Why Do We Need Fender Liners?

1 What Are Fender Liners?

Fenders liners are usually not visible because they are tucked above the tires and under the fenders. If you look at the wheel well, you will see a curved panel right above your wheels. They are more clearly visible when the wheel is removed. This is called the fender liner, which is a plastic lining and is secured to your car’s fenders by bolts, clips, pushpins, or screws. Fender liners are made from different materials. Older cars are equipped with fender liners made from metal, whereas most of the newer cars today have thermoplastic fender liners because they are flexible, resistant to rust and wear.

2 What Does A Fender Liner Do?

A fender liner’s purpose is to protect the engine from mud, slush, and snow that is thrown up from the rotating wheels. It also guards the engine bay against road debris and other external elements as they can cause damage and corrosion. While the fenders serve the purpose of keeping people and cars protected from stones and dirt thrown by your tires, the fender liner protects your car and its components. Mostly made from polyethylene or polypropylene plastic, fenders liners are designed to be very durable so they can withstand prolonged exposure to road elements and occasional contact with your vehicle’s spinning wheels. Fender liners are very important if you live in a place where the temperature drops below freezing and there’s a lot of snow and slush on the roads. The outside of your vehicle is protected and is weatherproof to a certain degree, but the internal components of your vehicle may deteriorate. A fender liner acts as a shield from dirt, moisture and can extend your vehicle’s lifespan.

3 What Type Of Fender Liner Do I Need?

Fender liners are made from various materials and come in various shapes and sizes. Usually, they are made from two materials: Plastic and Rubber.

• Plastic Fender Liners: Plastic fender liners are lighter, cheaper, and widely used in vehicles today. These are usually thermoplastic or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic, which is highly corrosion-resistant, making them last a long time. ABS plastic is strong, resistant to heat and scratches but is not entirely chemical resistant. Meanwhile, thermoplastic fender liners are good insulators, they do not chip away easily, and are very flexible. The only downside of thermoplastic fender liners is that they are very reactive to temperatures as they soften in heat and get brittle in cold. 

• Rubber Fender Liners: Rubber fender liners are usually available as aftermarket options and are rarely used in vehicles. It is heavier than plastic but offers better protection from road debris and moisture.

4 What Are The Causes Of Fender Liner Damage?

Fender liners are situated just above and around the wheels of your vehicle, which makes them exposed to all the slush, rocks, and dirt thrown by the rotating wheels. Fender liners usually get damaged during winters because the freezing temperature leads to a lot of snow, water, and slush. Apart from these factors, driving over a high curb or getting into a fender bender can also damage your car’s fender liners. Although newer plastic fender liners are durable, over time they can undergo wear and may have to be replaced. While replacing or repairing your fender, always check your fender liners and get them replaced if they are damaged.

5 Can You Drive Without A Fender Liner?

Although one can drive the vehicle if the fender liner is broken, it’s strongly recommended that you don’t. Given the importance of the fender liners, we just discussed, driving without one can cause damage to the engine components. While most of the time these road elements are not enough to completely ruin the part and components of your vehicle, the effects of driving without a fender liner can accumulate over time. A broken fender liner not only affects your engine but the headlights, wheel wells, and electrical wiring situated under the front and rear fenders. In short, you can drive without a fender liner but it is advised to get your broken or missing fender replaced as soon as possible. Ignoring it will eventually lead to damages that could be quite expensive to repair.

Overall, a fender liner is as important as other parts of your vehicle. Fixing a bad or a broken fender liner is very important to keep up the cosmetic appearance of your vehicle by protecting it from rust and corrosion. Fender liners also help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars by protecting your engine’s vital parts. In this sense, it’s a good idea to invest in quality fender liners for your peace of mind. Do not drive your vehicle with a broken fender liner or without a fender liner on a permanent or long-term basis.

6 How to Fix the Fender Liner?

To fix a fender liner, you can follow these steps:

1. Remove the old liner from the vehicle.
2. Clean off any dirt or debris around the area.
3. Measure where your new fender liner should go.
4. Cut out a template for it with a knife.
5. Cut the new fender liner to size.
6. Place your new fender liner in its place and reinstall all of the screws that hold it into place.

If you have a cracked or torn fender liner, you can repair it by using plastic welding. First, clean the liner with soap and water. Then, use a plastic welding kit to weld the crack or tear. Once you’re done, you can paint the liner if you want to.

7 How Much to Replace Fender Liners?

The cost of replacing a fender liner can vary depending on the type of fender liner and its manufacturer. Prices for replacement inner fender liners range from less than a dollar for a single unit and up to $730 for a set of four. The cost of replacement fender liners largely depends on the part’s compatibility with your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

8 FAQs

What is the Plastic Above the Tire Called? or What is a Wheel Well on a Car?

The plastic part above the tire is commonly known as the wheel well or wheel arch. It is a protective covering that surrounds the wheel and helps to prevent debris, dirt, and water from entering the vehicle’s interior or damaging the tire. The wheel well is typically made of durable plastic material that can withstand the elements and provide a barrier between the tire and the rest of the vehicle. It also adds an aesthetic appeal to the overall design of the car.

What is a Fender Well?

A fender well is a protective covering that surrounds the wheel and helps to prevent debris, dirt, and water from entering the vehicle’s interior or damaging the tire. It is typically made of durable plastic material that can withstand the elements and provide a barrier between the tire and the rest of the vehicle. The fender well is also known as the inner fender.

What are Wheel Well Liners?

Wheel well liners are protective coverings that are installed inside the wheel well to protect the vehicle from dirt, debris, and other contaminants. They are typically made of durable materials such as plastic or rubber and are designed to fit the specific make and model of the vehicle. Wheel well liners are also known as fender liners or splash guards. They can help to prevent rust and corrosion by keeping the wheel well area clean and dry.