If you're planning a WRX side skirts replacement, you've probably noticed that the factory plastic doesn't always hold up to the abuse of daily driving or the occasional weekend adventure. Whether you caught a nasty curb, took a stray rock at highway speeds, or you're just tired of that faded grey plastic look on an otherwise sharp-looking car, swapping them out is one of those satisfying DIY projects that genuinely transforms the profile of the vehicle.
It's funny how much a little piece of plastic—or carbon fiber, if you're feeling fancy—matters to the overall aesthetic of a Subaru. The WRX has that iconic "rally-bred" stance, but when the side skirts are hanging low or scratched up, the whole car just looks a bit tired. The good news is that you don't need a degree in mechanical engineering to get this done. It's mostly a game of patience and dealing with those annoying little plastic clips that Subaru seems to love so much.
Why You Might Need New Side Skirts
There are usually two types of people looking into a WRX side skirts replacement. First, there's the "oops" crowd. We've all been there—you're pulling out of a tight parking lot, and that concrete bollard was just a few inches closer than it looked in the mirror. Crunch. Since the side skirts sit so low, they're often the first thing to take a hit.
The second group is looking for an upgrade. Let's be real: the stock unpainted plastic on many WRX models can look a bit "economy car" after a while. If you've upgraded your wheels and dropped the suspension, those factory skirts might be the weak link in your build. Moving to a color-matched set or a more aggressive aerodynamic style can make the car look wider and more planted without actually changing the body lines.
Getting the Right Parts for the Job
Before you start ripping things off, you need to make sure you have the right parts. The WRX has gone through several generations (GD, GR, VA, and now the VB), and the way the skirts attach has changed slightly over the years. A 2018 VA chassis isn't going to use the same mounting points as the newer 2022+ models with all that extra cladding.
When shopping for your WRX side skirts replacement, you'll find three main options: 1. OEM Subaru Parts: These are great because the fitment is guaranteed. You won't be struggling to line up holes. However, they can be pricey if you buy them directly from a dealership. 2. Aftermarket "Style" Skirts: These are usually made of ABS plastic or polyurethane. They're affordable and often look more aggressive than stock. Polyurethane is particularly nice because it's flexible; if you scrape it, it usually just bends instead of shattering. 3. Carbon Fiber: This is for the "show car" crowd. It looks incredible, but it's brittle. If you live somewhere with rough roads or lots of gravel, keep in mind that carbon fiber doesn't love being sandblasted by road debris.
The Tool Kit: Less is More
One of the best things about a WRX side skirts replacement is that you don't need a massive toolbox. In fact, if you have a basic set of hand tools, you're already 90% of the way there.
You'll definitely want a trim removal tool kit. These are those little orange or blue plastic pry bars. Could you use a flathead screwdriver? Sure, but you'll probably scratch your paint or mangle the plastic clips. A dedicated trim tool makes popping those clips out so much easier. You'll also want a Phillips head screwdriver, maybe a 10mm socket (it's always a 10mm, isn't it?), and a clean workspace.
It's also a smart move to buy a bag of spare Subaru-style push pins before you start. These things are notorious for brittle-ing out over time. You'll go to pull one out, and it'll just snap into three pieces. Having a bag of twenty spares costs about ten bucks on Amazon and will save you from a frustrated trip to the parts store halfway through the job.
Taking Off the Old Skirts
Alright, let's get into the greasy details. To start your WRX side skirts replacement, you usually don't even need to jack the car up, though it does help to have a little extra clearance. If you're at stock height, you can probably reach everything just fine.
Start at the front wheel well. There are usually a couple of screws or clips holding the front edge of the skirt to the fender liner. Once those are out, move to the underside. This is where you'll find the "row of doom"—a long line of push-pins holding the bottom of the skirt to the rocker panel. Go slow here. Use your trim tool to pop the centers out and then pull the whole clip.
Once the bottom and ends are free, the skirt is usually held on by a series of horizontal clips tucked behind the plastic. This part feels a bit scary because you usually have to give the skirt a firm tug outward or slide it toward the rear of the car. You'll hear some popping noises—that's normal. As long as you've removed all the visible fasteners, it should come free.
The "Clean While You're In There" Rule
Once the old skirt is off, you're going to see a decade's worth of road grime, dried mud, and maybe some hidden rust. This is the perfect time to grab a bucket of soapy water and a brush. Clean the metal rocker panel thoroughly. If you see any chips in the paint that are starting to show surface rust, hit them with a bit of touch-up paint or a rust inhibitor.
Since the side skirt covers this area, it's a "hidden" spot that traps moisture. Keeping it clean and protected now will prevent your quarter panels from rotting out five years down the line. Plus, it's just satisfying to know your car is clean under the skin.
Installing the New Skirts
Now for the fun part of the WRX side skirts replacement: putting the new ones on. If you bought OEM parts, they should just snap right into the existing holes. If you went aftermarket, you might need to do a "dry fit" first. Hold the skirt up to the car and see if the holes align. Sometimes you have to drill a couple of small pilot holes in the plastic skirt to get it to sit perfectly.
Start by aligning the top edge and snapping those horizontal clips into place. Once the skirt is hanging on the car, go back underneath and start replacing the push pins. Don't tighten everything down until every single clip and screw is in place. This gives you a little "wiggle room" to make sure the gaps are even from front to back.
Pro tip: If you're using aftermarket skirts that feel a little loose, a strip of heavy-duty 3M automotive mounting tape (the grey stuff with the red backing) along the top inside edge can provide that extra bit of "solid" feel and prevent the skirt from vibrating against the body.
Final Thoughts on Maintenance
Once your WRX side skirts replacement is complete, take a step back and admire the view. It really does make a difference, doesn't it? To keep them looking good, especially if they are painted or carbon fiber, treat them like the rest of your paint. Wax them or hit them with a ceramic spray.
If you went with the unpainted black plastic, use a good trim protectant that has UV blockers. This prevents that "ashy" grey look that happens when the sun beats down on the plastic all summer.
Doing a WRX side skirts replacement is a great way to bond with your car. It's a low-stress, high-reward project that reminds you why you bought a Subaru in the first place—they're meant to be worked on, customized, and enjoyed. Now, just try to keep this set away from the curbs!