Every experienced car enthusiast knows that the condition of the chassis directly affects the handling and safety of the vehicle. However, not all car owners think about what is hidden behind the wheel arches and what exactly it is called protection under the wing of the car. In a professional environment, this element is most often called locker (from the English "locker"), although other names are also used in everyday use, such as fender liners or inner arch mud flaps.
This part performs a critical function: it protects the body, side members and internal suspension elements from the aggressive influence of the external environment. Dirt, stones, chemicals from the roads - all this flies directly into the arch when driving. Standard protection, which is often installed at the factory, can be made of thin plastic or even felt, which does not always provide the proper level of safety.
In this article, we will analyze in detail what materials modern lockers are made of, how they differ from each other, and whether it is worth replacing standard elements with reinforced analogues. Understanding what it's called and works protection under the wing of the car, will help you make the right decision about upgrading your car.
Main types of fender liners
The automotive accessories market offers a wide range of solutions for protecting wheel arches. The choice depends on the operating conditions of the vehicle and the owner’s requirements for durability. The main division occurs according to the material of manufacture, since it is this that determines performance characteristics products.
Plastic lockers are the most common option installed on the conveyor. They are lightweight, non-corrosive and easy to clean. However, cheap plastic can become brittle in the cold, and when hit by strong stones, it can crack. Absorbent fender liners made of pressed felt are less common and are typical for some models of German cars; they dampen noise well, but quickly accumulate moisture.
- 🚗 Polypropylene: elastic, withstand temperature changes, but can become deformed when overheated.
- 🛡️ Rubber: very durable and silent, but heavier than plastic counterparts and more difficult to install.
- 🔩 Metal (aluminum): maximum protection against stones, but require high-quality anti-corrosion treatment.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing universal fender liners, be sure to check their compatibility with your car model, since the geometry of the arches from different manufacturers may differ significantly.
When choosing between different types, it is important to consider the climate zone of residence. For regions with harsh winters and reagents, elastic materials that will not burst from contact with ice are better suited. Standard protection often cannot withstand such loads, so its replacement becomes a matter of time.
Functional purpose of lockers
Many people mistakenly believe that the only purpose of this element is protection from dirt. Actually fender liner functionality much wider and includes the protection of vital components of the car. Without a high-quality locker, dirt and water fall directly onto steering rods, ball joints and silent blocks, causing them to wear out faster.
Also, fender liners play an important role in aerodynamics and sound insulation. A correctly installed element reduces air turbulence in the area of the wheel arches, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption at high speeds. In addition, they prevent fine gravel from entering the engine compartment through the arch, which is especially important for cars with low ground clearance.
| Function | Description of impact | Consequences of absence |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-corrosion | Protection of body metal from reagents | Rust on side members and arches |
| Mechanical | Protection against impacts from rocks and ice | Damage to wiring and pipes |
| Dirt-proof | Preventing engine compartment contamination | Contamination of sensors and belts |
| Noise insulation | Reduced tire and road noise | Increased noise level in the cabin |
Particularly important protection under the wing for cars with gas-cylinder equipment, where the cylinder is often located in this area. Damage to the gas pipeline by a stone can lead to a serious accident, so installing a reinforced locker here is not just a recommendation, but a necessity.
Impact on electronics
Modern cars are equipped with ABS sensors and wiring running in the arches. The contact of salt water and dirt directly on the connectors causes oxidation of the contacts, which leads to errors in the operation of the stabilization and braking systems. A high-quality fender liner creates a dry pocket, keeping the electrical parts intact.
Manufacturing materials: pros and cons
When choosing new fender liners, the owner is faced with the question of material. Each option has its own technical features, which need to be taken into account. Plastic, rubber and metal behave differently during operation, and knowing these nuances will help avoid disappointment.
Polypropylene products are valued for their ability to restore shape after deformation. If such a locker bends a little when parking, it can straighten itself in the sun or in a warm garage. However cheap analogues made from recycled materials may have an unpleasant odor and low elasticity, which makes them brittle in the cold.
- 🌡️ Heat resistance: high-quality materials do not melt from the heat of the brake discs.
