Greetings to one and all, I live in central Indiana and I was just wondering if anyone else is experiencing the problem of paint damage, due to the use of sand on the road in the winter time???? If so, please let me know. My HHR currently DOES NOT have the factory running boards on it. So, I had the Splash Guards installed so as to help prevent damage to my vehicle (alas - this did not help much). So far the only HHR's that I have seen with the same type of damage also DO NOT have the running boards. If your HHR has the factory running board - count yourself lucky or fortunate. Currently I have been in contact with GM about trying to get the paint damaged to my vehicle repaired. Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the Forum

Yes this has been a long time issue starting in Feb 06
The fix has been to add the runningboards and mud flaps.

Reading material:

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/show...=runningboards

 

to the site and unfortunately to the club of sandblasted rear fenders. Luckily, I learned quickly about the problem and had both running boards and splash guards installed at cost after just a couple weeks of ownership.

 

What year of HHR do you own?

 

Welcome. After reading the forum for awhile before I bought a HHR, I knew I then wanted the running boards, but they now get covered with snow and ice on the top and bottom, I also have OEM molded splash guards. Solution now is to move south but afraid that won't be soon enough. Believe they made the boards standard on all models in Canada because of the problem.

 

Please note........the running boards is not a cure for this problem, it just slows the sandblasting down. I drove my HHR of the lot w/ running boards and still had signs of the sandblasting a year later.

BTW......

 

Nope, not standard in Canada either. When I bought my '08, the one next to it had no boards, but the price was the same. Perhaps a no cost option.
Glad I went the right way on that choice. Now Im also looking for the molded "HHR" logo mud flaps for a decent price. I may also get the clear vinyl for the fenders, already have it for the nose to put on when it gets warmer.

 

http://chevroletpartspeople.com/Sear...+Splash+Guards
$55.20 here,

 

In the areas we live in, you're gonna get damage to your car/truck no matter what you drive, if used in the winter! So, you might as well drive something that doesn't look like everything else on the road, gets good mileage, & handles well in the snow/ice!

 

Just found my first 2 scratches on my baby. Just over 15000 kms. Makes me want to cry! I will be getting them fixed ASAP. Has anyone ever tried those scratch remover products with any success?