One excellent approach to keeping your car free from dents, scratches, and other damage is with car door protectors. They are especially helpful in packed parking lots, where cars often cause damage to others.
While installing these protectors is easy, minor errors can produce unsatisfactory results.
Many people make mistakes that lessen the efficacy of their vehicle door protectors. These errors might cause the protectors to work less than designed, denying the required protection.
So, what are the common mistakes you should avoid when installing car door protectors?
This article will cover four mistakes to avoid. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your protectors last a long time and operate as expected.
1. Not Cleaning the Vehicle Surface Properly
One of the most common errors is not cleaning the car door surface before installing a car door protector. Dirt, dust, and grease can make the adhesive quality less effective. If the surface is dirty, the protector could have less than optimal hold on your vehicle.
To prevent this error, simply wipe the area where you intend to use the protection panel and clean it to be free of dirt or dust. If your vehicle requires washing to remove grease, mud, or heavy dirt, doing so will ensure a solid bond between the car door guard and your vehicle.
Also, use a cleanser that leaves no waxy film or residue. Many cleaning products leave a coating on the surface that can affect the protector’s adhesiveness. For the best results, you need a smooth, clean surface for a firm hold of the protector.
Although skipping this process initially saves time, it could cause more major issues. You might have to buy a new protector or constantly reattach it.
2. Ignoring the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Another error is not following the manufacturer’s advice. Every car door protector is unique, and some may require particular techniques for optimal installation and use. Ignoring these directions might lead to incorrect placement or inadequate adhesion.
Read the instructions that came with the product before beginning. Note any advice or cautions. Some protectors, for example, will recommend the best placement on your vehicle, how to gently apply and remove the protector, or caution from using it in extremely hot temperatures in direct sunlight for extended hours.
Certain protectors have unique features, such as magnetic strips that must be applied softly to prevent damage to the vehicle’s paint. Some also have high-performance adhesives that only operate in specific temperature ranges. Ignoring these instructions could result in problems, including air bubbles, peeling edges, or a protector that doesn’t stay in place.
However, following the directions will help you install the protector properly and prevent unwarranted issues.
3. Choosing the Wrong Size or Type of Protector
Another typical mistake is using an improperly fitted car door protector. A small protector may not fully cover the area you prefer, and if it is too big, it may extend too far on a smaller car and look awkward.
A smaller-length car door protector shields against door dents in the most commonly exposed areas, while a longer protector provides broader coverage. Before you purchase the protector, make sure the size and shape match your vehicle’s size and preferences.
Also, some vehicles have aluminum body parts, so a magnetic car door guard will not hold, and a suction-cup protector option is the preferred solution.
The incorrect type or size can lower the protector’s performance. Even with it installed, you might still sustain dents or scratches. A good fit for your vehicle ensures the protector looks good on your car and performs as expected.
Taking the time to select the right size and type will ensure maximum protection and avoid issues with ineffective coverage.
4. Use In Extreme Weather Conditions
The effectiveness of your car door protector may depend on the environment’s temperature changes. For example, rubber magnetic strips and adhesives may be affected in extremely hot or excessively cold conditions, requiring extra caution when applying and removing the protector.
A moderate temperature between 15°C and 25°C is the ideal temperature to install car door protectors. Extreme heat, in direct sunlight for extended hours, may cause the adhesives or magnetic strips to break down, or excessive cold temps can make magnet strips brittle until quickly thawed to normal temperatures.
Consideration of the weather conditions is helpful for optimal results. It will help guarantee that your car door protector stays in position and provides consistent defense for your car.
Conclusion
Though installing car door protectors seems easy, minor errors can cause major issues. Common mistakes are neglecting instructions, not cleaning the surface, and selecting the wrong size. Additional problems can arise from use in extreme weather.
Avoiding these four errors will help ensure your car door protectors perform as intended. For the best results, follow each stage closely. Over time, a little extra work during installation will save you time, money, and stress.
