What is the plastic panel above the rear tire called?
3 Answers
The plastic panel above the rear tire is called the fender. Fender: The fender is the body outer panel that covers the wheel, named for its bird-wing-like shape and position on older vehicle bodies. Based on installation position, it is divided into front fender and rear fender. The front fender is installed at the front wheel and must ensure maximum clearance for wheel rotation and bouncing. Therefore, designers use "wheel bounce diagrams" to verify whether the fender's design dimensions are appropriate based on the selected tire model size. Fender position: The fender is configured above the vehicle's wheels as the outer panel on the vehicle's side, formed from resin. The fender consists of an outer panel section and a reinforcement section formed integrally with resin. The outer panel section is exposed on the vehicle's side, while the reinforcement section extends along the edge of the outer panel section adjacent to neighboring components. Additionally, a mating section for fitting with adjacent components is formed between the edge of the outer panel section and the reinforcement section.
I've been working in the auto repair shop for nearly 20 years, and we usually call this plastic panel above the rear wheel either a mudguard or a wheel arch liner. Its main function is to block mud and water. Without it, not only would the rear door and bumper be covered in mud splashes, but components like brake lines and wiring in the wheel arch could also get damaged by flying stones. Just the other day, I worked on an SUV where the owner didn't replace this cracked plastic panel in time, resulting in sand and mud clogging the sound insulation material in the wheel arch. The tire noise was so loud it sounded like driving a tractor. Over time, this plastic part becomes brittle due to aging, especially in winter when it's more prone to cracking upon contact with ice. Replacing it isn't difficult—just a matter of removing a few clips. The OEM part costs around 100-200 yuan, and aftermarket ones are even cheaper. Remember to rinse out the sand and mud from inside the wheel arch during car washes to extend its lifespan.
Last time I washed my car myself, I noticed a crack in the plastic panel near the rear wheel. After asking several car-savvy friends, I learned this part is called the fender liner. They told me driving without it would be miserable, especially on rainy days when mud and water splashed by the wheels could directly stick to the door and become impossible to clean. Later, I went to the auto parts market and got a new one for just 80 yuan, and the mechanic installed it in ten minutes. The most annoying part was the rattling noise when driving with a broken liner—it was really irritating. Now, during every maintenance check, I ask the mechanic to inspect the clips for any looseness. Although replacing it isn't expensive, it's still a hassle. Oh, and if you've upgraded to wider tires, remember to get an extended liner because the stock one won't fully cover the wheels.
