What are the side panels on both sides of a car called?

[SanElla]

These are called rubbing strips. Below is relevant information: 1. Introduction to vehicle rubbing strips: Vehicle rubbing strips refer to components installed on the waistline or bumpers of a car's body, primarily serving to protect against scratches and impacts. Most passenger vehicles are equipped with rubbing strips to prevent minor collisions and scrapes from damaging the car's paint, providing a certain level of protection. 2. Classification: In terms of manufacturing materials, vehicle rubbing strips can be made from stainless steel plates, die-cast zinc, aluminum-based alloy steel plates, ABS, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rubber, and other options. Contrast-color rubbing strips are typically made of black rubber or stainless steel plates, differing from the car's body color. While they are more noticeable, they can make the car appear less cohesive. Same-color rubbing strips are usually made of high-strength engineering plastics and painted to match the car's body color, enhancing the vehicle's overall aesthetic and sense of unity.

[DelKarter]

As someone who frequently tinkers with my beloved car, I'm quite familiar with those panels on both sides of the vehicle. They're commonly referred to as fenders or door panels—the ones above the front wheels are called front fenders, the door area consists of door panels, and those above the rear wheels are known as rear fenders or quarter panels. These components serve a protective function while driving, shielding against splashing mud or gravel to prevent damage to internal mechanical parts. I still remember during a road trip when a roadside stone scratched the fender—fortunately, insurance covered the repair. For maintenance, regular cleaning and waxing are essential to prevent rust; once rust appears, repainting becomes necessary, which can be quite troublesome. The quarter panels are also prone to damage in accidents. Once dented or deformed, they not only look unsightly but may also affect the vehicle's balance and safety, so it's advisable to seek professional repair shops for maintenance. By the way, when modifying your car, you can also add side skirts to enhance its appearance.

[DelRyder]

As an office worker who commutes by car every day, I've gained some experience with those panels on both sides of the car body. We usually call them car body side panels or door edge panels, made of metal, mainly to protect the doors and wheels from being damaged by debris. For example, in crowded parking lots, side panels are prone to scratches—my car has been hit before, once when reversing into a wall, costing some money to repair. They also help block mud and water from splashing into the car during rainy days. When washing the car, I pay special attention to cleaning the dust in the gaps to prevent rust from accelerating. If severely damaged, side panels can affect the smooth opening of doors and even cause air or water leaks, so timely inspection is necessary. Simply put, although this part may seem insignificant, it can be quite troublesome if damaged.

[VanGeorge]

Friends who are into car modifications often talk about those panels on the sides of the car, which we call fenders or side skirts. The panel near the front wheel is called the fender, while the one near the rear wheel is known as the quarter panel. The basic OEM versions aren't flashy enough, so during modifications, they can be replaced with lightweight carbon fiber to reduce weight and increase speed. I once added a set of side skirts with lights, which looked super cool at night. These parts are prone to damage in collisions, and repairs can be quite expensive. Regular maintenance includes frequent washing to prevent corrosion.