What is the plastic panel above the wheel called?
2 Answers
The panel above the wheel is called the inner fender liner, commonly referred to as the mudguard. It is an arc-shaped plastic panel installed behind the wheel's outer frame. The material used is typically rubber, although some mudguards are made of engineering plastic. The quality varies depending on the material. The main functions of the mudguard: The mudguard is installed behind the four wheels of the car. The front two are fixed on the left and right lower sills, while the rear two are fixed on the rear bumper. Car mudguards usually extend about 5cm beyond the body. The extra plastic panel effectively prevents flying stones and gravel from damaging the car's paint. In rainy weather, when driving on muddy roads, a lot of mud can stick to the car. Installing mudguards helps protect the car from mud and also prevents splashing onto nearby pedestrians and vehicles. At high speeds, the wheels can fling out sand and mud, which may hit the car's body. At very high speeds, the splashing mud can damage the car's paint. Some cars do not come with mudguards from the factory. This is not primarily to reduce manufacturing costs but to minimize the resistance generated during driving. Installing mudguards can disrupt the car's underbody airflow design, increasing the drag coefficient and fuel consumption. Precautions: If the inner fender liner is made of very thin engineering plastic, regular inspection and maintenance are necessary during daily use to prevent damage to the wheel arch liner. If the inner fender liner is damaged, it should be replaced immediately. The cost of replacing the inner fender liner is low, as this part is inexpensive. Some luxury cars have flocked inner fender liners to reduce noise, which are more expensive. If the inner fender liner is damaged, there is no need to purchase an original equipment part; simply choose a high-quality product that fits your vehicle.
Last time I got my car washed, I paid special attention to that plastic panel. The mechanic at the repair shop called it a fender liner or wheel arch liner. Its main function is to block mud, water, and stones, preventing debris from being directly flung onto the doors or chassis. Once when I drove on a muddy road, the front left liner got cracked by a stone, allowing rainwater to pour directly into the engine bay—costing over 400 bucks to fix. Actually, it's made of high-toughness plastic, but the design pays great attention to curvature, needing to perfectly fit the tire contour to seal properly. I recommend washing this area thoroughly during car washes, as accumulated dirt can accelerate aging. Now I have technicians check the liner clips for looseness every six months—since although it seems insignificant, damage can affect driving safety.
