Is it necessary to replace a damaged fender?

[OEvelyn]

It is necessary to replace a damaged fender. If only one is damaged, you only need to replace the damaged one and do not need to replace all of them. A fender is a plate-like structure installed behind the outer frame of a wheel, usually made of high-quality rubber or engineering plastic. Fenders are typically installed behind the wheels of bicycles or motor vehicles and can be made of metal, leather, plastic, or rubber. The functions of a fender: Block mud and sand: If the fender is damaged, mud and sand stirred up while driving can easily enter the engine compartment. Although the initial impact may be minor, it can have significant long-term effects on the vehicle. Other functions: Protect the car body by reducing the chance of gravel being flung up by the tires and scratching the car surface, preventing scratches, and also reducing wind resistance and isolating chassis noise. Types of fenders: Rubber fenders, plastic fenders, and painted fenders.

[GenevieveLynn]

I've been driving for over a decade and often encounter minor issues. When it comes to a damaged fender, it really depends on the specific situation. If it's just slight wear or a small missing piece, driving around the city might not be a big problem. However, if the entire fender is cracked or severely damaged, I'd recommend replacing it immediately. It's not just about preventing mud and water from splashing onto the car body—at high speeds, flying gravel or mud can hit other vehicles or pedestrians, increasing safety risks. Especially during rainy days, driving through puddles can splash water everywhere, dirtying the windshield and affecting visibility. If left unreplaced for a long time, accumulated water or dirt can corrode the car's paint and even invade the tires and suspension system, leading to more expensive repairs. From a safety perspective, timely replacement is absolutely necessary—don't wait until a small problem becomes a big one to regret it.

[AshleyDella]

As a frugal average worker, I don't think a damaged mudguard needs to be completely written off. It depends on the extent of the damage—small cracks or holes can actually be temporarily patched with tape to save some money and keep driving for now. But if it's badly broken, with debris flying everywhere and making the car constantly dirty, the increased frequency of car washes could end up costing more. Worse, if left unreplaced, accumulated dirt can lead to rust over time, potentially damaging the tires or the car's structure, making repairs more difficult and expensive later. Mudguards themselves aren't expensive, ranging from tens to a hundred bucks, and choosing an OEM or universal part makes replacement easy. Overall, it's advisable to do a simple check: if the damage isn't severe, hold off; if it's significant, don't hesitate—replace it immediately.

[StCarter]

I drive my kids to and from school every day, and it's really annoying when the fenders are broken. Every time it rains and I go through a puddle, water and mud splash all over the doors and wheel arches, making the interior dirty and ruining the mood for the trip. Not to mention how much it affects the car's appearance—people see it as old and shabby, which is embarrassing and makes me lose face. Although I could still drive without replacing them, there are significant safety hazards: stones or mud clods can easily fly up and injure pedestrians or small animals. So, for convenience and practicality, I agree with replacing them promptly—don’t cut corners and overlook the comfort of daily driving.