What is the plastic behind the front wheel of the Highlander called?
3 Answers
The plastic behind the front wheel of the Highlander is called the fender. Its function is to prevent sand, gravel, and mud splashed up by the wheels from reaching the underside of the car during driving. Taking the 2020 Highlander as an example, it belongs to a midsize SUV with body dimensions of: length 4890mm, width 1925mm, height 1715mm, a wheelbase of 2790mm, and a fuel tank capacity of 72.5 liters. The 2020 Highlander features a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and an E-type multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 220 PS, a maximum power of 165 kW, and a maximum torque of 350 Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Having seen many cars, I think the plastic part in front of the rear wheel on the Highlander is generally called the wheel arch liner. Its main functions are to prevent mud and water from splashing into the engine compartment and to protect the car body from rust. Think about it: during off-roading, flying stones can easily scratch it. If not replaced in time, mud and water leaking into the chassis can accelerate corrosion. I remember checking it once during car maintenance and replacing it when I found cracks. The operation is simple: pry off the old liner, unscrew a few bolts, and install the new one. Don’t underestimate it—without it, noise increases and aerodynamics are affected. I recommend checking its condition every six months when washing the car to keep the car in optimal condition.
In my work, I've handled many similar cases. Technically speaking, that plastic part is called the fender liner, which functions to isolate road mud and reduce noise. For SUVs like the Highlander, if the liner isn't secure, rainwater could flow into the engine and potentially short-circuit the electrical system. If you find any damage like cracks, it's time to take action. Replacing it with a new part only costs a few dozen yuan. The inspection method is simple too: just lift the front wheel cover and take a look. But don't mess around with it yourself - it's more reliable to have a technician handle it.
