What is the benefit of body side molding?

Body side molding primarily protects a vehicle’s paint from door dings, scratches, and curb scuffs, while also offering styling options that can influence resale value. It can also help hide minor blemishes and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.

What is body side molding?

Body side molding is a strip of plastic, metal, or composite material that runs along the lower portion of the doors or the side skirts of a car. It is designed to absorb or deflect minor impacts, such as a neighbor’s door opening into your car, shopping carts, or small rocks that might chip paint. It can be OEM-installed or aftermarket, and finishes range from body color to chrome, matte black, or brushed metal.

Benefits of body side molding

There are several practical advantages drivers look for when considering molding for their vehicle:

• Protection against door dings, scuffs, and minor chips by taking the impact at the point of contact.


• Preservation of the paint finish on high-contact areas, potentially reducing touch-up and repaint costs.


• Visual styling and contouring that can complement the vehicle’s design, with options from color-matched to metallic finishes.


• Potentially improved resale value by maintaining exterior appearance and reducing cosmetic repairs.


• Ease of maintenance, as molding can help intercept dirt and debris that would otherwise reach painted surfaces (though regular cleaning remains important).

In practice, the protective benefit is most noticeable in crowded urban environments and on vehicles with frequently parked sides. It is not a substitute for careful driving or for more robust protective systems on rugged vehicles.

Bottom line: body side molding can be a cost-effective way to protect paint and keep a car looking newer longer, while also offering styling choices that fit different tastes.

Choosing the right molding

When selecting molding, buyers should weigh material, finish, installation method, and how well the moldings fit the car’s lines. Compatibility with factory trim and the potential impact on warranty or future paint work are also worth considering.

• Material and durability: Common options include flexible PVC/ABS for affordability, and aluminum or stainless steel for added durability and a premium look.


• Finish and color: Options range from body color to black, chrome, brushed metal, or matte finishes to match or contrast with the vehicle.


• Mounting method: Adhesive-backed strips (3M-style tape) are common, while some units use clips or screws; professional installation can help avoid paint damage on complex curves.


• Fit and compatibility: Ensure the molding is designed for your specific model and year and matches the vehicle’s door curvature and panel gaps.


• Maintenance and care: Different finishes require different cleaning approaches; some plastics may scratch more easily than metal.


• Cost and resale impact: OEM (original equipment) molding may blend seamlessly with factory design but can be pricier; aftermarket options vary in price and perceived value.

Choosing the right molding means balancing protection, aesthetics, and cost while ensuring a proper fit for your vehicle’s body lines.

Installation and care tips

Simple precautions can maximize protection and longevity of body side molding:

• Have molding installed by a professional if it involves complex curves or requires drilling; improper installation can cause damage to paint or misalignment.


• Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning and maintenance; use non-abrasive cleaners and avoid harsh solvents near adhesive surfaces.


• Inspect the molding periodically for loose edges, warping, or peeling adhesive, and reattach or replace as needed to maintain protection.


• Avoid aggressive scrubbing over the molding, which can wear finishes or loosen fasteners over time.

Regular checks and proper care help keep the molding effective and looking good for years.

Summary

Body side molding offers practical paint protection against everyday hazards like door dings and curb contact, while also providing a range of styling options that can influence a car’s appearance and resale value. When choosing molding, consider material, finish, installation method, and how well it fits your vehicle. With proper installation and maintenance, body side molding can be a cost-effective enhancement that preserves the exterior look of a vehicle and reduces cosmetic repairs over time.

What are the benefits of body side molding?

Body side moldings are one of several things you can do to prevent your car door from being scratched. Body side moldings will protect your doors and potentially other areas of the side of your vehicle, whereas Universal 3D Door Sill Protectors protect the inside sill of your door from your shoes and other hazards.

What are body side mouldings?

Body side molding is a strip of protective material, often made of rubber or plastic, that runs along the side of a vehicle's doors and body panels. Its primary purpose is to protect the paint from scratches and dents from impacts like car doors in parking lots, but it also adds a decorative, custom look.
 
Purpose and function

• Protection: It provides a buffer against scratches, dings, and chips from impacts with other vehicles or objects. 
• Aesthetics: It can enhance a vehicle's appearance and comes in various styles, colors, and finishes like chrome or carbon fiber. 
• Rust prevention: Moldings can provide an additional layer of protection against road salts and moisture, helping to seal small cracks and prevent rust. 

Types and installation

• Universal: These are available for a wide range of vehicles and are often sold in rolls that can be cut to size. 
• Vehicle-specific: Some moldings are precisely engineered for a particular make and model to ensure a perfect fit and finish. 
• Installation: Most types attach with an adhesive, such as 3M tape, and can be installed by simply cleaning the surface and applying the molding. For a factory-like appearance, proper alignment and measurement are crucial. 

Considerations

• Effectiveness: While body side molding is effective at preventing damage from smaller impacts, it may not fully protect a vehicle from a severe impact with a much larger vehicle. 
• Style: The aesthetic appeal of body side molding is subjective and depends on the vehicle and personal preference. 

Is body side molding worth it?

Yes, body side molding is generally considered worth it for the protection it provides against door dings, scratches, and chips, especially in parking lots. It can also enhance a vehicle's appearance and potentially help maintain its resale value, though some people may find the aesthetic unappealing. Ultimately, the value depends on how much you prioritize protection over the initial cost and the aesthetic choice.
 
You can watch this video to see how body side moldings protect a car's doors: 30sSportwingYouTube · Aug 21, 2015
Benefits of body side molding

• Protects against dings and scratches: Molding acts as a physical barrier, preventing common damage from other car doors in parking lots. 
• Saves on repair costs: The cost of the molding and its installation is often less than the expense of repairing paint damage or dents. 
• Maintains resale value: By keeping the car's body in good condition, moldings can help preserve its value. 
• Improves appearance: Many people find that molding adds a subtle touch of style and can make a vehicle stand out. 

Considerations

• Aesthetics: The look of body side molding is a matter of personal taste, and some people don't like the appearance, especially on certain vehicle models. 
• Incomplete protection: Moldings don't prevent all damage; a tall object could still hit the door above the molding, or a "slam" might still cause a dent. 
• Installation: While many can be installed at home, ensuring they are perfectly straight can be challenging without professional installation. 

This video shows the result of using body side molding after a few years: 32sBoilerDan1YouTube · Jan 31, 2023
Who should get them?

• People who park in crowded areas: If you frequently park in tight parking lots, especially with the risk of large SUVs or poorly parked cars, the protection can be invaluable. 
• Families with children: Kids opening doors can be a major cause of dings, and moldings can be particularly useful in this situation. 
• Those prioritizing a pristine car: If keeping your vehicle's paint and body in perfect condition is a high priority, the investment is likely worth it. 

What is body side molding RAV4?

Body side moldings help protect against careless door swings, runaway shopping carts and other parking lot mishaps while adding a little extra exterior style. Color-matched to the exterior paint finish.