What is a Car Fender? Its Function and How to Replace It

Have you ever heard the term car fender? If so, do you already know what this component is and its function? If not, let's take a look at the following review.

What is a Car Fender?

A car fender is a component located above the wheel side of the car. This component is usually made of rubber, steel, or even polyurethane (a plastic panel mixed with rubber) that is curved. Commonly, laypeople refer to it as a car mudguard.

Functions of a Car Fender

A car fender has several important functions on a car. The complete functions of a car fender are as follows.

1. Wheel Protector

The fender on a car serves as a wheel protector, as this component can be considered a housing for the car's wheel. This component will cover the wheel so that when the car is moving on the road, the fender functions to hold debris and rubble on the road. Without this component, debris and fragments of gravel or asphalt would be thrown up as the wheel turns. 

2. Pedestrian Protector

As explained above, without a fender, debris or fragments of dirt, sand, gravel, and asphalt could be thrown when the car is moving. This condition can endanger pedestrians if they are walking in the vicinity of the car. With the presence of a fender, this condition can be prevented.

3. Scratch Protector

The fender on a car is a technology of cars from the past and present that can protect the car from the risk of scratches when servicing the car. This function is actually a function of the fender cover. This component is usually found on the right and left sides of the fender. 

How to Replace a Car Fender 

There are several steps you need to know when you want to replace a damaged car fender. The steps are as follows.

1. Place the car in a stable and safe location

Before replacing the damaged car fender, you need to place the car in a stable and safe location. 

2. Disconnect the battery cables

The next step is to disconnect all cables attached to the battery to avoid accidents or injuries.

3. Prepare replacement tools

The third step is to prepare the tools needed to replace the fender as follows.

• Screwdriver (slot and philips)
• Cutting tool or metal saw.
• Brush.
• Car paint polish.
• Pliers.
• Wrench set starting from size 10 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm to 15 mm.
• New fender.

4. Remove the wheel

The fourth step is to remove the wheel bolts with a wrench. Then use a jack to lift the car. Slowly remove the damaged wheel.

5. Remove components attached to the fender

The fifth step is to remove all bolts and components attached to the fender. Examples include the trim, lights, or bumper. 

6. Remove the damaged fender

The sixth step is to remove the old or damaged fender. To do this, use a wrench to remove the bolts that are still attached to the car body and fender. Then slowly remove the fender.

7. Install the new fender

The seventh step is to install the new fender. Before installing the new fender, you should check this component for any damage. If there is none, install the new fender in the location of the damaged fender. Use new bolts to ensure the new fender and car are securely attached. Reattach related components such as trim, lights, and bumper.

8. Check the installation results

The last step is to check the results of the new fender installation to see if it is perfect or not. 

Thus, the correct way to replace a car fender that you can follow. If you are still unsure about doing the replacement yourself, you can visit the nearest official Daihatsu workshop for assistance.