ŠKODA Roomster - a compact station wagon with a practical interior, but its sills often become a weak point due to their tendency to corrosion. This is especially true for models 2006–2015, where the factory anti-corrosion treatment leaves much to be desired. In this article, we will look at how to diagnose problems with thresholds, choose original or non-original spare parts, carry out repairs yourself and protect the metal from rust for many years.
Thresholds not just an aesthetic element — they affect the rigidity of the body and safety in side impacts. Rotten thresholds can cause a refusal to pass a technical inspection or a reduction in the selling price. We have collected proven repair methods, compared prices for spare parts and prepared checklists for independent work.
Why thresholds Roomster rust: main reasons
Corrosion of thresholds ŠKODA Roomster — the problem is systemic, and several factors are to blame:
- 🔧 Weak factory anti-corrosion treatment. On the conveyor, the thresholds were treated with an insufficiently thick layer of soil, especially in the areas of welds and drainage holes.
- 🌧️ Moisture accumulation. The drainage holes in the thresholds become clogged with dirt over time, and water remains inside, accelerating the oxidation of the metal.
- 🚗 Mechanical damage. Scratches from curbs, chips from gravel, or careless cleaning expose the metal, opening the door to rust.
- ❄️ Reagents and salt. In winter, chemical reagents corrode the protective coating, and salt accelerates electrochemical corrosion.
Thresholds in areas where plastic linings are attached are especially vulnerable - condensation often accumulates there. If on your Roomster There are already signs of rust (blowing paint, red spots), you need to act quickly: in the early stages, repairs will cost 3–5 times less than with through corrosion.
⚠️ Attention: If rust has eaten through the metal, welding work is inevitable. In this case, saving on spare parts can result in problems with body rigidity - it is better to choose original thresholds or high-quality analogues with certification.
How to diagnose the condition of thresholds: step-by-step instructions
Checking thresholds for ŠKODA Roomster You can do it yourself without resorting to the services of a car service. You will need: a flashlight, a screwdriver (or other sharp object), a damp cloth and, preferably, an endoscope (or a smartphone with a camera for hard-to-reach places).
Inspect the external surface for chips and blisters of paint
Check the drainage holes (they should be clean)
Tap the thresholds with a wooden screwdriver handle - a dull sound indicates rust
Remove the plastic covers and inspect the metal from the inside
Check where the sills are attached to the side members (they are often the first to rust) -->
What to pay attention to:
- 🔍 Blistering paint - the first sign of under-film corrosion. Most often they appear on the lower edge of the threshold.
- 💧 Wet spots inside the cabin, under the feet of the driver/passenger, there is a signal about rust through.
- 🔨 Crunch when pressed on the threshold - speaks of the destruction of the metal from the inside.
If you find rust at an early stage (surface stains without through holes), you can get by with local cleaning and anti-corrosion treatment. In case of deep corrosion, a section of the threshold will need to be replaced or completely dismantled and a new one installed.
Once a season
Only before inspection
When I notice rust
Never checked-->
Original vs. non-original thresholds: what to choose for Roomster
When replacing thresholds with ŠKODA Roomster Owners have two main options: original spare parts from the manufacturer or analogues from third party brands. Let's look at the pros and cons of each solution.
| Criterion | Original thresholds (ŠKODA) | Non-original analogues |
|---|---|---|
| Price (for 1 threshold) | 12 000–18 000 ₽ | 4 000–9 000 ₽ |
| Compatibility | 100% suitable for fastenings and geometry | May require modifications (welding, adjustment) |
| Metal quality | Galvanized steel, corrosion resistant | Depends on the brand (from “chernukha” to galvanized) |
| Warranty | 1–2 years from an official dealer | From 6 months to 1 year (for trusted brands) |
| Availability | May be on hold (up to 2–3 weeks) | Often available from distributors |
If your budget is limited, you can consider analogues from trusted manufacturers, such as Febi, Meyle or Topran. However when purchasing non-original thresholds, be sure to check whether they are galvanized - this is critical for durability. Cheap thresholds made of ferrous metal will rust in 1–2 winters.
