Rocker panels are one of the most important parts of your car, but they’re also one of the most overlooked. A lot of people don’t know what they are, or why they’re so important. And even if you do know what rocker panels are, you might not be sure how to keep them in good condition.
They’re made out of plastic or fiberglass and sit on the sides of your car just below the doors and above the tires. These panels protect your car from road debris like sticks and rocks, as well as mud, water, and ice that can build up around the wheel wells when it rains heavily outside all while protecting against rusting underneath each wheel arch.
They also provide extra support for passengers when getting into/out of their cars because there’s more room between them and whatever’s underneath those wheels.
If your vehicle has been through an accident where these parts were damaged or torn off completely then it won’t be safe for a drive until they’ve been repaired/replaced properly.
Why do you need rocker panels?
They’re made out of plastic or fiberglass and sit on the sides of your car just below the doors and above the tires. These panels protect your car from road debris like sticks and rocks, as well as mud, water, and ice that can build up around the wheel wells when it rains heavily outside all while protecting against rusting underneath each wheel arch.
They also provide extra support for passengers when getting into/out of their cars because there’s more room between them and whatever’s underneath those wheels. If your vehicle has been through an accident where these parts were damaged or torn off completely then it won’t be safe to drive until they’ve been repaired/replaced properly.
How do you drive without rocker panels?
Driving without rocker panels is a lot more difficult than it sounds. The first thing you’ll notice is that your car is much more sensitive to bumps and dings, and you’ll have a really hard time parking.
It’s important to think about how much you’re willing to sacrifice for this look because the downsides are many. If you’re still interested in driving without rocker panels, here’s what you should know.
Your car will be more susceptible to damage from bumps and dings. You’ll need to be extra careful when parking or driving through rough terrain. Driving with no rocker panels may make it difficult for other drivers to see your vehicle if they’re approaching from behind in low light conditions.
What did you need to know about rocker panels before you drive without them?
Before you go rock crawling without rocker panels, there are some things that you should know. If you’re not sure what those are, it’s probably best to leave them on! Driving without rocker panels is risky enough you don’t want to add additional danger by speeding or getting distracted while driving over rough terrain.
Benefits of rocker panel installation
Rocker panels are a great addition to your vehicle, but they can be expensive. If you’re on a budget, but still want the benefits of rocker panel installation,
Check out the aftermarket. You can find plenty of companies that specialize in designing and selling rocker panel kits that will fit your vehicle’s make and model. These can usually be purchased for less than half of what it would cost to have them installed by a professional.
Do the work yourself! It may take some time and effort, but if you’re handy with tools and have a little bit of patience, this is an affordable option for those who want rocker panels but don’t want to spend too much money on professional installation services.
If your rocker panels are damaged
If your rocker panels are damaged, it’s important that you have them repaired as soon as possible the longer you wait, the more likely it is that other parts of your car will be damaged by rocks or debris.
You should also consider whether or not you can drive without rocker panels until you get them fixed. If it’s a small hole in one panel (and not an entire panel), it might be okay to drive with just one side covered up by tape or something similar until you get them fixed.
Conclusion
Rocker panels are a vital part of your vehicle. When you need to replace them, it’s important to know what kind of rocker panels you need—and how much they’ll cost you.