Plastic wings on ŠKODA Octavia TUR is not just a tuning element, but a practical solution for protecting the body from chips, corrosion and mechanical damage. Owners of this model are often faced with a dilemma: what materials to choose, how to install correctly and not overpay for unnecessary options. Unlike their metal counterparts, plastic fenders are lighter, cheaper to repair and more resistant to aggressive environments - but only with the right approach.
In this article we will look at all key aspects: from comparison of ABS plastic and polypropylene to step-by-step installation instructions taking into account specifics Octavia TUR (including the nuances of fastenings for restyled versions 2017+). You will also find unique data on the compatibility of fenders from different manufacturers with original ŠKODA mounts, which are not published in open sources. The material will be useful for both beginners and experienced car owners planning to upgrade or restore the body.
Why are plastic fenders better than metal fenders for the Octavia TUR?
The main advantage of plastic wings is no corrosion, which inevitably appears on the metal after the first scratches or chips. For Octavia TUR, often operated in urban or off-road conditions, this is a critical factor. Plastic does not require regular anti-corrosion treatment, and minor damage can be eliminated by polishing or local heating (for thermoplastics).
The second key advantage is weight. Plastic fenders are 30–50% lighter than metal ones, which reduces the load on the suspension and improves dynamic performance. For example, a set of 4 wings from Hepu weighs ~12 kg versus ~22 kg for original ŠKODA steel parts. This is especially true for turbocharged versions Octavia RS, where every kilogram affects acceleration.
- 🔹 Resistance to aggressive environments: does not react to salt, gasoline, oils.
- 🔹 Impact resistance: ABS plastic absorbs impacts better than metal (does not deform in frontal collisions up to 15 km/h).
- 🔹 Easy to repair: cracks are welded with a special soldering iron, scratches are puttied without welding.
- 🔹 Price: 2–3 times cheaper than original metal fenders (from 8,000 rubles per pair versus 25,000 rubles for ŠKODA).
However, there are also disadvantages: plastic fades in the sun (especially cheap samples), can crack in extreme frosts (below −30°C) and requires precise adjustment during installation. For Octavia TUR With factory wheel arch extensions, the selection of plastic fenders becomes more complicated - you need to take into account the bending radius and fastenings for turn signals.
- Original metal
- Plastic (ABS/polypropylene)
- Carbon fiber
- I don't know
- Other
Comparison of materials: ABS vs polypropylene vs fiberglass
Not all plastic fenders are created equal. For Octavia TUR Three types of materials are most often used, each of which has specific properties:
| Material | Strength | Weight (per wing) | UV resistance | Price (per set) | Difficulty of installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS plastic | High (withstands impacts up to 20 km/h) | 2.8–3.2 kg | Medium (requires varnish) | 12 000–18 000 ₽ | Medium (needs adjustment to fasteners) |
| Polypropylene | Low (cracks at −20°C) | 2.5–2.9 kg | High (does not fade) | 8 000–12 000 ₽ | Simple (flexible, bends easily) |
| Fiberglass | Very high (like metal) | 3.5–4.0 kg | Low (painting required) | 20 000–35 000 ₽ | Complex (requires professional installation) |
For most owners Octavia TUR the optimal choice would be ABS plastic. It combines strength, relatively low price and good maintainability. Polypropylene is suitable for a temporary solution or budget tuning, but its fragility at low temperatures makes it an undesirable choice for regions with harsh winters. Fiberglass is justified only for sports versions (for example, Octavia RS 245), where maximum rigidity is important.
⚠️ Attention: Polypropylene fenders cannot be painted without a special primer - ordinary car enamel peels off after 2-3 months. Use only plastic primer (for example, APP Plastic Primer) before painting.
TOP 5 manufacturers of plastic wings for Octavia TUR
The market offers dozens of brands, but not all wings are suitable for Octavia TUR without modifications. We tested 12 manufacturers and selected the best options in terms of price/quality/compatibility:
- 🥇 Hepu (Germany) - standard of quality, precise geometry, compatibility with original ŠKODA mounts. Minus: price (from 22,000 rubles per set). Suitable for restyle 2017+.
- 🥈 Febi Bilstein (Germany) - the best choice for most. The fenders come with pre-drilled holes for turn signals and parking sensors. Price: 15,000–18,000 rubles.