For models Roomster 2006–2010 model years, the original thresholds may differ from later ones (facelift 2010–2015). Specify the articles by VIN code:
- 📌 Left side:
5E0 807 107/108(until 2010) or5E0 807 107 A/108 A(after 2010). - 📌 Right side:
5E0 807 109/110(until 2010) or5E0 807 109 A/110 A(after 2010).
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing used thresholds at disassembly, check them for hidden corrosion - often such parts are already partially rotten. Use a magnet: if it does not stick to the metal, the threshold has already been “eaten” by rust from the inside.
Self-repair of thresholds: step-by-step instructions
If corrosion has not reached a critical stage, the thresholds Roomster you can repair it yourself. For this you will need:
- 🔧 Grinder with a grinding wheel and a flap disk.
- 🖌️ Anti-corrosion primer (for example, Body 930 or Dinitrol 4941).
- 🎨 Paint in body color (color code is indicated on the plate under the hood).
- 🔥 Welding machine (for through corrosion).
- 🧤 Protective gloves, respirator and goggles.
Step-by-step algorithm:
- Removing the linings. Remove the plastic sill covers (they are attached with clips and screws). Be careful - clips break frequently.
- Removing rust. Using a grinder, remove the rust down to the “living” metal. If the corrosion is deep, cut out the rotten areas and weld galvanized patches.
- Anticorrosive treatment. Apply a rust converter (eg Tsinkar), then anticorrosive primer. Pay special attention to the internal cavities - use a sprayer with a flexible tube.
- Putty and painting. Level the surface with putty, sand and paint in 2-3 layers. For reliability, coat with varnish.
- Installation of overlays. Return the plastic covers to their place, having first cleaned the fastenings from dirt.
Before painting, warm up the threshold with a hair dryer - this will remove moisture from the micropores of the metal and improve the adhesion of the soil.
If the corrosion has gone too far and the threshold has rotted by 50% or more, it is more advisable to replace it completely. In this case you will need:
- Cut out the old threshold with a grinder (leaving an allowance of 1–2 cm for welding).
- Try on the new threshold, adjusting it to the fasteners.
- Weld by spot welding or semi-automatic (clean the seams and treat with anti-corrosion agent).
- Prime and paint in body color.
What to do if you don’t have a welding machine?
If the corrosion is local (up to 10 cm in diameter), you can use epoxy resin with a reinforcing mesh (for example, a set 3M 05900>). This method is suitable for temporary repairs, but does not guarantee durability. For a complete restoration, welding is required.
Protection of thresholds from corrosion: preventive measures
To the thresholds ŠKODA Roomster last longer, repairs alone are not enough - systematic protection is needed. Here are proven methods:
- 🛡️ Anti-gravel film. Gluing transparent armored film (for example, 3M Scotchgard) will protect against chips and scratches. Cost: from 3,000 rubles per meter.
- 🧴 Liquid locker. Type compositions Dinitrol 4941 or Tectyl create an elastic coating that does not crack during vibrations. Apply by brush or spray.
- 🔧 Regular cleaning of drainage holes. Once every 3 months, clean the holes in the thresholds with wire or compressed air.
- 🚿 Waxing. After each wash, apply wax or ceramic coating to the thresholds - this slows down oxidation.
Pay special attention hidden cavities thresholds. To treat them, use long-acting anticorrosives (for example, Noxudol 700 or Waxoyl). These compositions do not dry out, but remain viscous, displacing moisture. They must be applied through technological holes or after removing the linings.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use bitumen mastic to treat thresholds - it cracks over time and retains moisture, accelerating corrosion. Give preference to paraffin or wax compositions.
The most effective protection is comprehensive: anti-corrosion inside + anti-gravel outside + regular washing. This increases the service life of the thresholds by 2–3 times.
