Side skirts

What are side skirt protectors?

Side skirt protectors are panels or moldings attached to the lowest part of the bodywork, between the front and rear wheel arches. Often considered a mere aesthetic detail, they actually play a crucial role in preserving the integrity of your vehicle. Indeed, this area is one of the most vulnerable to external hazards.

The dual role of side skirt protectors

The primary function of these components is, as their name suggests, to protect. While driving, the wheels constantly fling gravel, sand, de-icing salt, and other debris that strike the bodywork. Without protection, these repeated impacts can chip the paint, creating entry points for rust. Side skirts also protect against scrapes and minor impacts, notably against high curbs during parking maneuvers, thereby avoiding often costly bodywork repairs.

Beyond this functional aspect, side skirt protectors are a design element in their own right. They help sculpt the vehicle's silhouette:

• On SUVs and crossovers: Protections made of raw or textured black plastic, often paired with wheel arch extensions, reinforce the vehicle's rugged and off-road appearance.
• On sports models: Streamlined side skirts, painted in body color, can visually lower the car and improve its aerodynamic drag coefficient, contributing to a more dynamic look. They are often part of a sport body kit.
• On high-end trims: The addition of chrome or satin aluminum inserts on the side skirt protectors adds a touch of elegance and refinement.

The different materials and finishes

The majority of side skirt protectors are made of polypropylene (PP) or ABS, plastics known for their flexibility and impact resistance. Several finishes are available:

• Matte or textured black plastic: The most common and most scratch-resistant. It effectively conceals minor impacts and does not require painting.
• Painted finish: Protections can be painted in the same color as the bodywork for a more integrated and seamless look, or in a contrasting color (such as gloss black) for a pronounced stylistic effect.
• Skid plates or underbody guards: On off-road-oriented vehicles, you sometimes find more robust metal protections (aluminum or steel), known as skid plates, which offer maximum protection against rocks and obstacles during off-roading.

Standard or optional equipment?

Side skirt protectors are often included as standard on the mid-range and upper trims of SUVs and crossovers. On sedans or city cars, they may be reserved for sporty trims (such as GT Line, S-Line, R-Line) or offered as an option in accessory packs. It is also possible to have them installed aftermarket to customize a vehicle that did not come with them originally.

In conclusion, side skirt protectors are much more than a simple ornament. They represent a wise investment for anyone wishing to durably preserve the condition of their bodywork, and consequently the value of their vehicle, while asserting their style.