What are these for?

[Fuzzy Logic]

I have an '03 Impreza wagon and have always wondered what the little
'plates' are in front of the rear wheel wells. They can be seen in this
picture as the small black items between the rear door and the wheel well.

http://www.dragtimes.com/images/9378-2003-Subaru-Impreza.jpg

 

[DJD58]

I have an '03 Impreza wagon and have always wondered what the little
'plates' are in front of the rear wheel wells. They can be seen in this
picture as the small black items between the rear door and the wheel well..

http://www.dragtimes.com/images/9378-2003-Subaru-Impreza.jpg

Protection from stones?

Dan D
'99 Impreza 2.5 RS (son's)
Central NJ USA