Fender (vehicle)

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1938 Chrysler, fenders highlighted in red.
1938 Chrysler, fenders highlighted 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".

Lotus 7 Series 1, 1957 to 1960
Lotus 7 Series 1, 1957 to 1960

Certain types of cars, such as the Lotus Seven, Allard, and Caterham Seven, use what are called cycle fenders, for their resemblance to those used on bicycles. This was popular on early trials cars because the fenders were light and would not clog the wheelwells with mud. They persist on cars wanting a "vintage" look.

[edit] Bicycles

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 the more car dependent 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, although there are a few fenders that are designed to be attached to the seat post. However, European utility bicycles, traditional "roadsters" used in developing countries, serious touring bicycles, and beach cruisers are nearly always fitted with fenders, more commonly known in British English as mudguards.

[edit] See also

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