Are fenders and mudguards the same?
2 Answers
Fenders and mudguards are the same. Mudguards refer to a type of covering component on motorized and non-motorized vehicles. Simply put, they are the outer shells that cover the vehicles, serving to reduce the drag coefficient and make the car run more smoothly. Mudguards are located on the outer body of the wheels and are divided into front mudguards and rear mudguards based on their installation position. The rear mudguards do not have the issue of wheel rotation rubbing like the front mudguards. The front mudguards are installed at the front wheels, and because the front wheels have steering functionality, they must ensure a larger maximum space for wheel rotation. However, considering aerodynamic principles, the rear mudguards are slightly arched and protrude outward.
When I first started working in car repairs, people often asked this question. The fender and the wing panel are actually the same thing, referring to the covering part above the wheel. Its main functions are to protect the tire area from road debris like mud and stones, and also to reduce wind resistance a bit. In daily repairs, the term I use most frequently is 'fender,' which is made of metal or plastic and is prone to damage in accidents. Some people mistakenly think the wing panel is a different component, possibly due to regional naming differences, but in standard automotive design, they are identical. If you go to a repair shop, the owner usually calls it a fender, and that's how parts are labeled too. Once you understand this, there's no need to be confused. Paying attention to this part while driving can help reduce the risk of scratches.