Where to Install Car Door Anti-Collision Strips?
3 Answers
Car door anti-collision strips are installed on the protruding edges of the side doors. Made from rubber or natural rubber materials, these strips serve as vehicle body decorations and are typically mounted at the corners of doors and front/rear bumpers. Also known as protective strips, anti-scratch strips, fender rubber strips, or side moldings, their functions include: 1. Enhancing body lines and dynamism with fade-resistant decorative effects; 2. Protecting vehicle sides from scratches or impacts by foreign objects; 3. Reducing potential door collision damage through elastic properties. Materials for automotive anti-collision strips include: 1. Stainless steel plates; 2. Die-cast zinc; 3. Aluminum-based alloy steel plates; 4. ABS plastic; 5. PVC and rubber.
I just installed door edge guards on my car, positioned on the outer edges of the doors - the outermost layer of the door panels. It was quite simple to do it myself. I used rubber strips mainly to prevent door dings when opening against walls or other vehicles. When installed in the correct position, they can absorb impact force and protect the car paint from scratches. Before installation, make sure to clean the door surface thoroughly to remove grease and dust for better adhesive performance. Align the strips precisely with the door edge - neither too inward nor too outward, otherwise the protective effect would be compromised. During my first attempt, I misaligned them slightly which caused some interference with door operation. After repositioning them properly, now I don't worry about hitting objects even when parking in narrow alleys. For material selection, I recommend 3M adhesive-backed strips which are durable and residue-free upon removal. Properly installed guards can extend your vehicle's lifespan and save repair costs. Beginners can find tutorial videos online to learn more installation techniques.
The anti-collision strip should be attached to the outer edge of the car door, specifically along the upper and lower edges of the door panel. The correct application method involves avoiding the lock and handle areas, prioritizing the most protruding parts of the door. This way, when the door hits an obstacle while opening, it can cushion the impact, preventing door deformation or paint chipping. Clean the surface with alcohol before firmly pressing the strip to ensure long-lasting adhesion. Incorrect placement can lead to rapid wear or failure of the strip, such as positioning it too close to the window edge, which may interfere with opening and closing. Opt for rubber or sponge materials with moderate thickness to avoid inconvenience. In high-risk collision areas like parking lots, precise placement can prevent accidents. It's advisable to check the adhesive strength several times after application to prevent detachment. Experienced users understand the importance of details; once positioned, regular maintenance is essential.
