is not subject to corrosion, but over time it can fade in the sun, losing color saturation. Aluminum alloys fall in between, offering good strength at lower weight but requiring high-quality anodizing to protect against oxidation.
- 💎 Stainless steel - maximum strength, mirror shine, high price.
- 🛡️ ABS plastic - lightness, variety of textures, affordable cost, afraid of strong impacts.
- ⚙️ Aluminum - balance of weight and strength, matte surfaces, average price category.
Design features and types of fastening
The design of the lining varies depending on the car model and the purpose of the element. There are solid overlays that cover the entire threshold, and segmented ones, consisting of several parts. It is important to understand the type of fastening, since the complexity of installation and the reliability of fixation depend on it.
The most common option is a combined fastening with double-sided tape and self-tapping screws. Scotch tape (often brands 3M) ensures a tight fit and initial fixation, and self-tapping screws prevent the element from tearing off during lateral loads or pressure washing. There are also adhesive-only models available, but these are only suitable for low wind load areas.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the illuminated overlays. These are complex engineering solutions that require connection to the vehicle's on-board network. Such elements not only protect the body, but also serve as a welcome light, illuminating the passenger boarding area at night. Installation of such systems requires skills to work with auto electrics.
| Mounting type | Reliability | Difficulty of installation | Risk of paint damage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double sided tape | Average | Low | Low (when removed carefully) |
| Self-tapping screws + tape | High | Average | Medium (requires drilling) |
| Clamps/Clips | High | High | High (requires disassembly) |
| Adhesive base | Low | Low | Minimum |
How to remove the cover without leaving marks?
To dismantle elements on tape, use a hair dryer. Warm the surface to 60-70 degrees, then carefully pry the edge with a plastic spatula and slowly pull parallel to the surface. Remove any remaining adhesive with a special solvent or alcohol.
Instructions for installing overlays yourself
Installing overlays is a process that can be performed in a garage if you follow the technology. The main rule is ideal cleanliness of surfaces. Any speck of dust or grease stain will reduce the adhesion of the glue and may lead to the element coming off in the future. Before starting work, it is advisable to wash and dry the car.
The installation process begins with fitting. Without removing the protective film from the adhesive tape, attach the cover to the installation site. Make sure that all holes coincide with the technological gaps of the body, and the edges do not touch the moving parts of the doors. If the model requires drilling, mark the drill entry points with a marker.
Next comes the degreasing stage. Use isopropyl alcohol or a special degreaser for body work. Wipe both the inside of the trim itself and the surface of the body. After this, apply primer (if included) to enhance adhesion. Remove the protective film from the tape and press the part tightly, gradually smoothing it from the center to the edges.
☑️ Checklist before installation
⚠️ Attention: Do not install at temperatures below +10 degrees Celsius. The adhesive properties of the tape are lost at low temperatures, and the part may not stick at all.
If the design requires the use of self-tapping screws, use a drill bit with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the self-tapping screw to ensure a tight fit. After tightening the fasteners, it is recommended to treat the heads of the screws or drilling points with an anticorrosive agent to prevent the onset of corrosion at the point of metal damage.
The quality of surface preparation accounts for 80% of installation success. Do not save time on degreasing, otherwise the most expensive pad will fall off in a week.
Care of protective elements and restoration
Installed overlays require minimal but regular maintenance. Chrome surfaces must be periodically polished with special pastes or sprays for chrome to remove oxides and maintain shine. It is enough to wash plastic elements with texture along with the body using a soft sponge so as not to damage the relief.
Over time, microscopic scratches from sand may appear on the metal. To eliminate them, you can use a polishing machine with a soft wheel and fine abrasive paste. It is important not to overdo it with pressure, especially on the edges, so as not to remove the layer of chrome or polish.
In winter, it is worth paying attention to the junction of the lining and the body. Salt and chemicals can accumulate in gaps, causing accelerated corrosion. Regular car washing, including hard-to-reach places, will extend the life of both the protective elements and the car body itself.
- 🧼 Wash your pads with a soft sponge, avoiding hard brushes.
- ✨ Use chrome polish once every 2-3 months to maintain shine.
- ❄️ In winter, wash arches and thresholds from salt deposits more often.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need to drill into the body to install the trims?
In most cases, modern overlays are designed to minimize drilling. However, for reliable fixation on active zones (thresholds), it is often recommended to use standard holes or carefully drill the metal. If you are afraid of drilling, choose models with reinforced tape, but be aware of the risk of tearing off when washing.
Will the linings provide complete protection against corrosion?
Overlays create a mechanical barrier, but are not a panacea. If moisture gets under them and there is no air access, corrosion can develop even faster. It is important to ensure a tight fit or, conversely, ventilation, depending on the design of the element.
Is it possible to paint plastic trims to match the body color?
Yes, many ABS plastic trims are designed to be painted. To do this, the surface must be sanded, primed with a special primer for plastic and base enamel and varnish applied. This allows you to make the element invisible or, conversely, highlight it with a contrasting color.
How to remove the old trim without damaging the paint?
Use a hair dryer to heat the adhesive layer and a fishing line or special string to carefully “cut” the tape. Residues of adhesive are removed with a solvent safe for paintwork (for example, white spirit or a special bitumen remover).