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 sometimes collide. 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 fail or fall off, denying the required protection. So, what are the common mistakes you should avoid when installing car door protectors?
This article will cover six mistakes to avoid. Avoiding these mistakes will ensure your protectors last a long time and operate as expected.
1. Not Cleaning the 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 less effective. If the surface is dirty, the protector might peel off soon after installation.
To prevent this error, wash the area carefully with soap and water. Once you have washed, dry the surface completely. You could also use rubbing alcohol to remove any last bits of grease or oil. This stage guarantees a strong bonding between the adhesive and the car door.
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. For best results, you need a smooth, clean surface from proper cleaning.
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 tools or techniques for correct installation. Ignoring these directions might lead to incorrect placement or inadequate adhesion.
Read the handbook or instructions that came with the product before beginning. Note any advice or cautions. Some protectors, for example, might have to be used under specific temperature or pressure. Others might call for extra action, including a primer application.
Skipping these stages could cause the protector to perform less than intended. If something goes wrong, you may also void the warranty. 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 fitting car door protector. A small protector will not fully cover the area, and if it is too big, it will not stick properly or look awkward.
Before you purchase the protector, measure your car door to prevent this error. Make sure the size and shape match your vehicle’s design. Also, choose a protector that suits your needs. Some are more ornamental, and others are made for heavy-duty protection.
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 ensures the protector looks good on your car and performs as expected.
4. Installing in Poor Weather Conditions
The level of stickiness of your car door protector depends greatly on the environment. Many people mistakenly install protectors in high temperatures or damp environments, and adhesives are not very effective in cold, hot, or humid conditions.
A moderate temperature between 15°C and 25°C is the ideal temperature to install car door protectors. Avoid putting them in direct sunlight or under rainy conditions. Extreme cold can make the adhesive brittle, and high humidity can prevent proper curing.
Should the weather prove unfavorable, consider waiting or moving your vehicle to a garage for installation. Stable surroundings guarantee strong bonding of the adhesive. Bad weather can make the protector fall off or not stick as it should.
5. Applying Too Much or Too Little Pressure
During installation, the correct pressure level should be applied. Many people either press too hard or not hard enough, both errors which can compromise the protector’s adherence to the car door.
Pressing too hard can cause the adhesive to spread unevenly, producing weak areas. Conversely, too little pressure will not fully activate the adhesive. Thus, after some time, the protector might fall off.
Apply strong, even pressure across the entire surface of the protector to prevent this. Using your hands or a soft cloth, check for no air bubbles trapped under. Following this basic step will improve your car door protector’s lifetime.
6. Not Allowing Enough Time for Adhesive to Set
Another common mistake is rushing the installation process. Many people drive the car or wash it right away after installation because they lack the time to allow the adhesive to dry properly.
Adhesives take time to bond properly to surfaces. Most manufacturers advise waiting at least 24 hours before introducing the protector to water or heavy use. Keep your hands off of the protector during this period.
If you omit this stage, the protector might shift out of place or peel off. Always consult the directions for the advised setting time. Being patient in this stage guarantees a strong bond and long-lasting effects.
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 bad weather, incorrect pressure, and insufficient setting time.
Avoiding these six errors will help ensure your car door protectors perform as intended. For best results, follow each stage closely. Over time, a little extra work during installation will save you time, money, and stress.
