What is the name of the panel above the car tire?
2 Answers
The panel above the car tire is called the inner fender, commonly known as the mudguard. It is an arc-shaped plastic panel installed behind the outer frame of the wheel, mostly made of rubber material. Some mudguards are made of engineering plastic, but generally, rubber mudguards are of better quality. The mudguard enhances the overall aesthetics of the car body and effectively prevents sand or particles from splashing and damaging the car's paint surface during driving. However, after installing the mudguard, it will reduce the car's ground clearance, and stones and mud may hit the mudguard during driving, causing significant noise inside the car. Therefore, whether to install a mudguard mainly depends on the driving environment of the car.
In the automotive field, the panel above the tire is commonly referred to as the fender, or more colloquially, the mudguard. Having driven several vehicles, from sedans to off-road models, I've found its primary function is to block mud, stones, and water splashed up by the tires, protecting the car body from contamination or scratches, and preventing mud from splashing onto pedestrians. In terms of materials, older vehicles mostly have metal fenders—durable but troublesome when rusted; nowadays, plastic is the mainstream choice—lightweight but prone to scratches. For maintenance, I make it a habit to wash them promptly after rain to prevent dirt from getting stuck in the gaps and corroding the panel, which over time could also affect the paint's appearance. When it comes to modifications, some people widen their fenders to add a sporty look, but they need to ensure compliance to avoid fines. This small component is definitely not just for show—neglecting it in daily driving can lead to significant issues.
