Which part is the front fender liner?
2 Answers
The front fender liner is a thin, semi-circular panel located above the tire along the vehicle body. Function of the fender: The fender, also known as the wing panel, is positioned outside the wheels of the vehicle body. Its purpose is to reduce the drag coefficient based on fluid dynamics, making the vehicle's movement more stable. Design of the fender: Fenders are categorized into front and rear fenders based on their installation position. The front fender is installed above the front wheels. Since the front wheels have steering functionality, it is essential to ensure the maximum space required for the front wheels' rotation. Therefore, designers use "wheel travel diagrams" to verify the fender's design dimensions based on the selected tire model and size. The rear fender does not face issues related to wheel rotation interference, but for aerodynamic considerations, it is slightly arched and protrudes outward.
The front fender liner is essentially that plastic panel shielding the area above the tires. If you open the front door and crouch down, you'll spot that curved black protective cover behind the upper part of the tire. This component plays a crucial role—it blocks all the mud, water, and debris kicked up during normal driving, preventing them from splattering all over the engine bay and chassis. Last time my car got hit by a rock that cracked the liner, the chassis stayed damp every rainy day, and the mechanic warned that the wheel hub bearing almost rusted solid. It also has a hidden noise-reduction function, noticeably reducing tire friction noise at highway speeds. Nowadays, the tuning scene favors resin fiber liners over stock plastic ones, reportedly improving impact resistance by 30%.
