What are the plastic panels on both sides of the car called?
2 Answers
Chassis guard plate, its function is to cover the underside of the chassis to prevent small stones on the road from hitting the chassis and causing damage that leads to rust. It also helps reduce chassis noise. If the plastic panel is damaged, you can resolve the issue through the following methods: 1. Go to a 4S shop: Purchase a new guard plate and have it installed at a 4S shop, as such parts are usually not available at general auto parts stores, making 4S shops the primary place to buy them. 2. Visit an auto repair shop: Take the damaged guard plate to an auto repair shop, where they can remove it and use plastic welding (a method commonly used for repairing front and rear bumpers) to weld the cracked part before reinstalling it. Since this guard plate does not bear significant load and mainly serves a protective function, welding can effectively restore its functionality.
As an experienced car owner who often helps friends with vehicle issues, I must tell you this in detail. You're talking about the plastic parts below the doors on both sides of the car, right? They're usually called side skirts. Their main function is to protect the seam area between the underbody and the side of the car, preventing mud, water, sand, and stones from hitting and scratching it. If you accidentally scrape against a curb while driving, the side skirt takes the hit first instead of damaging the paint directly. Many people don't pay much attention to them, but actually, the clips inside the side skirts can easily age, and high-pressure car washes might deform them. You should regularly check if small stones are stuck in the gaps. I've seen many cars continue driving with cracked side skirts, resulting in water seeping in during rain and causing rust on the chassis, with repair costs reaching up to two thousand dollars. For regular maintenance, you can apply some plastic protectant to extend their lifespan.
