What Is a Fender on a Car?

July 8th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA

Fenders are an essential component of a car’s body, contributing to its aesthetic and, more importantly, protecting it from various road debris.

But what is a fender on a car? The curved side panel sits over each wheel, covering the area between your bumper and your door panel. A fender can be made from plastic, aluminum, rubber, or fiberglass and shields your car from mud, rocks, and other things your tires can pick up from the road while driving.

Keep reading to learn all about fenders, their parts and purposes, and how to care for them.

Fender vs. Bumper

It’s easy to get confused about what a fender is. Although the fender and bumper are two separate parts of the car that serve different purposes, the words are often used interchangeably. 

When we hear about a vehicle being involved in a “fender bender,” it’s often about an accident that causes minimal damage in the front or back bumper area. However, a true fender bender would have an impact directly on the wheel panels or a strong enough force from the front or back to push the fender out of form.

To remember the difference between a fender and a bumper, think of it this way:

• A fender is located on the side of your car. Its job is to fend off the elements and road debris that the tires kick up.
• A bumper is in the front or back of your car. Its job is to protect your car from low- to moderate-impact bumps and bangs that can cause structural damage.

What Does a Fender Do?

A fender plays a few important roles in your car’s safety, appearance, and performance.

Shields Your Car from Road Debris

Fenders house your wheels and serve as a barrier that protects your car from dirt, water, gravel, and other elements you encounter on the road every day. They prevent dirt and debris from easily getting onto your car’s exterior, helping keep your car clean and preventing scratches and damage to your paint job.

Protects Others Around You 

In addition to protecting your own car, fenders are strategically placed to help protect other vehicles and people around you as you drive. The debris your wheels pick up can easily get thrown into the air and head for other nearby objects. In some states, driving a vehicle without fenders in place is illegal.

Improves Aerodynamics

Car fenders are aerodynamically designed to reduce drag from the tires at higher speeds and reduce turbulence for a smoother ride and better gas mileage. It’s worth noting that the protective and aerodynamic features of fenders are most effective when you obey speed limits and avoid driving on rough roads.

Helps Keep You Safe in an Accident

Fenders also protect the driver and passengers in a vehicle if you should have an accident. The fenders are designed to bend and buckle in ways that can help protect the legs and feet of those inside the car.

What Is a Fender Liner?

While the outward-facing panel protects your car’s exterior, your car also has an undercarriage fender liner to help protect internal components from the elements. A fender liner, a.k.a. inner fender liner, is simply a plastic barrier between the fender and the engine, and it comes installed in most modern cars. 

Each front wheel has a separate fender liner. Its job is to block dirt, mud, water, environmental toxins, slush (in snowy areas), and other impurities from seeping into the engine bay and causing severe corrosion and harm. It also helps protect the wiring and other components inside the wheel well from corrosion.

In older cars, the inner fender liner tends to be made out of metal, and in more modern cars, it’s usually made out of thermoplastic, a noncorrosive and robust material. Fender liners are attached with screws, plastic clips, and tabs.

Fender Liner Damage

It’s not uncommon for fender liners to become loose or damaged or even to come off completely, threatening your vehicle’s safety.

Fender liners are especially prone to getting damaged in wintertime. When it’s cold, plastic parts can break very easily. Driving over packed snow or a high curb could cause damage to your fender liners. If you drive in the rain or snow with a damaged or missing fender liner, moisture could get inside the wheel well and corrode the headlight’s wiring.

If you suspect your car needs a fender liner replacement or repair, don’t hesitate to contact us! Fix Auto USA is your best source for honest and careful fender repairs. 

Fender Liner Replacement

Fender liner damage and corrosion on the wheel well is a big concern. It’s the reason why fender liners should be inspected routinely and replaced if needed. A technician should inspect the wheel thoroughly to determine if corrosion has started to accumulate. If you have an older car, fender liner replacement is critical; otherwise, the entire wheel well will eventually become corroded.

Because the fender liner is positioned farther back in the wheel well, it is not visible unless you remove the tire. We want to emphasize that neither fender liner repair nor replacement is a do-it-yourself project. You could inadvertently end up causing more damage and make the situation worse.

You can get your fender liner replaced at your local Fix Auto shop. Our highly trained technicians will do the job right. Note that we’ll need to remove your tires in order to see and access the fender liner.

If it doesn’t need to be replaced, our knowledgeable Fix Auto technician will let you know. If your inner fender liner is hanging loose, we might be able to reattach it. If it is damaged or cannot be secured appropriately, then it must be replaced, as a loose liner could present a safety hazard.

How to Care for Your Fenders

Taking a few simple steps can help keep your fenders in good shape and protect your vehicle.

• Drive carefully: Obey posted speed limits and avoid primitive roads.
• Get expert inspections: Take advantage of tire rotation, replacement, and repair services to thoroughly inspect your fenders for wear and tear.
• Wash your car: Regular car washes keep fenders clean and help prevent buildup that can cause corrosion.

Get Expert Fender Repairs at Fix Auto USA

If your fender or fender liner becomes damaged, head to your local Fix Auto USA for reliable repairs. Make an appointment for expert auto body services today!