What is the name of the part below the car door frame?
3 Answers
The strip below the car door is called the scuff plate or welcome plate. Here are the installation steps for the scuff plate: 1. Remove the double-sided tape on the back of the plate and clean the surface; 2. Before pasting, place the scuff plate on the desired installation area and adjust it properly; 3. After determining the installation position, remove the red film and paste it. The car door consists of the door body, door accessories, and interior trim panel. Additional information: The function of the scuff plate is to provide a passage for the driver and passengers to enter and exit the vehicle, isolate external interference, and to some extent, protect the occupants by reducing side impacts. The scuff plate is a car accessory used to decorate the threshold area of the car, serving to protect and beautify the car body.
We car enthusiasts usually call that part the 'door sill plate' or 'scuff plate,' which is the metal or plastic panel frequently stepped on when getting in and out of the car. I installed a stainless steel one on my own car, and it's quite practical. This area tends to accumulate mud and dust easily, especially after driving in the rain—it’s bound to get dirty. During regular car washes, it’s best to clean the gaps with a soft-bristle brush. If there are scratches, touch them up with paint promptly to prevent rust. If the original plastic plate is too flimsy, I highly recommend upgrading to a metal door sill plate. You can find affordable sets online for just a few dozen yuan, and installing them yourself isn’t too difficult. Just remember to measure the dimensions accurately—misalignment might affect the door’s opening and closing.
We call them scuff plates or sill plates at our modification shop. They're not just for protecting the door frames - nowadays many cars come with illuminated ones that look quite sophisticated. Last time we installed a glowing type for a customer, with LED strips hidden under transparent covers that automatically light up when unlocking at night. Material selection for this position is crucial - low-quality plastic ones become brittle and crack after two years. Installation requires extra care with the clip positions - I once encountered an owner who forced it and ended up blocking the door drain holes. Accumulated water can corrode the frame, so always check drainage after car washes. Premium cars even use CNC-machined aluminum plates engraved with the model name - looks absolutely stunning but comes with a hefty price tag.
