What Is a Fender on a Car? —You May Ask. 

There are affiliate links on this article. If you make a purchase through any of the links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Have you ever noticed the curved metal panel on the side of a car? That is called a fender. And it is an important part of your car. Fenders are designed to protect the wheel wells from dirt and debris that tires can kick up during driving.

They also help to direct airflow away from the engine compartment, helping to keep it cool. Aside from that, it keeps the vehicle aerodynamic and can add to its overall aesthetic appeal.

This article will explain what a fender is, how it works in more detail, the cost of repair, and many more. We’ll also be answering some of the frequently asked questions regarding this topic. So stay put!

What Is A Fender On A Car? [Fender Car Part Explained]

The fender is a body part that fits over the tire on either side of a car. The manufacturer installs it by connecting it to the wheel arch. Vehicle manufacturers use them to enhance the appearance of their vehicles. Fenders also improve a car’s aerodynamics.

And more importantly, the primary purpose of fenders is to keep road debris from being thrown around by your car’s tires. They are housings for wheels that contain or control such debris.

And if your car’s wheels are not covered by a plastic or metal liner, road debris will always fly around the inside of your car.

Therefore, it is a law that you have to install fender flares on vehicles with big tires. Fender flares are body kits you can attach over your vehicle’s fenders.

Secondly, fenders should be made with Firm and Rigid Material. This is because mud, sand, and other sticky substances can adhere to the smooth rubber surface of your tires.

Stones or other small debris may temporarily embed themselves in treads or grooves as you drive. Thus, if you drive your car on the roads daily, it eventually will sustain some damage —or even be destroyed. That is why fenders should be made of rigid, firm steel to withstand the malicious “attack” of debris on rough roads. 

Cost Of Fender Repair

The cost of Fender Repair depends on the extent of the damage and the number of parts involved.

If your car’s fender is damaged, you can repair it if it is minor. If it has been completely wrecked and needs to be replaced, the cost ranges from $500 to $1,500.

Also, the cost of replacing a fender varies depending on how many panels need replacement and your vehicle’s style. 

And according to CostHelper, the average repair cost for passenger vehicles could fall between $300 and $1,600.

What Are The Process Of Fender Repairs?

what is a fender on a car

Fender repairs can be a tricky and time-consuming process. If you’re not careful, you could end up with a fender that’s not as good as it used to be.

You must first Identify the problem area and measure your fender’s damaged portion. All these can be done at any automobile shop.

But it’s crucial to know the steps involved: 

1. Scratch Repairs

The most common type of damage to fenders is a scratch. You can repair such scratches by buffing them out and painting over the affected area to blend in with the rest of your car’s paint job.

To fix deeper scratches, you must fill in the gaps with putty or filler; once it dries completely and is buffed, paint that part.

2. Repairing Dents

The process of pulling a dent out can repair dents on fenders.

There are several different ways to pull out dents: one way is by suctioning the area around it; another way is to pound or hammer it until its surface level returns; and finally, you could fill in the dent with fillers.

But the most common way to remove dents is with a suction gun.

This device uses powerful vacuum suction to pull the dent out from inside the car’s body and then pop it back into place so that you can’t even tell where it was before.

However, replacing an entire fender panel may be necessary if this does not work for your particular damage.

And if you can’t afford to have a professional repair or replace the fender. Minor scratches are usually the only kinds of damage that warrant DIY treatment.

3. Repairing Cracks Or Breaks

First, the technician will examine a damaged part to determine whether they can fill and reinforce that section.

The filler must be applied to fill the damaged area to repair a crack or break. The scratch will then need buffing so that it blends with adjacent paint and doesn’t leave an obvious mark.

However, if the damage to a car’s fender is extensive, it should be replaced —because its structure has been compromised and can no longer fulfill its primary function.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does Car Fenders Offer Protection? 

Driving without fenders to house your car’s wheel wells is like riding a roller coaster in the rain—the water puddles around your tires and sometimes splashes up onto you.

While this might not necessarily stain you per se, the tires will kick up mud and debris from the road and slush them into the air.

