Tillie Doyle
Wheel well guards, also known as wheel well liners, fender liners, or inner fenders, are a common feature on many vehicles. While some may consider them unnecessary, they serve several important purposes. Firstly, they protect the wheel well and other vital components of the vehicle from damage caused by water, rocks, slush, and debris. This protection helps prevent rust and corrosion, which can significantly impact a vehicle's performance and longevity. Additionally, wheel well guards can enhance the appearance of a vehicle, making it look more polished and finished. They are also designed to reduce noise from driving by providing sound dampening. While some cars come with stock wheel well guards, others may require aftermarket upgrades for improved protection and functionality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Preventing tires from projecting sand, rocks, dirt, gravel, salt, and other types of road debris into the air and potentially back at the car |
| Necessity | Necessary for all vehicles, regardless of the type of road surface |
| Protection | Protects the vehicle's underside from rust and corrosion |
| Cleaning | Easier to clean than wheel wells |
| Performance | Enhances the performance and longevity of the vehicle |
| Installation | Custom-moulded to the contours of the wheel wells |
| Material | Made from durable thermoplastic or polyethylene |
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What You'll Learn
Wheel well guards/liners are necessary to protect your vehicle from rust and corrosion
Wheel well guards and liners are an important component of a vehicle's protection system. They are designed to protect the wheel wells from dirt, debris, and moisture, which can cause rust and corrosion. Rust and corrosion are among the worst cases of damage to vehicles, and wheel wells are particularly vulnerable due to their large surface area.
Wheel well guards and liners act as a protective layer between the road and the vehicle's chassis, preventing salt and other corrosive substances from reaching the metal surfaces. They are especially important for vehicles driven on dirt or gravel roads, where the risk of debris impacting the wheel wells is higher. However, even on regular roads, all surfaces can project debris, so protection is necessary.
The absence of wheel well guards or liners can result in costly repairs. Rust and corrosion can spread from the wheel wells to other parts of the vehicle, affecting its performance and longevity. Additionally, without the liners, dirt and debris can accumulate, causing damage to suspension components and other critical parts.
Wheel well guards and liners are typically made of durable materials such as HDPE, ABS, or impact-resistant thermoplastics. They are designed to fit snugly around the wheel wells, improving aerodynamics and reducing road noise. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them an effective way to protect your vehicle from rust and corrosion.
In summary, wheel well guards and liners are necessary to protect your vehicle from rust and corrosion. They provide a layer of defence against road debris and corrosive elements, ensuring the wheel wells and the vehicle's underside are shielded from damage. By investing in these protective components, you can maintain the aesthetics and functionality of your vehicle while also prolonging its lifespan.
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They are also important for maintaining a clean vehicle
Wheel well guards are important for maintaining a clean vehicle. They prevent water, rocks, slush, mud, dirt, snow, salt, tar, and other debris from entering the wheel well and causing damage from rust or dings. This is especially important for the suspension system, which can be damaged by debris and have its lifespan shortened. Additionally, corrosive material can enter other parts of the vehicle, such as the engine bay or truck bed, and cause hidden problems.
The wheel well is one of the most favorable environments for rust formation due to its large surface area. By preventing or limiting contact between the bodywork and rust-causing elements, wheel well guards help to protect against rust and corrosion. They also protect the vehicle's underside from hard impact damage, as debris can scratch, dent, or puncture the bodywork or other crucial parts.
Wheel well guards are also easier to clean than unprotected wheel wells, making maintenance easier. This is true for both OEM guards and aftermarket guards. Aftermarket guards are often made to be tougher for off-road vehicles and may have more specific functions, such as blocking more debris or preventing tire rub. They can also improve the vehicle's appearance, giving it a more finished and polished look.
While some people may not see the value in spending a lot of time cleaning the wheel wells, especially if they are not visible, it is important to maintain them to prevent damage and keep the vehicle looking its best. Dirty wheel wells can stand out, and a clean wheel well can complete the clean car look. Additionally, it is easier to perform maintenance on a clean vehicle, as you are less likely to encounter problems caused by dirt, debris, or corrosion.
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Wheel well guards can protect your vehicle from impact damage
Wheel well guards are a necessity for all vehicles, regardless of size or the type of roads you drive on. They are designed to protect your vehicle from impact damage and the effects of corrosion.
