What is the plastic panel above the rear tire called?

[LeMolly]

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.

[DeMaddox]

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.

[OJulianna]

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.

[Oliveira]

When it comes to car modifications, attention to detail is key. That plastic panel inside the rear wheel arch is technically called a wheel arch liner, also known as a fender liner in the modding community. Many tuning shops now offer replacement parts made of carbon fiber, which are significantly lighter than the original plastic ones and can slightly reduce the drag coefficient. However, for daily driving, it's not necessary to bother with this—the stock part can last five to six years without issues. I've seen cases where people upgraded to larger wheels but forgot to replace the liner with an extended version, resulting in mud splashing into the trunk gaps when driving through puddles. If the liner is damaged, never try to patch it up with tape—it could get ripped off by airflow at high speeds and scratch the paint. Replacing it yourself is super easy—just turn the wheels to full lock and you can reach in to remove or install it.

[Jay]

I often drive on rural roads, and the plastic mudguard behind the rear wheels is particularly important. Once, it got cracked by a stone and I didn't fix it in time. After driving on rough roads, the entire lower part of the rear bumper was covered in dried mud clumps, and the car wash shop spent double the time cleaning it off. The mechanic at the auto repair shop said this part is technically called the wheel liner, and its main purpose is to protect the chassis wiring from corrosion by mud and water. He recommended I replace it with a thicker rubber material, which is more durable than the factory hard plastic. If you notice the liner is loose, you should address it immediately—not only will it cause strange noises, but if all the clips break off, repainting will cost even more. Also, when washing the car, avoid blasting the clips with a high-pressure water gun, as it can easily break the mounting pegs.

[MacBrooke]

Last month, while dropping my child off at school, I heard a strange noise coming from the rear wheel. Upon inspection, I found that the plastic guard above the tire had come loose. The mechanic referred to it as a wheel arch deflector, explaining that it not only blocks mud and water but also has a slight spoiler effect. He warned that if it completely falls off, the rear window could get covered in mud when driving on the highway during rain, making it difficult to see the lights of vehicles behind, which is quite dangerous. He showed me a comparison between the old and new parts—the original part had a sound-insulating felt layer, while the aftermarket one was just a plain panel. In the end, I spent 120 yuan to replace it with an original part. During the installation, we found that three of the mounting clips had rusted solid. The mechanic mentioned that cars driven near the coast are particularly prone to this. Now, during every maintenance check, I remind the mechanic to inspect these six clips for rust.