Where is the fender of a car?
2 Answers
Fenders are the outer body panels that cover the wheels, named for their resemblance to bird wings in shape and position on older car bodies. Based on their installation position, they are divided into front fenders and rear fenders. The front fender is installed at the front wheel and must ensure the maximum space for wheel rotation and jumping. Therefore, designers use wheel jump diagrams based on the selected tire model and size to verify whether the fender's design dimensions are appropriate. Made of weather-resistant plastic material, fenders have certain cushioning and elasticity, making them relatively safe. According to aerodynamics, fenders can reduce the drag coefficient during driving, greatly aiding the car's stability. The presence of fenders also prevents gravel and mud kicked up by the wheels from splashing onto the bottom of the cabin, thus protecting the car's chassis. Fenders are also a type of vulnerable component in cars, with cracking issues often due to the fender being too thin or the lower limit size being inadequate. If the fender is too thin to withstand the torsional deformation of the front beam head, reinforcing it with backup welding can ensure the original deformation amount while enhancing the toughness of the entire fender. However, steel plates should not be used for backup welding as they can easily affect the fender's torsional deformation. If the lower limit size is too small, simply increasing the lower arm limit will suffice.
As someone who frequently commutes by car, I'm quite familiar with the position of a car's fender. It's that curved panel above the wheel, snugly fitted over the top and sides of the tire. For instance, when driving through muddy sections, the wheels can fling out dirt and water—the fender serves a protective role by preventing mud from splashing onto the doors or body, and it also shields against flying stones that might scratch the paint. Each wheel has one: two for the front wheels and two for the rear. The front fenders are usually more pronounced, helping to reduce wind resistance. They're typically made of metal or plastic, and I noticed during my last car wash that they tend to accumulate dust and rust, so keeping them clean is important. If the car is damaged, say from a scrape or dent, the fender might need replacement, which can affect both the overall appearance and safety, especially in reducing airflow disruption at high speeds.
