Do you know the important role that rocker panels play in ensuring the safe operation of your vehicle? While they may not be the most commonly thought of auto parts, rocker panels help assist with the strength, efficiency, and aesthetic of your car.
Located on the sides of your car, between the front and rear wheel wells, rockers help absorb collision force and increase rigidity, resulting in better handling while driving. At CAPS (Central Alberta Paint & Supplies), we know that rocker panels are crucial to safe operation and that repair and replacements are essential for continued performance. Below, we’ll talk about 5 key facts about rocker panels, as well as the benefits of partnering with CAPS for autobody parts.
Structural Integrity
Rocker panels are an integral part of a vehicle’s structural framework and, as mentioned above, help to establish the appropriate rigidity for operations. They are positioned along the lower side of the vehicle and serve to connect the front and rear of the chassis and help distribute weight and stress evenly. Rocker panels also contribute to balance and stability.
Impact Resistance
One of the most important roles rocker panels play is their ability to withstand impacts from road debris and during minor collisions. In the event of a sudden collision, the design of rocker panels helps to prevent debris from hitting vital car components, and helps to redistribute force energy more evenly to lessen the damage transferred to vehicle occupants.
Reinforcement
Rocker panels help to shape and reinforce your car’s frame, which ultimately reduces the flex of your car and strengthens structural integrity. This is vital in the event of an accident, as rocker panels help the cabin to maintain its shape, acting as a safety cocoon for occupants. Structural integrity can be particularly vital in the event of a side collision, where a lack of barrier would otherwise transfer energy to passengers and increase the overall damage to the vehicle itself.
Corrosion Protection
Rocker panels, like the rest of your vehicle, are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including rain, snow, salt, and mud. Over time, these elements can lead to corrosion and rust, which can compromise the integrity and appearance of the panels. Fortunately, just as they protect debris from hitting more vulnerable areas of your car, they can also help minimize the spread of corrosion with proper care and maintenance.
How to Protect Rocker Panels
Like every vehicle component, rocker panels will degrade over time. Regular inspection for signs of rust and wear is essential to preventing premature ageing and damage, as is applying rust-proof coatings or undercoating spray in environments that face a high level of road salt or corrosive chemicals during winter months, etc.
You can keep your rockers looking their best (which boosts the overall ‘curb appeal’ of your vehicle by utilizing custom skirts and covers and using paint touch-ups where necessary.
Maintenance and Repair
Maintaining rocker panels is essential for the longevity and safety of your vehicle, as well as for aesthetic purposes and maintaining resale value. Damaged or rusted panels should be repaired or replaced quickly to avoid further issues. Minor damage, like rust spots, can typically be easily repaired, and small dings and scratches can often be sanded down and repaired. More severe rust, dents, or warping, on the other hand, will need to be replaced to avoid faulty performance.
For significant repairs, it’s advisable to avoid DIY work to ensure that you don’t miss any alignment points that may allow moisture in and leave your frame more vulnerable to rust and corrosion.
Aftermarket Upgrades
Aftermarket upgrades can be a great way to optimize your vehicle’s performance and appearance and are available in a wide variety of materials, including stainless steel, aluminium, fiberglass and more. Some models even include built-in steps or slides for additional protection against rocks and debris, as well as offering a stable platform while entering and exiting the vehicle.
Rock Panels and More at CAPS
With one of the largest online and in-store inventories in Western Canada, Central Alberta Paint & Supplies has everything you need to keep your rock panels in top shape. From paint and repair supplies to full-scale replacement parts, we make it easy to find the pieces you need to keep your vehicle safe and operational.
Learn more by contacting our team today!