Fender (vehicle)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the part of an automobile designed to absorb minor impacts, see Bumper (automobile).
1938 Chrysler, fenders hilighted in red.
1938 Chrysler, fenders hilighted in red.

Fender is the US English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well. In British English, the fender is called the wing (usually only refers to the panels over the front wheel arches, in modern cars, since the rear 'fenders' are more an integral part of the car's body shape) or a mudguard.

Most passenger automobiles have four fenders, one over each wheel well. More elaborate designs include fender skirts and stylized pontoon fenders. In the United States, a minor car accident is often called a "fender bender".

A bicycle fender
A bicycle fender

There are generic fenders for bicycles that can be fitted to most bicycle frames. These catch and redirect road spray thrown up by the tires, allowing the rider to remain relatively clean. They are relatively uncommon on bicycles in English-speaking countries, as bikes in these countries tend to be sports-oriented, with minimal clearance between tires and frame tubes for fenders, or are only ridden in clement conditions. However, European utility bicycles, traditional "roadsters" used in developing countries, serious touring bicycles, and beach cruisers are nearly always fitted with fenders.

[edit] See also

 This article about an automotive part or component is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.
 This cycling-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.