Is Replacing the Left Front Fender Considered a Major Accident?
2 Answers
Replacing the left front fender is not considered a major accident. This is because the fender of a motor vehicle is an auxiliary reinforcing component and does not involve the overall structure of the vehicle. Concept of a Fender: A fender, also known as a wing panel, is divided into front fender and rear fender based on its installation position. It is a type of covering component on motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles. Function of a Fender: According to fluid dynamics, it reduces the drag coefficient, making the vehicle more stable during driving. The front fender prevents sand, gravel, and mud splashed up by the wheels from reaching the underside of the vehicle body, thereby reducing damage and corrosion to the chassis.
As a frequent visitor to auto repair shops, I can confidently tell you that replacing the left front fender doesn't count as a major accident. Just last week, my car had this exact issue - I scraped against a wall corner while turning and heard that awful screeching sound that made my heart drop. When I took it to the shop, the mechanic explained that the fender is essentially just exterior paneling, serving a similar protective function as the paint job, mainly shielding the structural components underneath. What truly defines a major accident is whether there's damage to the frame rails, engine bay, or chassis - the vehicle's skeleton. However, after replacement, do check if the panel gaps are even and listen for any unusual noises, since poor installation by unskilled technicians might lead to water leaks. My advice is to get a wheel alignment after the repair to confirm the suspension geometry hasn't been affected - that way you can drive with complete peace of mind.
