Snowbelt cinder damage question

[nepa4r]

These are pics of what the wheel opening trim pieces look like after 5 NE PA winters. My 4runner needs to go in the body shop next week and considering getting the pieces repaired or replaced and adding running boards for prtection. So if you live in the snow belt and have running boards I would appreciate looking to see if you have the same problem or if the running boards protected the trim pieces. I don't want to spend the money just to have it happen all over again. Thanks for looking!

 

[philsey]

Yes, I live in a snow, salt, sand region.
Yes, I have had RBs on since new.
No, I do not have any 'speckles' like yours.

My windshield however, is another story. Facing the sun, it looks like a [MENTION=93894]J-BlickPhoto[/MENTION] of the nighttime sky.

 

[JayceeP]

I noticed that from day 1. I have a couple of knicks in that area and also on the paint as well. Kind of a poor design as the door bows outward toward the wheel well. Anyway it's very minor but I also installed mud guards before my first winter and that definitely helped mitigate road rash. Just from looking it appears quite evident running board would eliminate the problem completely.

 

[philsey]

I noticed that from day 1. I have a couple of knicks in that area and also on the paint as well. Kind of a poor design as the door bows outward toward the wheel well. Anyway it's very minor but I also installed mud guards before my first winter and that definitely helped mitigate road rash. Just from looking it appears quite evident running board would eliminate the problem completely.

Good point ... I should add that I have mud guards too.

 

[Titanpat57]

My wife asked to get rid of my running boards, outside of a few pinstripes gained at the mall, the bottom paint on the doors was pristine...not so much anymore...:roadkill:

 

[philsey]

My wife asked to get rid of my running boards, outside of a few pinstripes gained at the mall, the bottom paint on the doors was pristine...not so much anymore...:roadkill:

Another good point. RBs get dirty in the bad weather. You have to step ON them getting in and out. If you attempt to step over them, you will get your legs/pants dirty. Even though my wife is short, she likes to slide out of her seat, usually getting her legs dirty.

 

[mattr]

I went to have a look and it turns out my dealer put 3m in that exact spot I guess when they did the bumper and hood.

 

[Boyds4Runner]

My 2004 SR5 and my 2015 both had the running boards and mud-flaps since the beginning and neither have had the pitting shown in your pictures. I think your idea will work for you.

 

[nepa4r]

Thanks for the info everyone. Guess I'll get the repair and running boards. BTW, I had Husky mud guards since it was new. Probly would of had more pitting without them.

 

[DEERUNNER]

No experience with running boards but I have a question: are they really spreading cinder where you drive? Or are you using that as a general term? We have a nasty mix of sand and large salt chunks thrown on our local roads. Thanks.

 

[bloodninja]

No experience with running boards but I have a question: are they really spreading cinder where you drive? Or are you using that as a general term? We have a nasty mix of sand and large salt chunks thrown on our local roads. Thanks.

Yes, they legitimately use cinder, sand, and pebbles on the roads in PA. Sometimes they use salt, but mostly on the highways, since the former is much less expensive for smaller towns to use on local roads.
It works well in snow and ice, but when it eventually melts, it's like driving on marbles.

 

[1engineer]

I have the same issue but touch up paint is a lot cheaper than running boards that would just get torn off by a stump, rock or ditch. Touch up paint FTW.