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Introduction
Wheel well molding is a thin protective trim that is placed around the wheel wells of your car to protect against rust. This type of molding serves as a physical barrier to keep fenders and other surrounding surfaces safe from any grease or rat droppings that collect in wheel wells. Rust is a common problem in cars due to exposure to harsh elements like rain, snow, or salt which cause metal body parts to corrode and become weak. By installing wheel well molding, you can help protect these valuable parts from corrosion and premature wear. Not only will this add an aesthetic appeal but it also provides protection against costly repair bills down the line. In addition to protecting against rust, wheel well molding helps hold paint in place on bumpers, doors and side-panels where impact with other objects is likely. By providing a strong layer of cushion between your vehicle and other objects on the road it helps protect your car from any minor dents or scrapes when parking or driving around tight spaces. Common causes of rust include exposure to moisture, particles from the environment such as dust and stones trapped between crevices or cavities, or poorly maintained paintwork especially on older vehicles with worn out clear coats that no longer provide enough protection for underlying metal components.
Benefits of Wheel Well Molding
Installing wheel well molding to cover rust is a great way to remove unsightly rust and restore the appearance of a vehicle’s exterior. There are both pros and cons associated with installing this type of molding.
Pros:
1. Installing wheel well molding helps protect the exposed metal on the vehicle from further oxidation and deterioration from rust.
2. The trim is relatively easy to install, making it an affordable solution for rust-removal.
3. It typically only takes about one hour for the application process, which makes for quick results that last longer than painting or spot-treating affected areas of the car’s bodywork.
4. The molding offers extra protection against mud, road debris and damage caused by hitting bumps in the road, as it stabilizes the edges of the wheel well area responsible for absorbing most of these impacts.
Cons:
1. If not properly cared for, UV light can cause weathering and fading on plastic or rubberized trim pieces over time, requiring special attention to keep maintained.
2. While often less expensive than repairing rust damage with bodywork and paint jobs, installing Wheel Well Molding can still be a costly endeavor depending on your vehicle model and severity of damage due to corrosion.
Styles and Colors of Wheel Well Molding
Wheel well molding is an essential piece of trim used to protect the body of a car and keep the wheel wells free from rust. It also adds a unique personalized look to a car and can be customized to match both the style and color of a particular make and model. In addition, some manufacturers have specialized wheel well molding designs that feature colorful accents, alloy materials or even different textures such as leather or chrome.
The type of wheel well molding available ranges from basic black or silver plastic trim strips designed for protection to more high-end options featuring intricate accents in various shades and styles. Particular models may also require multiple pieces or customizations depending on their respective size. Additionally, the color of the wheel well molding needs to complement the overall theme of the car’s design to achieve an aesthetically pleasing outcome. For example, bright orange wheel well molding may not fit with the themes found on a classic Cadillac, while gleaming chrome accents might give appropriate shine.
Moreover, if you carefully choose your wheel well trim strip designs in terms of texture and color you’ll have taken one step closer towards creating an individualized look for your vehicle. Whether you opt for satin finish aluminum trim strips, brushed steel effect details, shimmery chrome accents or genuine woodgrain trims, they all team up together to make your car stand out from others on the road.
Installation Process
A wheel well molding is a plastic or metal trim piece that attaches to the edge of your vehicle’s wheel wells. This type of trim helps protect your car’s paint from corrosion and rust by providing a barrier against road debris and dirt. It also adds a stylish look to the overall design of your vehicle. Installing wheel well molding can be done yourself with a few simple tools and basic knowledge. Here is some guidance and tips on how to go about installing this type of molding:
1. Start by cleaning the area you’re applying the wheel well molding to, ensuring that all dust and dirt has been removed before attempting any installation.
2. Measure out the appropriate length of trim needed for application based on the size of your wheels; more trim may be required if you plan on covering multiple sides at once.
3. Before installing, double check fitment by placing the trim along each side of the wheel well—mark off placement as necessary for accuracy in positioning later.
4. Use an adhesive or double-sided tape along either side of both ends of the applicable trim pieces for a better hold between surfaces (you may want to do this step inside the wheel well for a clean job).
5. Securely press down on each end making sure there are no gaps or bubbles within the adhesive seal before moving onto next side(s).
For larger lengths of installment, use clamps along either side to keep secure against stretching when installing onto larger curves/areas; allow time aside for proper curing after clamping as needed (at least 24 hours).
6. Finally once everything looks secure and complete, test drive your vehicle cautiously taking extra notice around corners/bumps in order make sure nothing snaps loose during travel
Maintenance
For those who have wheel well molding on their cars, there are some important maintenance tips to keep them in top condition. First, it is important to clean and treat the wheel well molding regularly with a protective wax. This will help protect the finish for longer by preventing rust spots from forming. It is also important to periodically inspect the wheel well molding for rust spots and repair any that may be present. Additionally, if you are involved in an accident where the wheel well area is damaged, make sure to check immediately for any deep scratches or dents that can cause rust over time. Finally, it is recommended to replace the wheel well molding every five years or so if they become worn out or corroded. By following these basic steps, you can ensure your wheel well molding stays looking great and will not need costly repairs due to corrosion caused by rust.
Conclusion
Wheel well molding is an essential part of rust prevention for your car or truck. It protects the areas where rust can form, such as around the wheel wells and other areas exposed to road salt, moisture and dirt. A properly fitted trim will help keep your vehicle looking good and protect it from corrosion. When selecting a wheel well molding, consider the style and material you want as along with any installation requirements specific to your make and model. Finally, be sure to measure accurately to ensure that the molding fits properly between the wheel wells. With the right wheel well molding in place, you’ll have a head start on keeping rust at bay.
