How You Know It’s Time To Replace Your Scrape Guard
Scrape guards, also called under guards or splash shields, prevent damage to your vehicle’s bodywork, drivetrain, and accessories. They take the dings, bumps, and scrapes so your vehicle doesn’t have to.
Of course, if the impact that causes the damage also breaks your scrape guard, it’s time for a new one. In this blog, we examine the different types of damage scrape guards protect against. And when it’s time to replace them.
Types Of Damage
Road debris, stones, and parking lot dings are just some of the hazards we face each day. Your Subaru’s scrape guard takes the brunt of these encounters. In most cases, an under guard or cover guard will last for years. Even after countless off-road excursions and bumped doors. That’s what they’re designed to do - you can learn more about their purpose here.
You find them on the undercarriage, bumpers, bodywork, and in the wheel arches. But wear and tear, or a particularly nasty bump, can damage them beyond repair. Several common impacts such as:
- Stones and grime flicked onto the bodywork
- Doors bumped into walls or parked vehicles
- Water sprayed onto the bodywork and under wheel arches
- Snow berms make contact with the front lower scrape guard
...can cause damage to the various undercarriage scrape guards installed on your Subaru. However, you might also encounter some uncommon impact types such as:
- Large stones kicked up by the tires
- Hitting big obstacles on a trail
- Slamming doors into hard objects
Is Replacement Necessary?
Let's say you hit a nasty pothole or accidentally drive over some road debris and hear a crunch - what now? How do you know if the integrity of your scrape guard is compromised? Here are the things you should check for:
- Wide cracks along the scrape guard
- Broken or missing sections
- Dents or bends in material
- Worn and badly scratched surfaces
- Missing or broken fasteners
If your scrape guard is barely hanging on to the bodywork and clearly damaged, it’s time for a replacement. Leaving your underguard dangling isn’t a good idea. It may rip off and damage the your engine or drive train components or become an obstacle for other road users.
Damaged splash guards behind the tires won’t effectively stop stones and mud from flicking up on the bodywork.
In most cases, replacing the broken sections is the only solution. And if you are selling your car, it shows the potential buyer that you have cared for it.
Mudguards and undercarriage guards are usually made from hard plastic. Trying to repair them is unlikely to work if they become cracked or broken. Replacing them with a generic aftermarket part is also a bad idea. Your best option is to source an OEM Subaru part that is guaranteed to fit right. And will continue protecting your Subaru from road hazards.
OEM Scrape Guards From Subaru Parts Plus
Subaru Parts Plus is part of a family-owned Subaru dealership. We have been supplying quality OEM Subaru parts since 2005. Our staff has a parts knowledge that is second to none. They will be more than happy to help you find the perfect replacement scrape guard for your Subaru.
Subaru’s manufacturer warranty backs every OEM part. So, give us a call at 1-888-294-4979 or get in touch online for the right part at the right price.