The wheel well is the recessed area inside the fenders that house the wheels. When driving, road spray and debris, such as rocks, mud, sand, and gravel, can be projected upwards into the wheel well. The wheel well guard acts as a shield, catching and deflecting these projections before they can damage the underside of your vehicle. This damage can include scratches, dents, or punctures to the bodywork and other crucial parts.
The wheel well is one of the most susceptible areas for rust and corrosion due to its large surface area. Wheel well guards provide a protective layer that limits the contact between the bodywork and rust-causing elements, such as water, salt, and other corrosives. This protective layer also helps to repel rocks, mud, snow, and salt, ensuring that your vehicle's wheel wells remain pristine.
Additionally, wheel well guards can improve the aesthetics of your vehicle by filling in any unsightly gaps or voids beneath the bed, giving it a sleek and finished appearance. They also help to reduce road noise and improve the sound dampening effects of your vehicle.
While many cars come with stock wheel well guards, it may be beneficial to choose a different model made of more durable materials such as HDPE or ABS. It is important to select a wheel well guard designed specifically for your vehicle's make and model, as the shape and design of wheel wells can vary significantly between different models.
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They are easy to clean and maintain
The Lisle 19852 Truck and Trailer Wheel Pan is a popular choice for those looking for a product that makes maintenance and cleaning easier. The wheel pan is made of durable heavy plastic and fits well in wheels, making it ideal for dual-wheel setups. It is especially useful for those working on large truck rear axle shaft seals.
One of its standout features is its mess resistance. The pan effectively catches and retains oil from wheel hubs during wheel repair, preventing oil spills and keeping the tires, ground, and surrounding areas clean. This makes post-repair clean-up significantly easier. The pan's design includes handle compartments that keep hub nuts out of the oil, further enhancing its mess-resistant capabilities.
Customers have praised the wheel pan for its ability to contain debris during axle removal, making hub servicing much less messy. Its oil retention capabilities are also impressive, with some customers noting that it holds enough oil for multiple wheel seal changes. This not only simplifies the maintenance process but also reduces the amount of waste generated.
The wheel pan's mess-resistant design ensures that oil and other fluids are properly contained, preventing them from spreading to other parts of the vehicle or the work area. This makes cleanup faster and less labour-intensive, saving time and effort for mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike. The pan's durable construction also contributes to its ease of maintenance, as it can withstand the warmth of the oil without warping.
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Wheel well guards improve the longevity of your vehicle
Wheel well guards, also known as wheel well liners, fender liners or inner fenders, are necessary for all vehicles, regardless of size. They are designed to protect your vehicle from damage, increase its longevity and improve its appearance.
Wheel well guards are an important barrier between the wheel and the rest of the vehicle, preventing water, rocks, slush, dirt, mud, salt, snow, tar and debris from entering the engine bay, suspension or truck bed. This is particularly important as the wheel well is one of the most favourable environments for rust formation due to its large surface area. A wheel well guard can prevent or limit contact with corrosive elements, thereby reducing the risk of rust and corrosion.
In addition to providing protection from the elements, wheel well guards also safeguard your vehicle from impact damage. They can prevent scratches, dents and punctures to the bodywork and other crucial parts of the vehicle. This protective barrier can also reduce noise from driving, as it dampens the sound of small stones and debris hitting the wheel well.
The durability of wheel well guards can vary depending on the materials used and the quality of the product. Some guards may be made from durable materials such as HDPE, ABS or polyethylene, while others may be made from cheaper, less durable materials. It is important to select a wheel well guard that is specifically designed to fit your vehicle's make and model, as the shape and design of wheel wells can vary significantly between different models.
While wheel well guards can provide significant benefits, they are not intended to last for the lifetime of the vehicle. Over time, they will wear down and may need to be replaced. To improve the longevity of your wheel well guards, you can use a high-quality truck bed liner or apply a layer of a protective coating, such as Durabak, to enhance their durability and ensure they last longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Wheel well guards are necessary for all vehicles, regardless of the road surfaces you drive on. They protect your vehicle's wheel wells from rust and corrosion, which are among the worst cases of vehicle damage. They also prevent hard impact damage from debris, such as scratches, dents, or punctures.
Wheel well guards are typically made of metal or plastic. Higher-quality guards are made of more durable materials such as HDPE, ABS, or rugged, high-density polyethylene.
The cost of wheel well guards depends on the make, model, and production year of your vehicle. A complete pair of OEM guards typically costs $80 to $120. Higher-quality guards usually fetch higher prices, ranging from $90 to $150 per pair.
