What are the front and rear wheel arches of a car
The wheel arch of a car refers to the semi-circular part protruding from the fender above the tire. It is named so because it resembles the "eyebrows" of a wheel.
It is usually made of hard plastic or painted material of the same color as the car body and is part of the car body panel.
The main functions of the wheel eyebrow include:
Youdaoplaceholder0 wheel rim protection : Installed between the vehicle body and the wheel rim to prevent the wheels from rubbing against the ground and damaging the vehicle body during driving.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Aesthetic decoration : Matches the body color, making the vehicle appearance neater and more harmonious. At the same time, it can be personalized modified to enhance the style.
Youdaoplaceholder0 enhances off-road capability : When off-roading or on muddy roads, the wheel arches can protect the wheels from getting stuck in the mud, thereby improving the vehicle's off-road capability.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Reduce wind resistance : Some wheel arch designs can optimize aerodynamics and lower the wind resistance coefficient.
Wheel arches are commonly found on the front and rear wheels of a car. The functions of front and rear wheel arches are basically the same, but the front wheel arches may focus more on protection (such as preventing flying debris), while the rear wheel arches are more concerned with aesthetics and modification needs.
If you are considering adding or replacing wheel arches, it is recommended that you choose a style that matches your vehicle model to balance practicality and visual effect.
The front and rear wheel arches of a car mainly have the following functions:
Youdaoplaceholder0 Decoration and beautification : Wheel arches can enhance the overall appearance of a vehicle, making it look more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing.
They are usually in the same color as the vehicle body, which can enhance the layering and sporty atmosphere of the vehicle.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Protection : The wheel arches can protect the vehicle body from splashing and scraping by stones, sand and other debris, reducing wear and tear during daily use.
For off-road or complex terrains, the wheel arches can also prevent the wheels from directly rubbing against mud, rocks, etc., providing protection.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Optimize aerodynamics : The wheel arch design helps guide the airflow and reduce the drag coefficient, thereby enhancing the vehicle's stability and fuel economy.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Enhance off-road capability : In SUVs or off-road vehicles, the widened wheel arches can improve the vehicle's off-road capability on unpaved roads, preventing the tires from getting stuck or stuck in the mud.
It should be noted that wheel arches are not standard components for all vehicles. They are mostly installed by snap-on or adhesive methods, and the materials include stainless steel, rubber or steel-plastic composites, etc.
If you have specific vehicle models or modification needs, it is recommended that you refer to the vehicle manual or consult a professional technician.
When a car wheel arch malfunctions, the specific handling method depends on the type and extent of the damage. The following are some common situations and corresponding solutions for your reference.
Common causes of wheel arch damage
Youdaoplaceholder0 Scraping or collision : On narrow roads or when parking, the wheel arches are prone to scraping against obstacles, walls or other vehicles.
Youdaoplaceholder0 stone impact : When driving at high speed, stones lifted by the wheels will continuously strike the wheel arches, causing scratches, cracks or damage on the surface.
Youdaoplaceholder0 aging : As the vehicle's usage time increases, the wheel arch material (especially the plastic part) may age in high-temperature and humid environments, resulting in cracking or deformation.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Suspension or positioning issues : If the vehicle suspension system malfunctions, the tire pressure is uneven, the wheel bearings are worn, or the vehicle positioning is inaccurate, it may cause inconsistent wheel arch clearance or height deviation.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Load or collision impact : Excessive load on one side of the vehicle or failure to adjust properly after a collision repair may also cause abnormal wheel arch position.
Classification of repair methods
According to the degree of damage, the treatment methods can be classified into the following categories:
Minor damage (such as scratches, small dents)
Youdaoplaceholder0 repairs :
First, gently sand the damaged area with sandpaper to make the surface smooth.
After cleaning the dust, apply it evenly with a touch-up pen that matches the color of the car body.
After it dries, polishing treatment can be carried out to enhance the aesthetic appeal.
Youdaoplaceholder0 professional repair :
If the scratch is deep and the primer is exposed, it is recommended to go to a professional repair shop for sanding, painting and other treatments to ensure that the repair effect is consistent with the original car.
Moderate damage (such as cracks, small area damage)
Youdaoplaceholder0 plastic welding :
Suitable for wheel arches made of plastic materials. After cleaning the damaged part thoroughly, align and weld it with a plastic welding torch, then sand it smooth and repaint it.
This method has a relatively low cost, but attention should be paid to the welding quality to avoid secondary damage.
Youdaoplaceholder0 fill repair :
For small areas of damage, car repair putty can be used for filling. After it dries, sand it until smooth and then spray paint.
Severe damage (such as fracture, extensive damage or rust)
Youdaoplaceholder0 replace the wheel arches :
When the damage is severe, the strength and aesthetic appeal may not be guaranteed after repair. It is recommended to directly replace the wheel arches with new ones.
When replacing, select genuine parts that exactly match the vehicle model and install them according to the instructions.
If the wheel arch is rusted and rotten, the damaged part should be cut off first, then ground clean and new components welded. After that, it should go through processes such as applying putty and painting.
Special case handling: Inconsistent height or clearance of the wheel arches
If the height of the wheel arches or the left and right clearances of the front and rear wheels are found to be inconsistent, it may involve a problem with the chassis system:
Youdaoplaceholder0 Check the tire pressure : Ensure that all tire pressures are in line with the manufacturer's recommended values and are balanced on both sides.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Check the suspension system : Suspension faults (such as shock absorber oil leakage, spring failure) or wheel bearing wear may cause the wheel arch position to shift. Professional technicians are required to inspect and replace the relevant components.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Vehicle positioning adjustment : If the problem is caused by deviation in positioning parameters (such as the toe-in Angle), a diagnostic tool should be used to recalibrate.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Other causes : If there has been a collision, uneven load or deformation of the chassis when passing over speed bumps, the vehicle should be lifted for a comprehensive inspection of the chassis components.
Precautions
Youdaoplaceholder0 cost-effectiveness trade-off : Self-repair is low-cost but may not be as effective as professional treatment; Professional repair is more reliable, especially in cases where the vehicle is of higher value.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Timely handling : Damaged wheel arches may affect the vehicle's appearance and aerodynamic performance. It is recommended to repair them as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening.
Youdaoplaceholder0 Safety first : If there are any suspension or positioning issues, they must be handled by professional maintenance personnel to ensure driving safety.
If the above methods fail to solve your problem or the damage is complex, it is recommended that you go to a 4S store or a professional repair shop for a detailed inspection.
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