Which Part is the Fender?
4 Answers
The fender is the semi-circular area directly above the tire, also known as the wing panel. Based on its installation position, it is categorized into front fenders and rear fenders, serving as a cover component for both motorized and non-motorized vehicles. The fender assembly includes: front fender, front fender liner, front fender light, rear fender light, and radiator frame. Functions of the fender: 1. Utilizing fluid dynamics to reduce the drag coefficient, enhancing driving stability; 2. Preventing gravel and mud splashed up by the wheels during driving from reaching the underside of the vehicle body. The fender is positioned above the vehicle's wheels, acting as the outer panel on the side of the vehicle, and is formed from resin. The wing panel integrates the outer panel section and reinforcement section into a single resin-molded unit.
Last time I accidentally scraped my car in the parking lot, the mechanic said the fender was deformed and needed bodywork and repainting. The fender, those two semi-circular metal shells above the wheels—the front ones are called front fenders, and the rear ones are rear fenders. They cover the tires like clam shells, mainly to block mud, water, and stones. You’ll understand their importance when driving on the highway in the rain—without them, the car’s sides would be covered in mud splashes. They can be made of steel, aluminum, or even carbon fiber, and modified cars often have cut fenders to install widebody kits. However, the curvature is quite critical in design—it affects wind resistance and noise, and if it’s too prominent, it increases fuel consumption. The worst part is getting scratched—just one scrape can cause dents and paint damage, and repairs cost at least 300 to 400 yuan.
My old car has had its fender replaced. The technical term for this part is 'fender' in English. Simply put, it's the metal shell covering the outside of the tire, shaped like the edge of a leaf, hence the name 'leaf panel' in Chinese. Every time I wash the car, I make sure to clean this area thoroughly as it tends to accumulate the most mud. The front fender is connected to the bumper and headlight, while the rear fender is connected to the rear door and taillight, both being stamped parts. Common issues include rust and perforation, especially in areas where de-icing agents are used in the north. Last time my car was rear-ended, the repair bill listed the fender material cost at over 700 yuan, with labor costs being even higher. Nowadays, new cars are trending towards plastic fenders for weight reduction and rust prevention, though they are slightly less sturdy.
With twenty years in car modification, fenders are what we work on the most. That shell above the wheel arches has huge modification potential. Stock fenders are too narrow—they’ll rub when you fit larger rims, so you’ll need to cut and widen them. Nowadays, flared wide-body fenders made of fiberglass are trending, adding up to five centimeters in width. Track versions often feature cooling vents, though they compromise sound insulation. For daily driving, watch out for stone chips—they might seem minor, but deep scratches can expose the primer and lead to rust. The toughest part of metalwork repair is restoring the curves; inexperienced mechanics often leave uneven surfaces.
