Is the area above the rear wheels made of plastic or steel?
2 Answers
The area above the rear wheels is made of plastic. Location of mudguards: The plastic above car wheels is called mudguards. As the name suggests, car mudguards serve to block mud. They are installed behind all four wheels of the vehicle - the front two are fixed to the left and right lower sills, while the rear two are fixed to the rear bumper. Function of mudguards: During rainy weather when driving on muddy roads, a significant amount of mud can adhere to the vehicle. Installing mudguards helps protect the car from mud and also prevents splashing onto nearby pedestrians and other vehicles.
In my many years of driving experience, that part above the rear wheels isn't necessarily always made of plastic or steel—it depends on the specific car. For example, my old Ford had a steel one, which was particularly sturdy but prone to rust and stains. The new SUV I drive now, like the Honda CR-V, has plastic parts there—lightweight and flimsy. Why the change? Automakers aim for weight reduction and fuel efficiency, and plastic is also cheaper. In daily driving, plastic is easier to repair after a collision—just some glue or replacing a small part—but it can crack in freezing winter conditions. Steel offers better protection and is less likely to break in a collision, though it's more expensive. When buying a car, I suggest asking the salesperson or checking the manual—don’t just judge by appearance.