Are car side moldings worth it?
Car side moldings, also known as body side moldings, are decorative trim pieces that are installed along the sides of a vehicle. While they may seem like a minor addition, the decision to include them can have a significant impact on the overall appearance and functionality of a car. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of car side moldings to help you determine if they are worth the investment.
What Are Car Side Moldings?
Car side moldings are thin strips of material, typically made of plastic or metal, that are attached to the sides of a vehicle. They serve both a decorative and a practical purpose, helping to protect the car's paint from minor scratches and dents while also enhancing the vehicle's overall aesthetic.
Pros of Car Side Moldings
- Protection against minor damage: Side moldings can help prevent small scratches, dings, and dents caused by things like shopping carts, car doors, and other objects that may come into contact with the car's sides.
- Improved appearance: Many car owners believe that side moldings add a touch of style and sophistication to their vehicle, enhancing its overall look and feel.
- Customization options: Side moldings come in a variety of colors, materials, and designs, allowing car owners to personalize the appearance of their vehicle.
While the benefits of car side moldings may seem appealing, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider.
Cons of Car Side Moldings
- Additional cost: Side moldings can be an additional expense, with the cost varying depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the type of molding chosen.
- Potential for damage: If not installed properly, side moldings can actually cause more damage to the car's paint than they prevent, as they can trap dirt and debris between the molding and the car's surface.
- Reduced fuel efficiency: Some studies have suggested that the added weight and aerodynamic drag of side moldings can slightly decrease a vehicle's fuel efficiency.
Ultimately, whether car side moldings are worth the investment will depend on your personal preferences and the specific needs of your vehicle. If you're looking to protect your car's paint and enhance its appearance, side moldings may be a worthwhile addition. However, if you're primarily concerned with fuel efficiency or want to avoid the additional cost, you may want to consider other options.
What is the main function of beading?
Conceals the expansion gap: This is the primary function of beading, preventing potential issues like warping or buckling of the flooring. Enhances aesthetics: Beading adds a finished and polished look to your flooring, especially when chosen to complement the existing skirting boards and overall design.
What is the purpose of car door molding?
Door moldings serve as a protective layer for the doors. Let's say you open your car door and accidentally hit a wall or pillar. It will hit the door molding instead of the car door body. Door moldings are much cheaper to fix or replace than the entire car door body.
Does wall trim add value?
According to a real estate professional survey by Metrie, 97% of respondents indicate that moldings and trim increase house value.
Do higher trim cars hold value better?
The moral of the resale value story is this: Don't over-customize, but don't cheap-out either. If you opt for a mid- or high-level trim rather than a base model, you'll likely get more money back when it's time to trade or sell. Add all the safety tech you can.
What is the use of side beading on a car?
Vehicle side beadings are car exterior accessories that have been designed to help protect your car from dings and dents. Besides, they will also amp up the look of your car. Most vehicle side beadings are designed to be resistant to dust and grease and do not require much in terms of maintenance.
What are side moldings for?
Item cannot be shipped; In-store pickup only. This product fits 10 vehicle variants. Body side moldings help protect against careless door swings, runaway shopping carts and other parking lot mishaps while adding a little extra exterior style.
What is the purpose of T moldings and reducer strips?
T-moldings are used to create a transition between two floors of equal thickness. For example, in a room that's running over 40 feet in length, we recommend a transition molding to divide the floor and introduce an expansion gap (hidden by the T-molding) within a reasonable distance for structural stability.
What is the purpose of molding?
Moulding (British English), or molding (American English), also coving (in United Kingdom, Australia), is a strip of material with various profiles used to cover transitions between surfaces or for decoration. It is traditionally made from solid milled wood or plaster, but may be of plastic or reformed wood.
What is the purpose of side skirts on a car?
Side skirts are the trim panels that are attached to each side of the car just beneath the driver's and passenger-side doors, offering both protection and increasing aerodynamic performance. Air that moves in from the sides to the underneath of the car (to the chassis) can disrupt the low-pressure front.
Are car body side moldings worth it?
Affordability. Preventing scratches, dings, and dents also prevents the costs that come along with getting your paint repaired and dents removed. There isn't much point in getting body side moldings if they were to cost more than it costs to repair your door if it were to get damaged.
