Is it necessary to install sill plates?

[ColinLee]

Sill plates are necessary to install for the following reasons: 1. Protection: The primary function of car sill plates is to protect the vehicle body. 2. Aesthetics: Additionally, their refined and elegant appearance serves as a decorative element and is also one of the most basic interior accessories. Precautions for installing sill plates are as follows: 1. Before installation: Ensure the surface is clean before installing the sill plates. The adhesive surface must be kept absolutely clean and dry. Generally, you can clean it with a lint-free cloth dipped in 50% alcohol. 2. During installation: Avoid contact between fingers and the adhesive surface. After attaching the product, press firmly to ensure full contact and wetting of the adhesive surface.

[VonOscar]

Having driven for over a decade, I find door sill protectors quite useful. They mainly prevent shoe sole dirt from scratching the car paint when getting in and out, especially when shoes are wet on rainy days. The stainless steel ones with LED lights can even serve as welcome lights at night, adding a sense of ceremony when opening the door. However, it's important to choose high-quality ones—cheap metal strips often have sharp edges that can cut hands, and poorly adhered ones might fly off at high speeds. If installing them yourself, remember to clean the door frame with adhesion promoter and avoid contact with water for 24 hours after installation.

[Moreira]

I used to think it was just a decorative item until one time when I was riding in a friend's car, and his door frame got scratched with several white marks from high heels. That's when I realized the key purpose of door sill guards is to prevent scratches, especially if you have kids who often kick the door edges. Nowadays, there are carbon fiber-patterned or glow-in-the-dark options available, which look much better than the original plastic ones. However, it's worth noting that if your car doors already come with factory-installed protective strips, there's no need to add these, as it might end up looking redundant. Installation is actually quite simple—just align and peel-and-stick. In winter, you might need to use a hairdryer to heat the adhesive strips for a stronger bond.

[LeElle]

It depends. For urban use, aesthetics are the priority, and stainless steel materials do look more upscale. If you frequently drive on construction sites or near the coast, anti-rust rubber strips are more practical, as gravel and salt spray are highly corrosive. Personal experience: full-coverage guards are more useful than small pieces, especially for sealing the gaps under the door frame to prevent dust from getting stuck and causing noise. Be careful not to buy ones that are too thick, as they may interfere with the door seals. Additionally, SUVs with modified suspensions especially need them, as the increased height leads to more frequent stepping in and out. After installation, washing becomes easier—just wipe with a cloth and it's clean.

[RichardRose]

As an auto mechanic, I highly recommend installing protective guards for vehicles that frequently travel on rough roads. I've seen too many cases where the car's rocker panels rust through due to gravel chipping away the paint. The newly developed TPE soft rubber strips are particularly suitable for new energy vehicles - they're non-conductive and provide cushioning energy absorption. For elderly family members who have difficulty getting in the car, consider the anti-slip patterned aluminum-magnesium alloy version which provides stable footing. Important reminder: avoid models with self-tapping screws as they can damage paint and cause water leakage. For cost-effectiveness, choose the honeycomb-patterned base which allows sand and mud to fall through without accumulation. Just remember to periodically remove and clean the accumulated debris from the underside.

[Rudy]

Personally, I find the anti-corrosion feature most worthwhile. In northern winters, the de-icing salt is extremely corrosive – the factory paint on my old car's rocker panels bubbled within three years. After switching to a new car, I immediately installed carbon steel powder-coated guards, which have remained flawless for five years. Nowadays, there are even magnetic detachable versions for easier cleaning, though they cost twice as much. I recommend choosing matte surfaces to avoid visible footprints, with about 1cm protrusion for optimal protection. If you frequently load cargo through rear doors, opt for full-coverage models that extend to inner sills to prevent plastic parts from getting scratched when moving items with carts. Important: thoroughly degrease before adhesion, otherwise the guards may crack in subzero temperatures.