I just purchased a 2016 new Sorento SX Plus (Canadian model). While waxing the car today, I noticed on the lower corner, near the tire, rear doors on both sides a rectangular area with defined edges like a patch. Difficult to describe, first I thought a deep scratch...... but on further exam it was rectangular like a patch. Anyone else? If not take a look at yours and see if anything similar. Puzzling.
Patches on lower rear door
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It is a film to protect areas that are likely to get hit by rocks (keep the paint from chipping when rocks fly by at 70 mph and hit it as it sticks out slightly).... or that is my best guess.
it is exactly thatIt is a film to protect areas that are likely to get hit by rocks (keep the paint from chipping when rocks fly by at 70 mph and hit it as it sticks out slightly).... or that is my best guess.
I have those patches as well (I think)
@CWayne - thanks for bringing this up.
I had noticed these "stickers" as well (see attached picture with red arrows added to show where this is on door) and was wondering whether to take them off or whether teh dealer as part of the PDI should have done so. Similar patch on the passenger side rear door but i have not uploaded that picture
Any guidance on this appreciated
@CWayne - thanks for bringing this up.
I had noticed these "stickers" as well (see attached picture with red arrows added to show where this is on door) and was wondering whether to take them off or whether teh dealer as part of the PDI should have done so. Similar patch on the passenger side rear door but i have not uploaded that picture
Any guidance on this appreciated
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2016 FIAT 500X Trekking Plus AWD; 2016 Kia Forte5 SX 1.6T A/T
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No, do NOT. Keep them there.
DON'T REMOVE THEM, they are there to give you additional protection from chips. I have something similar on my Soul, also had it on my Soul prior to that and my Rondo prior to that. Stickers that are protection when shipping are general white, not clear and therefore will be removed by the dealer when they do the PDI.
thank you @PLP and @conwelpic - will ensure these are not removed / taken off. I had not noticed a similar patch on the Sorento frame (as in conwelpic's picture of Soul) but will take a closer look later today. Are there any other such patches?
And, (not to be a pain in rear), why are these patches on the rear doors? My assumption is stone chips (presumably from an adjoining vehicle given the Sorento's front wheels have mud flaps) have an equal likelihood of hitting any part of the Sorento's side. thanks in advance
And, (not to be a pain in rear), why are these patches on the rear doors? My assumption is stone chips (presumably from an adjoining vehicle given the Sorento's front wheels have mud flaps) have an equal likelihood of hitting any part of the Sorento's side. thanks in advance
Once again, they cover the access ports for the blind spot radar. Otherwise they would have to cut into the doors to repair the system, and I don't know if the radar could penetrate the metal anyway.
???
I don't think you are talking about the same thing as being discussed. The patches in question are on the lower corners of the back doors on several models to protect them from paint chips.
Blind spot radar is in the rear bumper.
yes its to prevent stone chips, that are kicked up by the front wheels on your own vehicle, I have OEM mudflaps on mine and I've even put on an extension but it still gets crap and stuff in that area - its a good thing my 2016 has a much larger "clear patch" that my 2012 as that was no large enough to protect that area properly.
A good test is looking at the side of the vehicle in winter when you can clearly see where the slush (or when driven on a muddy road) hits the vehicle coming from the front wheels - hence the reason for the extended mudflaps on the front - doesn't solve it but helps.
I think the rear avoidance radar is in the rear bumper. The patches on the doors are clearly NOT for stone protection.
Care to enlighten us as to what you think they are intended for? I'm in agreement with the majority who say they are protection against stone chips.
They are clear pieces of film over the metal of the door. See pictures earlier in this thread for what is being discussed. I have a 2012 Soul that has these same patches and the 2012 Soul does not have blind spot radar.
The back bumper of the Sorento contains 2 blind spot radar detection units, 2 reverse sensors and the sensors for the auto lift gate function.
See attached parts diagram for rear bumper components.
Also see attached parts diagram where the patch being discussed is called a "stone guard".
Also, here are the instructions for removing the blind spot detection sensors:
Blind spot detection (BSD) unit
1. Disconnect the negative ()
battery terminal.
Be careful when removing the blind spot detection unit. The bracket may break off from the bumper.
2. Remove the rear bumper.
(Refer to Body "Rear Bumper Cover")
3. Disconnect the BSD connector (A) from the BSD unit.
4. Remove the BSD assembly (A) after loosening the mounting nuts.
When removing the BSD unit, be careful not to be damaged the bracket of BSD.
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I agree I'm curious too as to what they are for then if we are all wrong
The poster above you provided us with the proof of what they are intended for (image2).I agree I'm curious too as to what they are for then if we are all wrong
Appreciate the detailed responses @conwelpic and @jasonamd. I hadnt realised the stone chips would be from my own car - which was quite relevant as my daily drive includes a construction area where gravel has crept onto the driving area.
that said - i checked my vehicle and it does not have the patches on the frame (shown by the arrows on the left in @conwelpic's picture). This is the situation on both passenger side as well as driver side of the vehicle. Do any of you have the equivalent patches on the Sorento (SX in my case)? Or is that the door / wheel well design of the Soul requires the extra patch. Thanks in advance and for your guidance on this issue
that said - i checked my vehicle and it does not have the patches on the frame (shown by the arrows on the left in @conwelpic's picture). This is the situation on both passenger side as well as driver side of the vehicle. Do any of you have the equivalent patches on the Sorento (SX in my case)? Or is that the door / wheel well design of the Soul requires the extra patch. Thanks in advance and for your guidance on this issue
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