What is the name of the shield above the tire?
2 Answers
The shield above the tire is called the fender. The fender is the outer body panel that covers the wheel, named for its resemblance to a bird's wing in shape and position on older car bodies. Based on the installation position, it is divided into the front fender and the rear fender. The front fender is installed at the front wheel and must ensure the maximum space for the front wheel's rotation and movement. The fenders are installed behind the four tires of the car, with the front two fixed above the left and right lower sills, and the rear two fixed above the rear bumper. Their functions are: 1. To prevent mud from splashing onto the car body or people; 2. To prevent mud from splashing onto the tie rods or ball joints, which could cause premature rusting; 3. Cars are prone to trapping small stones in the tire treads, which can be flung at high speeds onto the car body, chipping the exterior paint.
That thing we call a fender, its main function is to block the mud and water splashed up by the tires, protecting the car body from getting dirty or rusty. I've worked on many cars and found that it's usually made of plastic or metal, installed above the wheels, and especially important on rainy days. If it cracks or falls off, mud and water can spray into the engine or suspension system, causing other issues. It's best to regularly check for looseness or damage, and cleaning off dust in the summer can extend its lifespan. Don't underestimate it during routine maintenance—though it may seem insignificant, it can save money and hassle, preventing small stones from flying and causing injury. Enthusiasts sometimes add a thicker fender to handle off-road conditions.
