Rocker panels or simply rockers are stamped pieces of metal running along the sides of your vehicle between the front and rear wheels. They are structural reinforcements connecting the front and rear portion of your vehicle. For example, rockers prevent the back portion of a vehicle intact during a collision.
Placement Of Rockers
Rockers are installed on each side of your vehicle. You can find them under the doors between the front and rear wheels openings. They form the bottom edge of the cabin capsule and protect you from impact during a collision. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, rockers could be welded or slipped into the vehicle's body.
Rust And Rockers
Due to their positioning just over the wheels, rocker panels become more vulnerable to rust. Since they are exposed to road debris and moisture deposits on the road, they are prone to rust and corrosion in the long run. But the bigger problem is that they are often left out in routine washing due to their inaccessible position.
Rockers remain out of the sight and some people even cover them with plastic or metal trim that further makes them invisible. In other words, they don’t get regular cleaning and maintenance just because of their position. But they are important for the overall structural reinforcement of your vehicle.
Driving With Rusted Rockers
Rusting of rocker panels compromises the integrity of the vehicle body and makes the cabin less resilient to a crash. Also, holes created by rust could allow harmful exhaust to enter the cabin and pollute the interior. Also, rusted rockers make it difficult to attach your factory jack. And the only way to avoid the problem is to replace the rusted rockers with new pieces. But first, you should try to keep the rockers of your vehicle in good condition by proper cleaning.
Comments