I just got a 97 civic CX, and from what I've read, the wheel well plastic lining is what causes dirt to accumulate and quicken the fenders from rusting. Do ppl usually remove these? Or remove, clean, then put them back on? any advice would be appreciated, because I've heard mixed opinions on whats best to prevent the fenders from rusting.

In terms of preventing rust, washing the car regularly is not a problem because i park underground, and the car wash bay is about 10 spots away from mine. I was thinking of taking the car to a shop to get undercoated and rustproofed, but some ppl say this speeds up the car from rust?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

From what I understand, the rear wheel wells use a rubber lining/gasket.. remove those and clean the lip and just leave it off. The fronts are plastic, it's part of the whole wheel-well plastic shield. Nobody's recommended to me atleast to remove that to prevent rusting. But the rear can definately trap moisture. I think the front lining is tight enough against the fender to cause any issues.

 

You hear mixed opinions because it's a catch 22.

If you keep the lining on there, you have a good chance of acumulating dirt & salt. Which will chip paint in your 1/4 panel and rust.

If you remove it, it will be bare and "unprotected" in a sense. In this way, the rocks will shoot up from your rear wheels and chip your paint again, thus causing rust.

I've seen both methods unable to prevent rust. It's just the latter is the least of the two evil and causes less rust.

Edit: Winter climates FTL.

 

this is correct.
the rear rubber trim on the quarter panel wheel well has to come off.

dont drive in the winter is also correct

 

remove rear wheel trim, fill with rust check or another corrosion inhibitor, reinstall.