hades281

On both sides of the car, there is a protective film on the rear doors and a strip around part of the rear fender. Should the dealer have removed this film? Why is it here?

Because the car is white, you always see the dirty outline of the film where dirt has stuck to the adhesive at the edge of the film.

Thanks!

redcupr

Yes, they should both be on the car after delivery. Supposedly they'll protect the paint from rocks kicked up by the front tires.

But if you look at the trajectory a rock would take, it's highly unlikely it would hit the side of the car where the film is.

My car's white also and the dirt catches on the edge. I've found no good way to clean the edge, I'm pretty sure I'm going to peel both pieces off shortly.

dbs600

Yes, 100% should be there, and trust me, you want it!

If it wasn't, there'd be a class action lawsuit for design defect, the result of which would be a paint job and adding it...

Definitely don't remove it.

hades281

Here is another shot of the 2nd fim:

hades281

Any tips on cleaning this area without damaging the edges of the film or the adhesion of the film to the body??

dbs600

Sorry, but I don't have any recommendations for cleaning.

Many manufacturers are adding these films these days.

I'd say try small amounts of rubbing alcohol, but yes, be mindful of the adhesion.

Joe Z

iTrader: (10)

Yes that is a HIGH IMPACT area on the MY14 IS... You can try to use quick detailer to clean the dirt out..

I had a major rock impact in the #2 area on my IS-F.. It tore the film..
I simple replaced the OEM film with a new piece

~ Joe Z

titoman110

I had that same protective film on my Ultra White IS3 and took them off. On a White IS3 it gets too dirty on the edges and makes the car look really dirty in that area. If the car was grey, black or darker color you really don't have that problem there with dirt getting on the edge. So that's why I decided to take the film off on those areas even thought at a risk of rock chips and damage to it.

Skinny05

I have the same problem. I'm not sure that it would work, but I may try a clay bar to pick up the debris next time I give her a wash.

Motivated1

Yes, they are there to protect against rock chips. I have a black IS3 and didn't even notice them until i read this thread...lol. Thanks

Skinny05

I have the same problem on mine. Not sure if it would work, but I'm gonna try a clay bar next I give her a wash.

Stitch626

iTrader: (2)

Salesman told me to use a toothbrush soft bristle to clean the edges and you'll be good bud def recommend leaving on!

Oxytocin

I had mine redone with VentureShield. It looks cleaner than the original, plus the two pieces match up.

dbs600

It's a no brainer, you should leave them on, unless you want to expose your car to the potential to rust.

As far as cleaning, the toothbrush idea is a good one...

JGard18

I've seen a few WRXs where even that plastic gets worn away and the paint destroyed by rock chips. I have no idea why all of a sudden those are problem areas on new cars, but that film in that location is becoming rather popular. Leave it be.