Buy Honda Civic Fender

Key Points

The Honda Civic front fender-also called a quarter panel, wheel-arch cover, or simply body panel-wraps the front wheels, blocks road spray, and forms part of the car's crash structure. It must match the exact Civic generation, is usually stamped high-strength steel, and bolts on with basic hand tools.

What a Fender Does

A fender shields the engine bay and doors from water, stones, and salt thrown by the tire. It also bends in a minor "fender-bender" to absorb impact and redirect energy away from the cabin. (CARSTAR)
Because it guides airflow around the wheel, a well-sealed fender can even help fuel economy a tiny bit.

Generations & Fit

• 11th gen (2022-present)
• 10th gen (2016-2021)
• 9th gen (2012-2015)
• 8th gen (2006-2011)
• 7th gen (2001-2005) and earlier
  Always order the fender for your exact year because mounting holes, turn-signal cut-outs, and hood lines differ between generations. (Wikipedia)

Materials & Strength

Honda boosted high-strength steel to 59 % of the Civic body for 2016 and newer models, with 14 % ultra-high-strength grades that demand careful repair. (Honda News, Repairer Driven News)
The tougher steel keeps weight down by 68 lb versus the prior Civic while adding rigidity that helps ride quality and crash safety. (The Auto Channel)

Common Damage

Typical fender trouble includes:

• Parking-lot dents and minor collisions.
• Rust around the wheel lip on older (1990s) Civics where paint chips and salt meet. (Reddit)
• Broken tabs after bumper removal.
  Address paint chips quickly to stop corrosion from spreading under the coating.

Removal Steps

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable for safety.
2. Lift the car, remove the wheel, and unclip the plastic inner liner.
3. Remove the front bumper cover and headlight to expose hidden bolts. (YouTube, civicx.com)
4. Unbolt the fender from the A-pillar, core support, and rocker panel, then lift it away.
   Reverse the steps to install the new panel; snug bolts hand-tight first, then torque to the light spec Honda lists (around 7 lb-ft on comparable body bolts). (8th Civic, Wikipedia)

Painting & Color Codes

Honda places the paint code sticker on the driver-side door jamb or the VIN plate under the windshield. (YouTube)
Match that code when you order pre-painted parts or mix touch-up paint for a seamless look after installation.

Fender Liners

The curved plastic liner snaps inside the wheel well, sealing out mud, snow, and loose gravel. Without it, debris can damage wiring and splash the engine bay. (EverCare Protection)
A missing liner also lets wind buffet the wheel cavity, making extra noise on the highway. (Reddit)

Care & Protection

• Rinse winter salt and road grime often.
• Wax the lower lip to repel moisture.
• Add stick-on clear film where the tire flings rocks.
• Inspect clip holes for rust each oil change.

Safety & Recalls

A solid fender keeps crash sensors and wiring for advanced driver-assist systems in their intended positions. If you drive an early-2000s Civic, also verify the air-bag recall status at NHTSA. (AP News)
A replacement fender should never pinch wiring harnesses or block radar modules hidden behind the bumper.

Recycling & Environment

When you swap panels, recycle the damaged steel. About 95 % of automotive metals are recoverable, lowering raw-material demand. (US EPA)
Plastic liners can go to specialty recyclers that accept polypropylene auto parts.

Helpful Resources

• Honda's official Civic sedan page lists current specs.
• Detailed repair guides and torque specs appear in the free online owner's guide PDFs. (techinfo.honda.com)
• Industry articles on advanced-steel repair from Repairer Driven News give body-shop level insight. (Repairer Driven News)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to change a Civic front fender?
A: About two hours for an experienced DIYer with basic tools. (YouTube)

Q: Can I drive without the inner fender liner?
A: It is possible, but dirt and water will reach sensitive wiring and may corrode metal parts; install a liner as soon as you can. (EverCare Protection)

Q: Are Civic fenders aluminum?
A: Most trims use stamped steel; special variants like the Type R reserve aluminum for the hood, not the fender. (civicx.com)

Q: Will a 2020 Civic fender fit a 2024 model?
A: No. The 2022 redesign changed body lines and mounting points. (Wikipedia)

Q: Where do I find my factory paint code?
A: Check the VIN plate at the base of the windshield or the driver-door sticker. (YouTube)

Q: What tools are required?
A: 10 mm socket, plastic-clip remover, trim-panel tool, and a torque wrench. (8th Civic)

Q: Do I need to disconnect the battery?
A: Yes, to avoid shorting wires near the headlight harness. (YouTube)

Q: Is a bent fender a safety hazard?
A: If it rubs the tire or presses on sensors, yes. Otherwise, it's mostly cosmetic. (CARSTAR)

Q: Why does my 1998 Civic fender rust so fast?
A: The original steel lacked today's corrosion-resistant coatings and road salt accelerates rust. (Reddit)

Q: Can I reuse the old clips?
A: It's safer to install new push-clips; old ones often break or loosen. (8th Civic)

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