Easy Steps to Replace Your Car Fender

Car fenders are designed to protect your vehicle's undercarriage from the outer elements (rain/mud/snow) and other cars on the roadway. These car fenders are made out of plastic or metal, depending on the model and make of your vehicle. However, they can easily be broken off if you bump into something too hard (or if someone bumps into you).

Finding a Fender

Before finding a new car fender, check to see if it is actually damaged. Do not go through the hassle of putting up ads for selling parts unnecessarily when there is nothing wrong with them - but instead just a scratch or dent.

A simple way to check is to look at your car from the side and see if the fender sticks out further than it should. This would be a good indication that it is time for a new one.

If there is damage, you have two main options: finding a replacement fender online or locally.

Finding a Fender Online: The great thing about buying parts online is that you can compare shops very easily. Plus, most sites have pictures of the products they sell, so you know exactly what you are getting. The downside, however, is that you cannot inspect the part before purchasing it and, therefore, could potentially end up with a dented or scratched fender.

Local Auto Parts and Accessories: If you want to buy a car fender locally, the best place to start is usually at an auto parts store. They will have a wide variety of fenders to choose from and help you find the perfect fit for your car.

The downside is that they may not have as many options as an online retailer, plus you will need to go to the store in person to inspect the part before purchasing it.

Steps to Replace Your Car Fender

Once you have decided where to purchase your car fender, it is time to install it! Follow these simple steps:

Check for Shipping Damage

If you purchased a car fender online, the company will wrap it in a bag and put padding on it. Inspect your part before installing to ensure no damage from shipping. If the exterior of the car fender is damaged, contact the company immediately because they should be liable for damages. 

Removing the Old Car Fender

To remove the old car fenders from your vehicle, you will need to pop open any locks or clasps. It helps to have someone else hold down the other end while you slowly pull them off. This way, both ends do not come off at once and possibly get scratched or dented in transit (if you already have damage to your car fender).

Create the Perfect Fit for the New Car Fender

Now that you have removed your old car fenders, it is time for installation! 

• First, identify where the bolts are on your vehicle's frame that will attach to the new fender. Look next to where they were clamped before, and there should be two bolt holes about an inch apart. Use a marker to mark where you need to drill holes for these bolts to secure them properly.
• Now take some sandpaper and rough up these spots so that the metal is not damaged by friction when you drill.
• Once you think you have cleaned off all of these areas (and checked if they are indeed clean), use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the bolts you will be using to drill the holes. This will help make a tighter fit and avoid the bolts becoming loose over time.

Appending the New Car Fender

Now that you have drilled the bolt holes, it is time to append the new car fender!

• Align the fender with the corresponding markings on your car and clamp it into place - do not tighten the clamps all the way yet.
• Next, use a drill bit that is slightly larger than your bolts and drill through each hole until they go all the way through both pieces.
• Now remove the clamps and tighten everything down - your new car fender is now installed!

Finishing Touches To Your Car Fender

Once you have installed your car fender, it needs to be finished! 

• Now that your new car fender is in place go back and fill any gaps with metal adhesive or putty.
• After it has dried, take some sandpaper and smooth out any rough areas. Wash away any excess material that may have gotten on the vehicle's exterior during this process.
• Finally, take a paint marker and touch up any spots you missed while using spray paint to give your car fender its color again.

Conclusion 

Now that your new car fenders are in place, it is time for some road trips - enjoy yourself! If there are no significant issues, you can even go ahead and reinstall your old fenders. Just make sure to use the exact instructions above to take them off, so you do not damage your vehicle. 

As always, be safe when working with tools or anything that could potentially cause harm!