Ethan Clarke
Plastic wheel well covers, also known as wheel well guards or liners, are an important component of a vehicle's protection. They act as a shield between the tires and the underside of the vehicle, preventing road spray and debris such as sand, rocks, and dirt from accumulating and causing damage to critical parts. While it is possible to drive without them, it is not recommended as the repair costs for the exposed metal surfaces can be much higher. Plastic wheel well covers are typically made from durable thermoplastic that resists corrosion and can withstand various weather conditions, making them an essential investment for vehicle owners, especially in regions with heavy rainfall or snowfall.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To prevent tires from projecting sand, rocks, dirt, gravel, salt, and other types of road debris into the air and potentially back at your car. |
| Protection | Prevents road spray and road debris from accumulating under your vehicle. |
| Materials | Polyethylene, thermoplastic, HDPE, ABS, stainless steel, and plastic. |
| Benefits | Protection from rust and impact damage. |
| Cost | A complete pair of OEM guards typically costs $80 to $120. |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic wheel well covers are important as they protect the wheel well from damage
- They also protect the vehicle's electrical wiring from the elements
- Wheel well guards are made from durable thermoplastic that resists corrosion
- They are easy to clean and give the vehicle a more finished look
- They are cost-effective and protect against rust and impact damage
Plastic wheel well covers are important as they protect the wheel well from damage
Plastic wheel well covers are an important piece of equipment for vehicles, providing an additional layer of protection to the wheel well. Also known as wheel well guards or liners, they are designed to prevent road spray and debris from accumulating under the vehicle. This debris, which can include rocks, gravel, sand, dirt, salt, slush, mud, and water, can cause costly damage to critical parts, including electrical wiring, the suspension system, and the engine.
Wheel well covers create a buffer between the wheel well and the undercarriage of the vehicle, shielding the inner wheel arch and fender. They are typically made from durable thermoplastic that resists corrosion and can withstand all weather conditions, lessening the impact of rocks and other road junk. Some wheel well covers are also constructed from high-density polyethylene plastic, which is easy to install and provides protection against damage.
While it is possible to drive a vehicle without wheel well covers, it is not recommended as it leaves the wheel wells' metal surfaces exposed to road spray. Over time, this can result in expensive repairs, especially if driving frequently on dirt or gravel roads. Additionally, in areas where vehicles are vulnerable to rusting, such as the Salt Belt, wheel well covers are essential for protecting the wheel well from corrosion.
Upgrading stock wheel well covers can also improve the appearance of a vehicle, giving it a more finished look. When choosing wheel well covers, it is important to select ones made from durable materials and designed explicitly for the specific make and model of the vehicle. This ensures a proper fit, as the shape and design of wheel wells can vary even between different model years of the same model.
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They also protect the vehicle's electrical wiring from the elements
Wheel well covers are an important piece of equipment for protecting certain areas of your vehicle. They are often made of durable thermoplastic that resists corrosion and can stand up to all weather conditions. This thermoplastic design is also great at reducing the impact of rocks, gravel, and other road debris.
Wheel well guards and liners are designed to prevent road spray and road debris from accumulating under your vehicle. This debris can cause costly damage to critical parts. For example, when you drive over any surface that can create road spray, such as water, mud, or snow, your tires will project some debris upwards and into the wheel well. The guard's purpose is to catch these projections before they can hit your car's underside.
By preventing the accumulation of road spray and debris, wheel well covers also protect the vehicle's electrical wiring from the elements. This is especially important because electrical wires can be damaged by exposure to water or other liquids, which can cause short circuits or corrosion. In addition, the wires can be affected by extreme temperatures, which can cause the insulation to become brittle or melt.
To enhance the protection of electrical wiring, some car owners choose to insulate the wires with electrical split tubing or fiberglass insulation. These insulating materials can act as a barrier between the wires and the external environment, providing an additional layer of defence against moisture, temperature fluctuations, and physical damage.
Overall, wheel well covers play a crucial role in safeguarding the vehicle's electrical wiring by preventing the ingress of water, dirt, and debris, thereby reducing the risk of electrical issues and ensuring the proper functioning of the vehicle's electrical systems.
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Wheel well guards are made from durable thermoplastic that resists corrosion
Wheel well guards, also known as wheel well liners or covers, are an important piece of equipment for protecting certain areas of your vehicle. They act as a shield that separates the tire from the underside of the car's bodywork. This prevents road spray and road debris, such as rocks, gravel, salt, and sand, from accumulating under your vehicle and causing damage.
While some cars come with stock wheel well guards, others may need to be purchased and installed separately. These aftermarket wheel well guards are often made from durable thermoplastic, a type of plastic polymer material that becomes pliable or moldable at elevated temperatures and solidifies upon cooling. Thermoplastics are ideal for this application due to their ability to withstand corrosion and all weather conditions. They can effectively lessen the impact of rocks, gravel, and other road debris, protecting the wheel well and the vehicle's undercarriage.
