What is the name of the shield above the tire?
2 Answers
The shield above the tire, the hard outer part is called the wheel arch trim, usually black and protruding in a circle. The soft inner part is called the inner fender liner, also known as the wheel arch interior panel. It is installed for decorative purposes and to meet the personalized needs of the driver. The functions of the shield above the tire: enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle body; utilize fluid dynamics to reduce the drag coefficient, making the car drive more smoothly; prevent mud from splashing onto the body or people, which could make them look unattractive; during driving, prevent gravel and mud stirred up by the wheels from splashing onto the car paint. Because tires easily pick up small stones, at high speeds, they can be flung onto the body, chipping the paint. If the wheel arch trim is scratched, it is recommended not to repair it, as the material is plastic and there is no need to worry about rust. Moreover, scratches on the wheel arch trim do not affect the normal driving of the car, making it unnecessary to spend money on repairs. If you really want to fix it, it is recommended to buy a touch-up pen and do it yourself. You can also go to a car beauty shop for repair.
I've been driving for over twenty years, so I have quite a bit of experience with this. The protective panel above the tire is commonly called a mudguard, and some people also refer to it as a wheel arch liner or fender flare. This part is mainly used to prevent mud, sand, or small stones from splashing up, especially when driving after rain. It not only helps keep the car body clean but also prevents debris from hitting other vehicles or pedestrians. For example, once when I was driving on the highway during heavy rain, the mudguard broke, and the entire car got covered in mud, nearly splashing a nearby cyclist. So, I recommend regularly checking the mudguard for cracks or looseness and replacing it immediately if damaged—it's cheap and ensures safety. Additionally, some people widen the mudguard when modifying their cars to improve appearance, but don’t tamper with it carelessly to avoid affecting the car’s balance. In short, this small component may seem insignificant, but it can save a lot of repair trouble and safety hazards.