And this can result in getting pedestrians or other vehicles on the road dirty. In extreme cases, it can scratch the bodies of passing or parked vehicles.

Thus, The fender’s main purpose is to prevent sand, mud, and rocks—as well as rainwater, oil, or any other liquid thrown into the air by the tire during rotation.

Their job is to catch these things or confine them within the car.

What Happens If You Drive Without Fenders?

If your car has no fenders, you must be aware of the risks involved when driving without a fender liner.

Firstly, driving without fenders is not only dangerous—it’s also illegal in some states.

This is because the suspension will fall off without fender or fender liners. 

The transmission will drop. The engine can seize up, and Axle shafts may break down.

And because there are no fenders on your car, rocks and other solid debris can enter the engine bay of your vehicle at tremendous speeds—causing dents to metal parts or major damage to the engine itself.

Generally, a fender is a crucial aspect of a car, which is why the law requires every car registered in the U.S. to have fenders.

And common sense tells us that they help keep other drivers safe by preventing debris or mud splatters and water puddles while you are on the road.

Now I’m not saying your car won’t function without a fender, NO!

It will since they are not the primary motive power of the car. But it’s unsafe, as you risk damaging other people’s vehicles or, worse.

What Are Some Of The Best Recommend For Fender Cover And Fender Flares? 

Several types of fender covers and flares are available today, including chrome, stainless steel, and black matte finish materials.

All of these materials have unique pros and cons depending on how much maintenance work needs to be done to stay in good shape over time (such as cleaning).

However, the best recommendation is to purchase them from a reputable company.

This is because the quality of these products varies, so you must choose a reliable source when looking for these items.

Suppose you want to spend less money on these products. In that case, some cheaper options don’t sacrifice authenticity that preserves the structural integrity and beauty of your car’s fenders:

  • BLACKHORSE-RACING 4PCS Universal Fender Flares
  • OwnMy Lightweight Automotive Leather Fender Cover

Where Is Fender Located On A Car?

Fenders are located on the sides of a vehicle. Fenders cover the rear wheels, and are attached to both sides at the front of the vehicle.

Rear wheels are located immediately in front of the rear fenders, and front wheels are positioned just behind their counterparts at the front.

To make this explanation more specific, the car fenders are panels located at the vehicle’s front left and right–these are also sometimes called quarter panels. 

At the rear of most cars, there is another set of these protective covers for both sides’ wheels.

What Is The Difference Between Bumpers Vs Fenders? 

Many people confuse bumpers for fenders or vice versa, often because they’re both found at the front and rear of the vehicle.

But car bumpers and fenders are two different parts of your car’s body with various duties.

Firstly, bumpers are not on the heel side of any vehicle.

The purpose of bumpers on a vehicle is to protect the body from damage caused by collisions with other vehicles. For this reason, they are called “bumper” at the front and rear ends of the car’s body parts where such damages could occur.

This is a completely different use for the fenders.

Again, fenders are housings for the wheels; they prevent road debris from getting thrown up by rotating tires. 

But fenders can also act as extensions of bumpers since they can absorb impacts caused by minor collisions.

However, there are also cons to either of these parts.

For instance, while a bumper’s primary role is to mitigate the force of a collision and protect pedestrians from serious injury if hit, it also serves an aesthetic purpose by enhancing the look of cars.

Sadly, a bumper adds weight and affects a car’s handling, aesthetics, and aerodynamics —especially when installed wrongly.

On the other hand, fenders can ruin a car’s aesthetic appeal if installed incorrectly. Oversized fenders can also affect how well the vehicle handles and maneuvers in conditions like rain or snow.

Conclusion

So that’s all there is for this article. 

I hope this page has helped clear the air on “what is a fender on a car.” And clarify the difference between bumper and fender? 

We also discussed how much a fender repair costs so you know what to expect in the repair shop. 

Furthermore, we recommended that you buy fender covers to protect your cars’ bodies against scratches, pressing marks, and heat.

However, if there is anything you wish to know about the car’s fender, that needs to be added to this page. We encourage you to use the comment section, which we’ll be obliged to address below.

Drive safe!

Related:

Scroll to Top