- 🔇 Acoustic comfort: Dense materials better dampen the sound of studded tires.
- ⚖️ Weight: Heavy metal guards may slightly increase fuel consumption.
Rubber fender liners are often chosen by SUV owners. They are practically impervious to impacts, but their installation requires special attention to the fasteners, since the rubber tends to “float” under load. Metal protection, although less common, provide bulletproof protection, but require ideal installation so as not to become a source of corrosion at points of contact with the body.
When purchasing rubber fender liners, treat their inner surface with silicone grease - this will make future washing easier and prevent dirt from sticking.
Symptoms of wear and damage to the protection
Understand that protection under the wing of the car requires replacement or repair, based on a number of indirect signs. Drivers often ignore these signals until the problem becomes visually obvious or causes adjacent components to fail.
The first sign may be the appearance of extraneous sounds when moving. A creaking, rustling or knocking sound in the area of the wheel arches often indicates that the locker has come loose from the mounts and is rubbing against the tire or suspension elements. Also, the need for replacement is indicated by the appearance of dirt on the inner door panels or splashes on the headlights, which indicates a violation of the tightness of the arched space.
⚠️ Attention: If you notice that the fender liner is loose, fix the problem immediately. A part flying off at speed can block the wheel or damage the brake hoses.
A visual inspection at each wash will help identify cracks, chips or missing fastening clips. Standard plastic Over time, it burns out and loses strength, so even without visible damage it is recommended to replace it every 5-7 years of operation in harsh conditions.
Technology for installing new fender liners
Replacing underwing protection is a procedure that can be done with your own hands if you have a basic set of tools. The process requires care, as it is important not to damage the fasteners and to correctly align the geometry of the part with the car body.
First you need to dismantle the old elements. This is done by unscrewing the screws in the arch and removing the plastic clips holding the locker. Often, partial removal of the front bumper or fender liner is required to access hidden bolts. It is recommended to clean the metal surface under the new element and treat it with anticorrosive.
☑️ Checklist for fender liner installation
Installation of a new element is carried out in the reverse order. It is important to use only fasteners recommended by the manufacturer, since standard self-tapping screws may not provide the necessary fixation or, conversely, damage the body. Fasteners must be protected from corrosion, so it is better to use galvanized hardware or plastic.
The main installation rule is not to use rigid fixation where an elastic one is provided, so that body vibrations do not lead to destruction of the fastening points.
Care and maintenance of wheel arches
Even the highest quality protection under the wing requires regular maintenance to maintain its properties. Dirt frozen between the body and the locker acts as an abrasive, gradually wearing away the paintwork. Regular washing of wheel arches is a mandatory procedure, especially in winter.
When washing, you should pay attention not only to the outside, but also to the interior. The use of high-pressure apparatus allows you to dislodge dirt stuck in the joints. It is recommended to periodically remove the lockers (at least once a year) to carry out a complete anti-corrosion treatment of hidden cavities and check the condition of the wiring.
Timely maintenance extends the life not only of the protection itself, but also of the entire car. Accumulated moisture in arches is the main enemy of metal, and proper care allows you to avoid expensive body repairs in the future. Remember that prevention is always cheaper than recovery.
Do I need to remove the fender liners for the winter?
In most cases there is no need to remove them if they are in good working order. However, if moisture and snow accumulate under them and do not have time to dry, this can cause corrosion. In such cases, it is recommended to remove them, dry the niche and treat them with a preservative.
What is the best way to wash plastic lockers?
It is optimal to use active foam and pressurized water. It is better not to pour aggressive chemicals (acid disc cleaners) onto plastic, as some types of reagents can change its structure or color.
Can fender liners be painted?
Yes, you can, but this only makes sense for metal elements or special plastic. It is difficult to paint ordinary plastic - the paint will quickly peel off due to vibrations and flexibility of the material. It is better to use specialized plastic inks.
How often should the fastening clips be changed?
Clips are replaced as they fail. The plastic ages and breaks when removed. It is recommended to replace the clips with new ones each time you dismantle the fender liner, since they are inexpensive, and their breakage can lead to loss of protection while driving.