Hello, Have been a Prius C owner since 10/2018. The car has been just fine and I have been taking good care of it, but I noticed something about the paint just today. I noticed that the paint at the very bottom of the body running from below the driver’s seat to the left passenger side feels lumpy or bumpy. Not sure if its on the right side of the car as well. I have two attached photos below. The rough area is at the very bottom near the black rubber component (the dark band that look crumpled). What should I do? Note: Harder to see in the second picture, but its that lumpy texture near the white flash of my phone.
No need to worry, there's not anything wrong. That surface is the way it is supposed to be. Take a look the next time you see a Prius C in a parking lot. You'll see it. I was once told the reason the surface is like that, but for the life of me I can't recall the reason... But I want to say it was to prevent rock/debri damage on that area of the vehicle, which would lead to corrosion if the bare metal were exposed.
For a comparison: Honda rocker panels usually have a dappled texture. I think they apply a rubbery coat first, then paint over it. There's some mention of it in the literature, but I can't find it at the moment.
Yes, i forgot to do it sooner, but just checked. My 14 c has the same. It is metal there, which is painted to have that bumpy texture, perhaps there is a tougher primer or undercoat under the paint. Will note: the Gen3 Prius actually has plastic covering that rocker panel, so it is smooth.
Lots of cars have a similar extra thick coat of primer on the rocker panels to absorb gravel hits without cracking the color & clear layers.
Sorry for the for late reply guys, been busy. Thanks for the information! I emailed the guy who details my car and he echoed much of what you guys have said. In reply to Frenzee, no accidents of any sort.