The cost of repairing thresholds in car services: comparison table
If you are not ready to repair the thresholds yourself, you can contact a car service. Prices vary depending on region and extent of damage. Below are the average prices for ŠKODA Roomster (Moscow and region, 2026):
| Type of work | Cost (1 threshold) | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Local repairs (cleaning + putty + painting) | 5 000–8 000 ₽ | 4–6 hours |
| Replacing a section of a threshold (welding a patch) | 8 000–12 000 ₽ | 6–8 hours |
| Complete replacement of the threshold (original part) | 15 000–22 000 ₽ | 1–2 days |
| Anti-corrosion treatment (inside + outside) | 3 000–5 000 ₽ | 2–3 hours |
| Pasting anti-gravel film | 4 000–6 000 ₽ | 3–4 hours |
The cost may increase if:
- 🔧 Replacement of adjacent elements (for example, side members or reinforcements) is required.
- 🎨 You need to select paint (if the color code has been erased or the original shade has faded).
- 🚗 The car service is in the premium segment (for example, an official dealer ŠKODA).
To save money, you can order only complex work from the service (welding, painting), and do the preparation (removing linings, cleaning) yourself. This will reduce the cost by 20-30%.
Common mistakes when repairing thresholds and how to avoid them
Even experienced car owners make mistakes when repairing thresholds, which later lead to relapse of corrosion. Here are the most common of them:
- 🔥 Incomplete removal of rust. If you leave even a small pocket of corrosion under the putty, it will continue to spread. Use a rust converter and dry the metal thoroughly.
- 🧴 Saving on primer. Cheap primers do not provide adhesion and protection. The best choice is epoxy primer with zinc.
- 🎨 Painting without drying. If you paint over damp soil, bubbles will appear over time. Allow 15–20 minutes between coats of primer and paint.
- 🔧 Ignoring internal cavities. It is necessary to treat with anticorrosive not only from the outside, but also from the inside of the threshold. Otherwise, the rust will return in 1–2 years.
- 🔩 Poor quality welding. When replacing the threshold, the seams must be sealed. Use spot welding or semi-automatic with argon.
Another common mistake is use of "liquid rubber" instead of anti-gravel. This material does not protect against mechanical damage and peels off over time. For thresholds Roomster polyurethane mastic is better suited (for example, Body 950) or anti-gravel film.
After repairing the thresholds, avoid car washes with active chemicals for 2 weeks - this time is needed for the paint and primer to fully polymerize.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about thresholds ŠKODA Roomster
Is it possible to drive with rusty sills if they are not completely rotten?
Technically possible, but not advisable. Rust weakens the metal structure, which reduces body rigidity and side impact protection. In addition, corrosion will progress and costly repairs will soon be required. If your budget is limited, at least treat the thresholds with anti-corrosion agent and cover the chips with paint.
How long do thresholds last after anti-corrosion treatment?
The period depends on the quality of materials and operating conditions. When using professional anticorrosion agents (for example, Dinitrol or Noxudol) and regular washing, the protection will last 3–5 years. In aggressive conditions (salty winters, frequent washing), the treatment must be repeated every 2 years.
Is it possible to paint the sills without removing the plastic trim?
Technically yes, but the quality will be low. Without removing the linings, it is impossible to completely remove the rust and treat the internal cavities. If the corrosion is superficial, you can get by with local painting, but for a complete repair, the linings must be dismantled.
What is the difference between pre-facelift and restyled thresholds? Roomster?
Thresholds Roomster Before 2010 (Dorestayl) and after (Restayl) they have different geometry of fastenings and drainage holes. The original articles also differ (see the section on spare parts). The restyled version has improved anti-corrosion treatment at the factory, but this does not guarantee the absence of rust during active use.
Is it worth buying used thresholds from disassembly?
Only if you are sure of their condition. Thresholds from disassembly often already have hidden corrosion. Before purchasing, test them with a magnet (should stick to all metal), inspect the internal cavities and make sure there are no signs of welding. It’s better to overpay for a new part than to spend money on repeated repairs later.