If your mechanic is advising you to repair your Dodge Charger Quarter Panel that you have accidentally damaged a few days ago then read this blog. Here you will find answers to all your queries about whether to repair or replace the damaged quarter panel.

Let’s Start….

The body of a vehicle is made up of different panels including a quarter panel and every part is vital for the performance and visual appeal of the vehicle. Before you think of repairing or replacing a part, you should consider the placement and functionality of the part in the vehicle.

Quarter Panel location

Your car has two-quarter panels and both of which are located at the rear end of the vehicle. The part between the rear door and the trunk of the car is a Dodge Charger quarter panel. And there are two such parts on both sides of the car. If you go close to the rear end of your car, you will find that the panel extends above and around the rear wheels of the vehicle.

Also, you can locate the quarter panels of your car due to the wear and tear they often endure. Since they are located just above the wheels, they accrue a lot of dirt and debris over time. Also, they are highly prone to impact damage in minor accidents due to their location. And when a panel is damaged, it is either repaired or replaced depending on the condition.

Importance Of Quarter Panel

Quarter panels are important for a vehicle for a couple of the following reasons

Aesthetics

The quarter panels make the rear end of your vehicle and hence play a crucial role in improving the look of your car. They define the shape of the car. For example, cars with angular panels get a sharper form but softer panels give a curvier look to a car. And damaging a Dodge Charger quarter panel will be spoiling the look of your vehicle.

When you clean your car, you put more focus on the quarter panels because they gather more dust and debris than the other parts. Also, dirty panels can make your vehicle appear dirty. In other words, if you are concerned about the look and feel of your car, you won’t leave the quarter panels of your car dirty. You will even try to erase minor scratches and bruises from those panels.

Support

It is the functional part of the quarter panels. If you study the design of your car, you will find that the outer frame of the car rests on these panels. They support the back trunk panel as well as the rear fender/bumper of the car. And damaging your Dodge Charger quarter panel will be weakening the support of the vehicle. If the part is damaged, it should be replaced with a new piece to strengthen the support.

Protection

Quarter panels protect the other panels and the rear wheels in the event of minor accidents. Also, they protect the rear undercarriage of the car from dirt and debris that jump into the vehicle with the force generated by the wheels. They also protect the rear end from oil smears and road tar. If a quarter panel of your car is damaged, it won’t be able to provide the protection your vehicle needs to remain clean.

Replacing A Quarter Panel

Now it is clear to you that a Dodge Charger Quarter Panel is an important part of your car. It enhances the look and feels of the vehicle. Also, it protects the surrounding panels and the rear undercarriage of the vehicle.

• The rear wheels of a car often throw up debris including road tar while driving. The stuff grinds its way into the paint when build up over time. It can even break down car sealant.

• One of the quarter panels of your car is always exposed to extreme weather conditions regularly. Also, the panel just above the exhaust pipe of your car faces extreme heat while the car is on the move. The heat can melt the paint. In winter, the freezing temperature could wrap the metal because cold clashes with heat.

• Quarter panels are also prone to minor accidents due to their location near the back bumpers. Whenever you drive in the thick of traffic, you could bruise or dent your quarter panels against others.

• The above-mentioned are some of the reasons why car owners often change the quarter panels of their vehicles. You can also consider changing your Dodge Charger quarter panel for one of those reasons. Fortunately, these parts sometimes come in multiple sections like upper and lower panels.

Check whether your vehicle has a single panel or is divided into sections. In the case of multiple sections, it is affordable to change a panel. But replacing single panels could become an expensive affair.

Should I Replace The Quarter Panels Of My Car?

We have discussed every aspect of quarter panels. You know their placement, aesthetic value, and functions. Also, you know that changing a panel that has multiple sections is more affordable than changing one that comes in a single piece. But you should keep in mind that a Dodge Charger quarter panel is necessary for the overall structural integrity of your vehicle.

It is the best practice to simply replace a damaged panel to maintain the structural integrity and visual appearance of your vehicle. Another advantage of replacing a damaged panel is that it will look much better than one that is hastily repaired or welded to the body of the car. It will look awkward because welding can never bring it back into its original shape.

Replacing a Dodge Charger Quarter Panel won’t usually cost you too much. You can easily buy a smaller upper/lower panel for an affordable price of $50. But a single panel comprising both upper and lower sections could cost between $100 to $1000 depending on the quality and model of the vehicle. But replacing a panel is always worth the price.