Hyundai i30 diesel 2013 1.6. I drove through a flooded part of road, not over a foot deep about 30-40ft long. All was ok and I drove another 4 miles with no problems. Then a speed bump jumped out of nowhere! I was not doing over 20mph, more like 10-15, had just turned a corner. There was an immediate grating noise and I pulled over to find the wheel arch panel hanging down behind the tyre. Front passenger side. I was able to just pull it out. That left a small part in the middle which slipped back in, so assuming the arch panel broke in two.
Is this piece just decorative or does it stop water getting into the engine. As I'm tempted not to replace it (might happen again).
TIA