Can the Car Rocker Panel Be Replaced if It's Rotten?
3 Answers
The rocker panel of a car is an area that is prone to scratches and damage while driving, especially for models with lower chassis. Sand, mud, and rainwater constantly erode the rocker panel. Car rocker panels are generally made of aluminum or plastic, making them relatively easy to repair. As long as the damage is not severe—such as dents, paint peeling, scratches, or rust—it can usually be repaired on the original part without needing replacement. Repairing Rusted Areas by Cutting and Welding: For metal rocker panels, rusted areas can be repaired by cutting and welding. Use a grinder to cut out the rusted section of the rocker panel, then weld a similarly sized piece of sheet metal in its place. Smooth and flatten the weld points with the grinder, and finish by repainting. Whether it's rust on the rocker panel or other metal parts of the car, it is advisable to address it as soon as possible. Rust acts like an infection in a car, spreading continuously until the entire part corrodes. When a part rusts, the paint may bubble, wrinkle, or even peel off. Treatment Methods: Dents in the rocker panel are also relatively easy to handle. For plastic panels, pouring hot water over the dent may help it pop back out, or specialized pulling tools can be used. For metal rocker panel dents, they can be pulled out using a dent puller. If pulling doesn’t work, the damaged section can be cut out and a new piece welded in place.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered many cases of rotten rocker panels, which can definitely be replaced. The rocker panel refers to the lower side metal section of the car body that's particularly vulnerable to corrosion from rainwater, mud, and salt. During replacement, repair shops will cut away the rusted portion and weld on new metal or plastic components, with costs ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand depending on the vehicle's age and extent of damage. After replacement, remember to apply anti-rust paint to prevent recurrence. Regular undercarriage cleaning and rustproofing treatments can prevent this issue. Replacing rocker panels not only improves the car's appearance but also prevents rust from spreading to the chassis or engine mounts – which could compromise driving safety.
The car's side skirts can definitely be replaced if they're rotten. My friend just had his replaced. He mentioned that insurance might not cover it since it's due to aging rather than accident damage, so he had to pay out of pocket, costing around seven to eight hundred. The cost depends on the material and labor—plastic parts are cheaper but metal is more durable. If the rot is severe, not replacing them could lead to erosion of the chassis structure, making you worry about the car falling apart on the highway. I recommend getting quotes from several shops first to compare costs before deciding. Parking in a dry place and rinsing the side skirt area when washing the car can help reduce corrosion.
