What Is a Fender Liner?
July 8th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
Almost everyone knows what a fender is, and most people we’d wager know what a fender bender is, or can figure it out.
But do you know what a fender liner is? How about a fender liner replacement?
It’s actually pretty important to know about fender liners, especially if you live in a part of the country where it’s prone to snow.
A fender liner, AKA 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 of the wheel well from corrosion.
In older cars, the inner fender liner tends to be made out of metal, and in more modern cars, thermoplastic, which is a non-corrosive and robust material. Fender liners come in various types and are attached by screws, plastic clips, and tabs. It is not uncommon for them to become loose, damaged, or to completely come off.
Fender liner damage
They are especially prone to get damaged in wintertime. When it is cold, plastic parts can break very easily. Driving over packed snow or a high curb could cause damage to your fender liners. If you are driving in the rain with a damaged or missing fender liner, moisture could get inside the wheel well and corrode the headlight’s wiring.
Fender liner repair
Fender liner damage in general, and corrosion on the wheel well specifically, is a big concern. It is the reason why fender liners should be inspected routinely and replaced if needed. A technician should inspect the wheel thoroughly to determine if the corrosion has already 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 fender liner replacement is a do-it-yourself project. You could, inadvertently, end up causing more damage and making the situation worse.
Fender liner replacement
You can get your fender liner replaced at your local Fix Auto shop. First, we’ll check to make sure your fender liner needs replacement. Our highly trained technicians will need to remove your wheels 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 re-attach it. If it is damaged or cannot be secured appropriately, then it must be replaced as a loose liner that could present a safety hazard.
If you suspect your car require a fender liner replacement, call us today at (800) Info-Fix or make an appointment online.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Modesto-City Center, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing customers in Modesto-City Center and California’s Central Valley neighborhood.
