SB1500 said:

I’ve noticed when washing the new Panda that at the mid point of the underbody on the sill edges there are these little black stickers, same as the body colour paint. They’re half peeled off, and the sponge catches on them.



What are these for?

Are they factory fitted?

Are they paramount to the car lasting long?



I’d like to go and get Fiat to fix them under warranty before it runs out if they’re from factory. If not and it’s part of some kind of aftermarket protections somebody had added then I’ll ignore them.



Thanks

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SB1500 said:

What are these for?
Are they factory fitted?
Are they paramount to the car lasting long?

I’d like to go and get Fiat to fix them under warranty before it runs out

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gar074 said:

Seriously? If you think you can rely on stickers - whether factory fit or not - to protect your underbody, you're heading for big disappointment. I can only imagine the hilarity if you were to ask for them to be fixed under warranty.

Sorry to be so blunt, but ffs...

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Herts Hillhopper said:

I meant to add: I have never yet seen rust form on any part of the bodywork of any of the four Pandas I’ve owned since 2007... even when an off-road misadventure left a nasty looking gash in the paint of the rear door. They are very well protected. Those ‘stickers’ may be there to stop the holes that are used to fit the plastic sill protectors to on the 4x4 and Cross models becoming covered when the chip-guard is sprayed on at the factory, so the holes for the fixing plugs aren't obstructed.

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Herts Hillhopper said:

Let’s have a stab at an answer:

Much more likely causes of rot are the accumulation of mud, especially salt-laden mud, in the drain holes of the sills, the subframe and the suspension parts - the latter two of which are not galvanised. The best way to keep them in good order is a well-directed jet from a hose regularly during and straight after winter. (Not a pressure washer - that is too powerful, a hose hose s fine)
.

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Herts Hillhopper said:

Let’s have a stab at an answer:
First up, the entire car is galvanised, so even if not painted, it will not rust.
Second, I suspect those stickers are put in the car before the plastic chip-resist is applied, to stop it getting into places it shouldn’t - there are several across the bottom of the car.
If they come off, it’s not a problem, as the ‘bare’ surface has been galvanised and primed.
They are not ‘essential’ and their loss will not invalidate the rust-proof warranty. However, not having the bodywork of the car inspected by a dealer at the prescribed intervals will. If during those inspections, they feel they neeed to be replaced, they will be.
Much more likely causes of rot are the accumulation of mud, especially salt-laden mud, in the drain holes of the sills, the subframe and the suspension parts - the latter two of which are not galvanised. The best way to keep them in good order is a well-directed jet from a hose regularly during and straight after winter. (Not a pressure washer - that is too powerful, a hose hose s fine)
.

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Motorcyclist Colin said:

Hi H.H.
I note subframe & suspension parts are not galvanised. Would you recommend some anti-rust treatment eg Waxoyl while car is relatively new. Mine is a 4x4 reg. June 2018 but has only just got to 5000 miles. Thanks in anticipation

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murphyv310 said:

I pulled all the ones off my 2014 lounge and the 2017 Cross to let the cavities breathe. There was damp under the stickers that covered holes on mine.

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SB1500 said:

So there are confirmed bolt holes underneath? Maybe I should peel them off and find suitable sized bolts, with anti seize compound applied to them, to help keep them from corroding beyond use? Or will I certainly, 100% never need them since the car will never be a 4x4?

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