The use of thermoplastics in wheel well guards offers several advantages. Firstly, thermoplastics are known for their durability and corrosion resistance. They can withstand the impact of debris and harsh weather conditions without corroding or deteriorating. This helps to extend the lifespan of the wheel well guards and ensures effective protection for the vehicle.
Additionally, thermoplastics are easily worked, molded, and thermoformed, making them versatile in their applications. This malleability allows them to be shaped and fitted precisely to the wheel well, ensuring a secure and seamless installation. The molding process also enables the creation of complex shapes that can conform to the contours of the vehicle, enhancing the overall protection.
Furthermore, thermoplastics used in wheel well guards often possess excellent impact resistance and abrasion resistance. This means they can effectively absorb and deflect the impact of debris, reducing the chances of damage to the wheel well and the vehicle's body. This impact resistance also contributes to the overall durability of the guards, making them long-lasting and reliable.
In summary, wheel well guards made from durable thermoplastic offer enhanced protection for your vehicle. Their corrosion-resistant properties, combined with their ability to withstand impact and harsh conditions, make them an ideal choice for safeguarding your car or truck's wheel wells from the elements and potential damage caused by road debris.
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They are easy to clean and give the vehicle a more finished look
Plastic wheel well covers, also known as wheel well guards or liners, are an important component of vehicle protection. They shield the inner wheel arch and fender, protecting the vehicle from dirt, debris, and water. This protective covering not only prevents damage to the vehicle's interior and tyres but also adds an aesthetic appeal to the car's overall design.
While some vehicles come with stock wheel well guards, others may require aftermarket guards or liners. Aftermarket options are often tougher and designed for off-road vehicles, offering specific functions like blocking more debris or preventing tyre rub. They are especially beneficial for protecting the suspension system from debris that could reduce its lifespan.
One of the advantages of installing plastic wheel well covers is that they are easy to clean and maintain. Unlike factory-installed wheel wells, which can trap and retain dirt, debris, sand, and mud, plastic wheel well covers can be easily washed and kept clean. This helps maintain the vehicle's overall cleanliness and improves its appearance.
In addition to ease of cleaning, plastic wheel well covers give the vehicle a more finished and polished look. The covers are typically made of durable plastic materials that can withstand extreme conditions, providing an additional layer of protection to the vehicle. This enhanced appearance not only boosts the vehicle's aesthetic value but also ensures that it remains well-protected from the elements.
Plastic wheel well covers are an essential investment, especially for those living in areas with harsh weather conditions, such as rain or snow. The covers protect the electrical wiring, headlight ballast wiring, and engine components from potential damage caused by water or debris. They offer peace of mind that your vehicle is shielded from the negative impacts of flinging debris or the accumulation of dirt and grime.
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They are cost-effective and protect against rust and impact damage
Plastic wheel well covers, also known as wheel well guards or liners, are an important piece of equipment for any vehicle owner. They are a cost-effective solution that protects against rust and impact damage, keeping your vehicle in good condition and saving you money in the long run.
Firstly, plastic wheel well covers offer protection against rust and corrosion, which can be a common issue for vehicles, especially on the underside of the bodywork. The wheel wells are particularly susceptible to rust formation due to their large surface area. Plastic wheel well covers act as a shield, creating a buffer between the wheel well and the undercarriage of the vehicle, preventing or limiting contact with rust-causing elements such as road spray and debris. This protective layer is especially important for older cars with metal liners, which are more prone to rusting and corrosion if not regularly maintained.
Additionally, plastic wheel well covers provide defence against impact damage. When driving, your tires can project debris such as water, mud, sand, gravel, snow, and rocks upwards into the wheel well. This debris can then cause scratches, dents, or punctures to the bodywork and other crucial parts. Plastic wheel well covers act as a barrier, lessening the impact of these elements and protecting against costly damage.
Plastic wheel well covers are a cost-effective solution for vehicle protection. While the cost of wheel well guards can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, as well as the quality of the guards, they are generally an affordable option. A complete pair of OEM guards typically costs between $80 and $120, with higher-quality guards ranging from $90 to $150 per pair. This is a small price to pay compared to the potential costs of repairing damage caused by rust or impact without proper protection.
Furthermore, plastic wheel well covers are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Many are made from impact-resistant thermoplastics or high-density polyethylene plastic, which resists corrosion and can withstand all weather conditions. Some brands, such as Rough Country, offer limited lifetime warranties on their products, ensuring their durability. By investing in plastic wheel well covers, you can have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is protected and you are saving on potential future repair costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, wheel well guards are necessary for all vehicles, regardless of the road surface. They protect your wheel wells from rust and corrosion and shield your vehicle's underside from impact damage.
Plastic wheel well covers are made from durable thermoplastic that resists corrosion and can withstand all weather conditions. They also lessen the impact of rocks, gravel, and other road debris. They are also easier to clean than the naked wheel well.
A complete pair of OEM guards typically costs $80 to $120, depending on your car or truck’s make, model, and production year. Replacing all four guards costs between $160 and $240, while single wheel well guards cost $40 to $60. Higher-quality guards usually fetch higher prices, ranging from $90 to $150 per pair.
