A decklid covers a car’s trunk and requires regular inspection to ensure proper alignment, security, and protection from outside elements. Hinges, latches, locks, and rubber seals are all important components that need maintenance and replacement when worn. Electrical wires running through the decklid must also be inspected to prevent short circuiting.
A decklid is a hinged panel that covers the trunk of a motor vehicle. Numerous pieces work together to allow the lid to properly align with the vehicle’s rear paneling, seal the trunk from exposure to the outside elements, and provide additional security for the vehicle’s passengers. Routine inspection of all parts associated with or connected to the trunk lid ensures that it aligns properly with the vehicle body, prevents foreign elements from entering the trunk and allows faulty security parts to be located and replaced.
Hinges mounted on the lower mounts of a decklid connect to reinforced areas of the vehicle’s body. There are two types of hinges that are used to ensure that the lid does not fall on a person loading or unloading cargo from the trunk. Spring-loaded hinges use a split bracket with a spring tensioned to hold the lid open, and gas cylinder hinges use a pressurized shock cylinder to hold a lid open. Both types of hinges wear out during use and must be replaced if the bed lid will not stay open or does not flush with the vehicle body. Another component attached to a cover lid ensures that it remains closed while driving and prevents criminals from stealing contents stored in the trunk of the vehicle.
Attached to the front of a decklid is a latch that engages a hitch attached to a secure location inside the trunk of a car. Attached to the latch is a lock that prevents people from opening and inspecting the trunk’s contents. When worn, the latch will bounce off the latch instead of holding the lid closed, and the bed lid will vibrate when the vehicle is driven. Regular lubrication of the latch will reduce wear and allow the latch to close the trunk lid securely. A securely closed decklid forces the bottom of the lid to a rubber seal attached to a flange that runs around the perimeter of the trunk opening.
On newer vehicles, a plastic washer is located near the rubber seal that surrounds the trunk opening. Wires running through the grommet supply power to safety and convenience accessories attached to a lid. A routine inspection of the cables and components attached to a cover cap will ensure that the accessories are not shorted. Short circuiting occurs when a bare electrical wire running through a deck lid contains metal and causes a vehicle’s fuses to blow out.
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