What is the plastic shell outside the wheel called?

[EliFitz]

Car wheel plastic shell is called fender. Here are the details about the fender: 1. Fender classification: The fender is the outer body panel that covers the wheel, and is divided into front fender and rear fender according to the installation position. 2. Front fender: The front fender is installed at the front wheel and must ensure the maximum limit space when the front wheel rotates and jumps. Therefore, the designer will use the wheel jump diagram to verify whether the design size of the fender is appropriate according to the selected tire model size. 3. Rear fender: The rear fender is slightly arched and convex outward for aerodynamic considerations. The function of the fender is to prevent the sand and mud rolled up by the wheel from splashing to the bottom of the car body during driving. The fender requires the material used to have weather resistance and good forming processability.

[VonTeagan]

We all call that plastic shell outside the wheel a mudguard, mainly to prevent mud, water, and stones from splashing onto the car body. I've driven for over ten years and seen mudguards made of various materials. Older models often used metal sheets—sturdy but heavy—while most are now made of plastic, which is lightweight and cheap but can crack if you accidentally scrape the curb while parking. Once during rainy weather, my mudguard broke, and the mud splashed up by the wheel dirtied the entire car door, forcing me to wash the car several times. I recommend checking for cracks regularly—don’t wait until leaks or strange noises appear to fix it. Replacing it yourself is simple, usually just requiring a screwdriver, and a car shop might charge around a hundred bucks. Overall, though small, this part is crucial for protecting the car’s paint and preventing rust on the undercarriage.

[DelJosie]

That plastic piece next to the wheel is called a fender, quite common in both new cars and the modification scene. I know a bit about it because I often help friends with their cars. It's not just for decoration—it's essential for preventing rust and splashes. For example, on rainy days without it, the wheels would fling mud everywhere, making a mess of the car. Some car enthusiasts upgrade to fenders with chrome trim for a cooler look. However, plastic ones aren't very durable. Last time I lightly brushed against a post while reversing, it cracked, and replacing it cost over 300 yuan. When cleaning, remember to remove the dirt inside to prevent buildup and accelerated aging, which helps extend the car's lifespan. Paying attention to these small details can save you a lot of hassle.

[McLucy]

The plastic wheel cover is called a fender liner or wheel arch liner, with its core function being to block water, mud, and gravel from entering the engine or chassis. These parts are typically made of ABS plastic, which is lightweight and low-cost. If damaged, there may be abnormal noises or water accumulation in the wheel area, affecting driving safety, and it should be replaced promptly. Repair requires professional tools, and DIY is not recommended to avoid worsening the issue due to improper sealing. Getting it done at an auto shop is quick and reliable.

[SanFaith]

When driving, you often see that plastic panel outside the wheels, commonly called a mudguard, which is used to block mud and rainwater to keep the car body clean. Once after shopping, I accidentally scraped a low parking lot curb while parking, and the mudguard shattered. It took me an entire afternoon to get it fixed, and since then, I've learned to be more careful when parking. Especially during the rainy season, a damaged mudguard can cause water splashes from the wheels to make a mess inside the car, which is bad for safety. It's essential to check for cracks during regular car washes and repair them promptly to avoid bigger problems.