This time, we'll show you how to install "door handle covers and protectors," which add a stylish accent while protecting the inside of the door handles.
Vehicle used: CX-5 (KF)
Product details and compatible vehicle models can be found below.
[Door handle cover&Protector product page】
Estimated installation time: 0.3 hours or more
[Installation Instruction Manual Download Page】
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆
■Items required for installation
Isopropyl alcohol (degreasing agent)
• Spray bottle for degreasing agent
• Paper towels (cloth towels are also acceptable)
Masking tape
(Hand protection items such as work gloves)
■Precautions- If body coating or wax remains on the mounting surface, the adhesive strength may not be sufficient, which may cause peeling. Please remove it using a remover or compound before installation.
Degreasing cannot be done with parts cleaner. Use isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to completely remove oil.
• The adhesive strength of the double-sided tape will weaken at ambient temperatures below 15℃, so please warm it with a hairdryer or similar device while working.
Please avoid contact with water for 24 hours after installation. In particular, refrain from washing your car until the adhesive has stabilized.
【Note】Degreasing is an important preparatory step to remove oil and grease from the mounting surface and bring out the full adhesive strength of the double-sided tape. If this step is insufficient, the adhesive strength will decrease, leading to problems such as lifting, peeling, and detachment.
For secure installation, please thoroughly degrease the mounting surfaces of both the door handle cover and door handle protector before installation.
Rinse the mounting surface with running water to remove any dust or dirt, and then thoroughly wipe away any water droplets.
*If the mounting surface has a coating or similar finish, remove it using a remover or compound.
After use and removal, rinse with water and wipe dry.
The procedure is the same for both door handle covers and door handle protectors.
The preparation for installation is now complete.
■Installation of door handle protectors
After completing the degreasing process described above, position the smaller of the two openings on the protector towards the front of the vehicle, aligning the center of the protector with the center of the vehicle's recess. Temporarily secure the protector with masking tape while checking the balance in all directions to determine its position.
After positioning, remove the protector once.
To improve adhesion, warm the protector body and the mounting area on the vehicle body with a hairdryer or similar device.
Peel off the central part of the door handle protector release paper, align it with the masking tape, and press it down while removing air bubbles from the center outwards.
Next, remove the top and bottom release papers, and similarly press down evenly from the center outwards, removing any air bubbles.
Finally, press the entire assembly outwards.
Crimping guideline: 30N (3kgf) or more. *Do not press lightly; apply your body weight and press firmly.
After completing the degreasing process described above, temporarily place the door handle cover in the installation location and apply masking tape around the outer edge.
Apply the included pack primer to the door handle cover mounting area and let it dry for at least 10 minutes. Once dry, remove the masking tape.
Peel off a small portion of the backing paper from the double-sided tape on the back of the door handle cover, fold it over to the front, and secure it with masking tape. (Remove all the tape where it is too short.)
Place the door handle cover against the mounting area on the vehicle body and align it.
After pulling everything out, press the whole thing back into place.
That completes the task!
*Do not get the vehicle wet for 24 hours after the work is completed. In particular, absolutely do not wash the vehicle.
The process itself isn't complicated, but thorough degreasing before installation is essential.
If you feel like you might be able to do it yourself, then by all means, give it a try!