Fender is the
American English term for the part of an
automobile,
motorcycle or other
vehicle body that frames a
wheel well (the fender underside). Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other
road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are typically rigid and can be damaged by contact with the road surface. Instead, flexible
mud flaps are used close to the ground where contact may be possible.