The appearance of paint chips and corrosion foci on the inner walls of the arches is a direct signal that the standard protection over the car wheel is absent or has become unusable. In the conditions of Russian roads, where road reagents are mixed with sand and gravel, the lack of a quality barrier leads to rapid destruction of the metal body. Owners often ignore the first signs of rust under the spars until the problem requires major body repairs with the elements digested.
The main function of lockers, so-called underwings in professional language, is to isolate the wheel arch from an aggressive external environment. The sandblasting effect that occurs when moving at high speeds literally strips the paintwork to metal. Plastic liner takes on the entire impact of abrasive particles, maintaining the integrity of the body and extending the life of the car.
In addition to mechanical protection, these elements play an important role in aerodynamics and noise insulation. Properly installed underwing reduces the level of road noise in the cabin and prevents the throwing of dirt on the engine and suspension elements. Lack of protection can cause ABS sensors and brake hoses to fail due to mechanical damage by stones. Therefore, the installation of high-quality lockers is not just an aesthetic choice, but a necessity to preserve the technical condition of the machine.
Types of materials and locker design
The modern market of auto accessories offers various options for the performance of protective screens. The most common material remains polyethylene, which is valued for its elasticity and resistance to low temperatures. Quality polyethylene locker It does not crack even in severe frosts and is able to restore its shape after deformation. This is critically important, as the material must withstand vibrations and impacts of small stones without forming microcracks.
Alternatives to plastic are composite materials and rubber analogues, although the latter are less common. Composites often have better noise-absorbing properties, but can be more brittle at extremely low temperatures. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the thickness of the wall of the product: too thin plastic will quickly become unusable under the pressure of dirt.
- 🚗 Staffing decisions: They are often made of thin plastic and are used primarily for aerodynamics rather than for serious protection.
- 🛡️ Reinforced lockers: have additional ribbedness and greater thickness, are designed for SUVs and operation in severe conditions.
- ❄️ Frost-resistant versions: special plastic compositions that retain flexibility at temperatures up to -50 ° C.
It is important to understand that the geometry of the underwing should perfectly match the model of the car. The loose fit of the edges will lead to the accumulation of moisture and sand between the body and the protection, which will create ideal conditions for corrosion. Therefore, when buying non-original analogues, a thorough fitting is required.
Criteria for the selection of quality protection
When selecting protection over the wheel arch, it is necessary to take into account not only the price, but also the design features of the product. A good underplate should have special ventilation holes that prevent condensation and help dry moisture. The absence of such holes can lead to a greenhouse effect and accelerated rotting of the metal.
⚠️ Note: When buying, pay attention to the method of attachment. Cheap models often require drilling additional holes in the body, which violates factory anti-corrosion treatment and can become a focus of rust.
It is also worth assessing the presence of additional coverage of the internal surface. Some manufacturers apply a waxy coating or felt to the inside of the locker, which significantly reduces the noise from gravel strikes. For owners of premium cars or those who value comfort, this parameter can be decisive.
A comparison table of the characteristics of different types of protection will help determine the choice:
| Parameter | Plastics in the office | Reinforced locker | Rubber apron |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | Thin polyethylene | Dense composite/plastic | Technical rubber |
| Noise insulation | Low. | Medium/High | Tall. |
| Term of service | 3-5 years | 7-10 years | 2-4 years |
| Resistance to frost | Medium | Tall. | Depends on the composition. |
Do not forget that for off-road SUVs, not only protective properties are important, but also the ability to install larger wheels. Some models of reinforced slats provide an increased internal volume of the arch.
Preparation for installation and necessary tools
The process of mounting protection over the wheel requires preliminary preparation of the working area. Before the start of work, the car must be installed on a flat platform and fixed with recoil stops. To access the arch space, you will need to remove the wheel, which also allows you to audit the state of the brake system and suspension.
Particular attention should be paid to cleaning the surface. Old dirt, bitumen residues and loose metal should be carefully removed. If you plan to install screws, the places of fastenings are better treated with anticork or painted to prevent oxidation. Degreasing Contact surfaces will provide better adhesion if a sealant or adhesive compounds are used.
☑️ Checklist of preparations
To work, you will need a standard set of tools: screwdriver, set of bits, clipper, knife or technical scissors for size fitting. In some cases, a building hair dryer may be required to give the plastic sheet elasticity at low temperatures.
Installation technology and nuances of fastening
Installation of the new wing starts with fitting. The part should fit tightly to the body along the entire perimeter without gaps and tension. If the geometry of the product is not ideal, it is allowed to carefully heat the plastic with a building hair dryer to give the desired shape, but this should be done carefully so as not to overheat the material.
Fixing is carried out through regular holes or using special clips. The use of screws with a wide hat and a rubber washer is an acceptable option, but it requires mandatory processing of metal entry points with an anti-corrosion composition. Rotary twisting It should be produced with moderate effort, so as not to push through the plastic and not create a stress point that will burst in the cold.
- 🔧 Fixing: Use only stainless fasteners or galvanized screws.
- 💧 Sealing: joints with the body can be passed a thin layer of car sealant.
- 🌬️ Ventilation: Make sure that the drainage holes are not covered and are at the lowest point.
Once installed, the wheel is placed in place and the gap between the tyre and the underwing is visually monitored. When turning the steering wheel to the extreme positions, the gap should be maintained to eliminate the rubbing of the rubber against the plastic on the move.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave your underwings hanging on the "snot." Vibrating plastic will quickly overwork sensor wiring or brake hoses, which can lead to an emergency on the road.
The Secret of Durability
To increase the service life of the inner surface of the undersling, many masters recommend applying a layer of liquid undersling (mastics) to it. This creates an additional barrier to noise and protects the plastic itself from abrasion by sand.
Maintenance and care of wheel arches
Even the best protection over the wheel requires periodic maintenance. In winter, snow can be packed between the arch and the locker, which, melting and freezing, creates pressure on the plastic. Regular car washing, especially in the warm season, should include washing the space behind the underwing.
Once a year, it is recommended to dismantle the protection for inspection (inspection) of the metal of the body. This allows you to identify hidden foci of corrosion in the early stages, when they are not yet visible from the outside. Also, when removing, you can check the condition of the fasteners and, if necessary, replace the burst clips.
If you notice that the under-wing has started rattling on the go, do not ignore this symptom. This may mean that one of the screws has unscrewed from the vibration or the mount has broken. Timely lift of the fastener will save the body from damage and will maintain acoustic comfort in the cabin.
The main rule: Regular washing of arches from the inside prolongs the life of the body more than any anti-corrosion treatment without access to hidden cavities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to remove the slats for each wash?
Complete removal is not required for each sink. It is enough to wash the arch with water under pressure through the existing holes and space above the wheel. Remove protection only for deep cleaning or anticorrosion treatment.
Can I drive without my back if I get lost?
Short-term driving is possible, but not recommended. Without protection, the body is directly exposed to abrasives, and more dirt and water enters the cabin and the engine. This accelerates the wear of the LCP and can lead to breakage of attachments.
How to Resuscitate a Broken Locker?
Cracks on polyethylene can be sealed with a special hair dryer or sealed with an epoxy resin with a reinforcement mesh. However, if the plastic has become fragile from old age, repair will only give a temporary effect, and the part is better to replace.
Does the installation of non-standard underwings affect the warranty?
If during installation new holes in the body are not drilled and regular communications are not damaged, the warranty is usually maintained. However, if there are problems with corrosion in the area of the arch, the dealer can refer to interference with the structure.