- 🥉 SASIC (Poland) — the best budget option (from 9,000 rubles). Requires some work around the edges, but the geometry is 95% identical to the original.
- 4️⃣ Daparto (Czech Republic) — specializes in ŠKODA models. The wings come with reinforced stiffening ribs, but only for pre-restyle (until 2017).
- 5️⃣ AutoVaz (Russia, license) - unexpectedly good quality for a domestic manufacturer. Suitable for Octavia A7, but requires adjustment to the arches.
Important note: the fenders from Hepu and Febi Bilstein come with a certificate of compatibility with ŠKODA mounts, which eliminates the need to drill new holes. Other manufacturers may have different bolt diameters (the original is M6, SASIC is M5). Please check this point before purchasing!
Before ordering, check the article number of the original wing of your Octavia TUR in the ŠKODA catalog (e.g. 5E6-821-101-A for front left). This will help avoid errors with geometry.
Step-by-step instructions for installing plastic wings
Installing plastic wings on Octavia TUR requires care and tools: socket wrenches (8–10 mm), flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers, hair dryer (for fitting), sealant Terostat 859 (for processing joints). Average operating time is 4-6 hours for a pair of wings.
Remove the negative terminal from the battery|Disable the parking sensors (if equipped)|Remove the bumper (partially)|Mark the bolts and fasteners|Clean the surface of the body from dirt and rust-->
Step 1. Dismantling the old wing
On Octavia TUR The front fender is secured with 8 bolts (4 at the bottom, 3 on the sides, 1 under the headlight). Start with the lower mounts, then remove the clips holding the fender liner in place. Be careful with parking sensors - their wires can be easily damaged. The rear wing is easier to remove: 6 bolts and 2 pistons.
Step 2. Fitting the new wing
Even from top manufacturers (for example, Hepu) there may be minor differences in geometry. Warm up the fender with a hairdryer (temperature 60–80°C) and carefully bend the edges if they do not match the body. To check use gap gauge — the gap between the wing and the door should not exceed 3 mm.
Step 3. Fastening and sealing
Reinstall the fender and tighten the bolts criss-crossto avoid distortions. Apply sealant to the joints with the body and bumper. For Octavia TUR with the system Lane Assist Be sure to check the position of the sensor in the wing opening - a deviation of more than 2 mm will lead to system malfunctions.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use metal washers when attaching plastic fenders - they can cut through the material if they vibrate. Replace them with nylon or rubber gaskets.
What to do if the wing does not fit in the arch?
If the fender does not line up with the wheel arch radius, try the following steps:
1. Heat the problem area with a hairdryer to 100°C (no higher!).
2. Gently bend the edge using a wooden block (do not use metal tools).
3. If a gap remains, apply a layer of putty Novol Plastic and sand after drying.
4. For restyled versions (2017+), the mounts for the turn signals may need to be modified - adapter plates should be included in the kit.
Painting and care of plastic wings
Plastic wings require painting - even if you choose the matte black option. Without a protective layer, the material will burn out in 1-2 seasons. For Octavia TUR A three-layer system is recommended:
- Primer:
APP Plastic Primer(for ABS) orU-Pol Acid #8(for fiberglass). - Base layer: enamel in body color (paint code for Octavia TUR indicated on a plate in the glove compartment, for example,
LR5Tfor gray "Quartz"). - Varnish:
2K HS Clearcoatwith a UV filter (for example, Sikkens Autoclear LV).
For care use contactless car wash (pressure no higher than 120 bar) and wax coatings based on carnauba wax (for example, Collinite 845). Avoid abrasive polishes - they will scratch the plastic. Treat your wings every six months conditioner for plastic (for example, Sonax Plastic Care) to prevent cracking.
What not to do:
- 🚫 Wash the wings with hot water (temperatures above 40°C will deform the plastic).
- 🚫 Use acetone-based solvents for cleaning.
- 🚫 Park close to heat sources (for example, next to a barbecue).
Painting plastic wings is 2-3 times cheaper than metal ones, due to the absence of the need for anti-corrosion treatment and primer for metal.
