Hello all,

I just picked up my 2011 Malibu LTZ. After getting the car home and drying it off as it was raining all day, I was able to go over the car and fully inspect it. It seems that on the rocker covers in front of the rear wheels it has clear tape. I would think that in front of the rear wheels is not where most of the dirt and rocks would hit..

Anyone else have this on their car and also the rocker covers are not flush in the back, they stick out about 1/4 inch or so. Any one able to get their rocker covers flush in the back?

got a pic?

here are the only pics I have at the moment. I know the second one is harder to see.
http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x475/mariobro54/DSC02652.jpghttp://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x475/mariobro54/DSC02651.jpg

The front wheels will throw road grit right where the protective tape is. G.M. has put this on many of their cars, and pickups. It really does help prevent sandblasting. Every Malibu I see, including mine has this rocker panel sticking out in the rear. I assume it's that way on purpose.

The front wheels will throw road grit right where the protective tape is. G.M. has put this on many of their cars, and pickups. It really does help prevent sandblasting. Every Malibu I see, including mine has this rocker panel sticking out in the rear. I assume it's that way on purpose.

I agree.

Bill

One rocker was sticking out a little further than the other on mine, so I fixed it Iin doing so found that they will not go in flush even though that's how it would appear they should be...

Mario Bro,

Since this is a front wheel drive vehicle, the wheels with torque have more tendencies to throw rocks. Engineering has decided through testing, to put the protective tape in that spot to help prevent rocks from chipping the paint.

Michelle, Chevrolet Customer Service