Side sill clear plastic

[thrasher]

I was just wondering if the dealer is supposed to leave 2 stripes of clear plastic tape on the side sill at the rear doors, where the sill bends. It looks aweful because dirt is getting under it. Does anyone else have this? And does it serve a purpose? There is no tape on the front

Thanks.

[S.F.W.]

just pull the tape off. It is likely put there prior to transport.

[Caz]

It is there to prevent stone chips. Mazda added that in '05 or '06 as lots of cars were getting stone chips there, I also believe Mazda was re-painting the side sill for people at no charge if their car didn't come with it.

[Wild Weasel]

Yeah, if you're going to take it off because dirt got under it, I'd get new stuff and replace it. I was happy to see it when I got my car. I figured they'd had issues with chips or something and had done something about it. Good for Mazda!

[EvilDeadFan]

Does anyone have pics? I must be tired because I can't imagine where this is for some reason.

[Skarbro]

I wouldn't even consider removing it. It's there to protect the paint permanently.

[RedRaptor]

As mentioned, its there to protect the side sill from paint chips. I have a 2004 model and Mazda did not include them back then. Good thing I realized that I was getting an abnormal amount of rock chips (before it was too late) there and contacted Joe (MoT). I had to purchase them for my 2004 and they weren't cheap...you're looking at $25 for both sides...so you might want to think twice before removing them.

[nicker]

I have no idea what you are refering to? I have an 07 and Haven't noticed it?

[EvilDeadFan]

Yeah can someone make an illustration or take a pic? I have a 2006 and have no idea where you're talking about...

[Wild Weasel]

It's just some plastic film, the same as that clear-bra stuff, that's stuck to parts of the skirt around where it curves up at the bottom of the back door.

[Xerox]

Not close enough to actually see it but here's where you'll find it:

(this is not my car)
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p101/planetxerox/IMG_0378_vga_2.jpg

Our cars are not the only ones susceptible to damage to that area. A lot of other manufacturers protect that area with tape.

[EvilDeadFan]

Ahhh yes. Looks nearly identical to mine. Titanium Grey 2.3. I just might have that tape.

[Wild Weasel]

Shame on you! If you didn't know it was there, then you've clearly never properly waxed your car!! :chuckle

[RX9]

i have it as well.