Is It Still Worth Buying If the Fender Beam Is Damaged?
2 Answers
This is a structural component, and if this part is damaged, do not purchase the vehicle as it would be considered a salvage vehicle. Here is some extended information about fenders: 1. All cars have fenders, which are part of the body panels. If the fender itself is damaged, the car may still be worth buying. However, if the fender beam is damaged, avoid purchasing it, as the fender beam is a structural component of the body. 2. Although damage to this part does not significantly impact the vehicle's safety, damage to the fender beam indicates that the car has suffered a severe collision. In the used car market, there is a category called salvage vehicles. Salvage vehicles do not simply refer to cars that have been in accidents but specifically to those where the body frame has been damaged. A car's body consists of the frame and the body panels. 3. Body panels include the front and rear bumpers, hood, front fenders, doors, and trunk lid. When all these panels are removed, what remains is the body frame. 4. Damage to body panels is not a major concern, as it does not affect the vehicle's safety. However, damage to the body frame can compromise the car's safety.
In my decade of auto repair experience, I've encountered numerous cases of damaged fender rails. To put it bluntly, this component is essentially the skeleton of the vehicle body - when severely damaged, it's like a human bone fracture that shouldn't be forced to bear weight. If it's deformed or cracked from impact, I strongly recommend complete replacement. Otherwise, the entire body structure might fail during the next collision. I once saw an owner who opted for cheap panel beating instead of replacement, resulting in steering wheel vibration at highway speeds. Particularly for the door connection areas, improper repair after damage might lead to minor issues like water leakage during rain, or more critically, affect airbag deployment. However, if there's only minor denting without compromising weld points, professional pulling repairs at a specialized shop can restore functionality.