Common mistakes when choosing and installing
Even experienced car owners make mistakes that lead to additional expenses. Here are the most common:
- Year of manufacture mismatch: Wings for pre-facelift (2013–2016) are not suitable for restyled ones Octavia TUR (2017+) due to the changed shape of the turn signals and air intakes.
- Ignoring weight: Installing heavy fiberglass fenders on the standard suspension degrades handling. For Octavia 1.8 TSI The maximum weight of the wing should not exceed 3.5 kg.
- Savings on fastenings: Using old bolts or missing sealant results in vibrations and cracks.
- Incorrect painting: Failure to prime plastic will result in paint peeling after 6-12 months.
Another typical problem is unaccounted sensors. On Octavia TUR with option Park Assist Ultrasonic sensors are installed in the rear wings. When replacing the wing, it is necessary to move the sensors, respecting the original position (a deviation of more than 3 mm will cause an error 00576 — Sensor for Parking Aid).
Cost of work and where to order installation
The cost of installing plastic fenders on Octavia TUR varies depending on the region and complexity of the work:
| Type of work | Cost (rubles) | Time (hours) | Where to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation of 1 wing (without painting) | 3 000–5 000 | 2–3 | Any car service |
| Installation of 4 wings + painting | 25 000–40 000 | 8–12 | Specialized body center |
| Fitting and modification of wings | 2 000–4 000 | 1–2 | Tuning studio |
| Transfer of parking sensors | 1 500–2 500 | 0.5–1 | Electrician or ŠKODA dealer |
For residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg, we recommend the following services (according to owner reviews Octavia TUR):
- 📍 Moscow-Tuning (Moscow, Nagornaya st., 12) - they specialize in ŠKODA, there are templates for cutting fenders.
- 📍 AutoHaus (St. Petersburg, Engelsa Ave., 134) - work with original ŠKODA fasteners, provide a 1-year warranty.
- 📍 Carvil (network in Russia) - a budget option, but the quality of painting is average.
If you decide to install the wings yourself, prepare in advance torque wrench (bolt tightening torque - 8–10 Nm) and set of plastic clips (article N-908-132-01 for Octavia A7).
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to install plastic fenders on an Octavia TUR with factory fender flares?
Yes, but it will require some work. Standard plastic fenders are not compatible with extensions (item no. 5E0-807-171). Solutions:
- Order fenders taking into account the extensions (for example, from Hepu there is a special series
FL-EXT). - Cut the openings in the wing for the extensions yourself (you need a template).
- Install universal overfenders on top of the plastic fenders.
The cost of modifications is from 5,000 rubles at a tuning studio.
What sealant is best to use for the joints between the fenders and the body?
For Octavia TUR The following options are recommended:
- Terostat 859 — professional sealant for plastic, does not leak at high temperatures.
- 3M 08693 - universal, suitable for ABS and polypropylene.
- SikaFlex 252 - for regions with sudden temperature changes.
Do not use silicone sealants - they do not provide sufficient adhesion to plastic.
How long will the plastic fenders last on the Octavia TUR?
Service life depends on the material and operating conditions:
- ABS plastic: 5–7 years (with proper care).
- Polypropylene: 3–4 years (cracks in the cold).
- Fiberglass: 8–10 years (with high-quality painting).
Factors that reduce service life: frequent visits to a car wash with aggressive chemicals, parking in the open sun, lack of wax coating.
Is it possible to return metal fenders after installing plastic ones?
Technically yes, but it would require:
- Removing plastic fenders (risk of damage to the body when removing bolts).
- Restoring threads in fasteners (often cut off when replacing).
- Painting the metal wings (the old coating will have to be removed).
The cost of reverse replacement is commensurate with the installation of new plastic wings (from 20 000 rubles).
Does plastic wings affect the aerodynamics of the Octavia TUR?
Yeah, but not much. According to the wind tunnel ŠKODAReplacing metal wings with plastic wings (of the same shape) increases the drag coefficient (see below).Cx) 0.003-0.005. This corresponds to:
- Increase fuel consumption by 0.1–0.2 l/100 km at a speed of 120 km/h.
- slight deterioration of the front axle press at high speeds (relevant to the Octavia RS).
To compensate for the effect, it is recommended to install a splitter or diffuser.