What to do if the rear inner fender liner is broken?
4 Answers
The rear inner fender liner needs to be repaired at a professional institution. The fender is also known as the wing panel, which refers to the two panels on the sides of the car's front. These panels belong to the body covering parts. The fender is fixed to the fender beam, which is a structural component of the car body, as is the inner fender liner. Under normal circumstances, the inner fender liner should not be damaged unless it has been subjected to some external impact. The car body is composed of the body frame and covering parts. The covering parts include the front fenders, doors, trunk lid, engine hood, and front and rear bumpers. After removing all the covering parts, what remains is the body frame. In the event of a collision, the body frame is responsible for protecting the lives of the occupants inside the vehicle. The body covering parts do not serve to protect the occupants but are primarily for aesthetic purposes and to guide airflow.
I've been driving this car for five years, and last time I discovered the fender liner was broken, which really scared me. The liner is that plastic piece in the wheel arch, which serves as a mudguard and water barrier. After it broke, the driving noise became noticeably louder, especially when it rained and water got in. Over time, the metal sheet can even rust. At first, I tried to patch it up with strong adhesive tape, but it was quickly knocked off by stones. Later, I went to a repair shop and got a new part installed, which only cost a little over 300 yuan. The shop said the breakage is usually caused by aging or scraping against the curb. During regular maintenance, pay attention to this area and avoid water accumulation to extend its lifespan. As a car owner, safety issues really can't be taken lightly—sudden strange noises on the highway can be very distracting. The lesson is not to mess around with it yourself; getting it professionally replaced gives peace of mind, and regular checks of the wheel arch area can save a lot of trouble.
If the inner fender liner is torn, I can share a little trick. The liner is the plastic mudguard inside the wheel well. If it's torn, first use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and mud, then temporarily patch it with automotive-specific repair tape or adhesive—it's super simple to do yourself and saves both hassle and money. I've fixed mine this way before—usually tears happen due to long-term dirt buildup or gravel impact. Wear gloves when handling to avoid cuts. If the fix holds well, it can last a few weeks, but if not durable, it's best to replace the part—a repair shop can do it for around 200-300 RMB. Avoid parking on gravel roads regularly, and keeping the wheel arches clean during car washes helps prevent tears. As a car enthusiast, check this area often, and if you're handy, giving it a try won't hurt.
A damaged rear fender liner is usually caused by aging or impact, which I also encountered last time. The liner serves to block mud and water. Once damaged, it leads to increased noise and makes the car prone to water ingress and rust, so timely repair is recommended. Prevention mainly involves avoiding parking in areas with stagnant water and performing quarterly inspections and cleanings. For regular users, seeking a professional mechanic for repairs is the most hassle-free solution.