How to Choose the Right Fender Flares for Your Vehicle

Your Guide to buying the best Fender Flares

Overview

Fender flares are a great way to upgrade the look of any vehicle. They can provide a more aggressive look and also help protect the vehicle's body from road debris. But it can be hard to know what to look for when buying fender flares. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different types of fender flares available, what factors to consider when making your purchase, and tips on how to install them. Whether you’re looking for functional fender flares to protect your vehicle or stylish ones to customize its look, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make the best purchase for your car.

Key features

  1. Fender Flare Style & Design - Consider the type of flare you need for your vehicle, such as pocket flare, OE-style flare, or custom flare. Also think about the design, such as color and texture, to make sure it matches the look of your vehicle.
  2. Size & Fitment - Ensure that the size and fitment of the flare is compatible with your vehicle. This includes ensuring the flare is the right size and shape to fit over the wheel well.
  3. Durability & Quality - Choose a fender flare with a durable construction that will last for years. Look for high-quality materials such as ABS plastic, fiberglass or steel.
  4. Installation - Make sure you know how to install the flares correctly. Some may require drilling, while others can simply be attached with double sided tape or clips.
  5. Warranty - Check the warranty information for the flares you’re considering. If possible, look for a manufacturer that offers a warranty on their products.

See the most popular Fender Flares on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Fender Flares provide an added aesthetic appeal to your vehicle, giving it a unique, rugged look.
  • Increased Tire Clearance: Fender Flares can help provide more clearance for larger tires, allowing for greater off-road performance.
  • Protection: Fender Flares protect your vehicle’s exterior from rocks, mud, and other debris that can be kicked up off the road.
  • Durable: Fender Flares are designed to be durable and long-lasting, so they can withstand even the toughest conditions.

Cons

  • Cost: Fender Flares can be expensive and require a significant purchase.
  • Installation: Fender Flares usually require installation and may require modifications to the vehicle.
  • Maintenance: Fender Flares require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure they are in good condition.
  • Water Damage: Fender Flares may be prone to water damage, which can lead to rusting and other damage.
  • Durability: Fender Flares may not be as durable as some other vehicle parts and may require replacing over time.

Best alternatives

  1. Off-Road Fender Flares - Molded plastic or fiberglass flares specifically designed to offer extra protection from debris when off-roading.
  2. Rivet-Style Fender Flares - Offers a rugged, off-road look with its rivet-style attachments.
  3. Pocket Style Fender Flares - Installs easily and offers a sleek, low-profile look.
  4. Stainless Steel Fender Flares - Great for a show look and provides superior corrosion resistance.
  5. Smooth Fender Flares - Designed to help reduce wind noise and provide a more aerodynamic look.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Drill - tool used to create holes to install the fender flare
  • Screwdriver - tool used to tighten screws to secure fender flare
  • Knife - tool used to cut away excess plastic or any other materials that may be obstructing the installation of the fender flare
  • Handsaw - tool used to saw away any material obstructing the installation of the fender flare
  • Pliers - tool used to bend any material obstructing the installation of the fender flare
  • Tape Measure - tool used to measure the area of installation for the fender flare
  • Rivets - fastening accessory used to secure the fender flares to the vehicle
  • Adhesive - accessory used to help secure the fender flares to the vehicle
  • Flare Shims - accessory used to fill the gap between the fender flare and the body of the vehicle

Common questions

  1. What are Fender Flares? Fender Flares are aftermarket additions to a vehicle's wheel arches that provide additional coverage to protect the vehicle from mud, dirt, and debris kicked up from the tires.
  2. What types of Fender Flares are there? There are four main types of Fender Flares: OEM, Street Style, Pocket Style, and Extended. OEM Fender Flares replicate the factory look, while Street Style Flares are designed to be sleek and low-profile. Pocket Style Flares are more aggressive and have a recessed pocket on the wheel arch. Finally, Extended Flares are designed to extend out past the wheel arch for a more aggressive look.
  3. What materials are Fender Flares made from? Most Fender Flares are made from urethane or ABS plastic. Urethane is more durable and is less likely to crack or warp, but it is also more expensive. ABS plastic is more affordable but is more prone to cracking and warping.
  4. Are Fender Flares difficult to install? It depends on the type of Fender Flares you purchase. Some Fender Flares may require some drilling or cutting, while others may require only a few bolts to attach them to the vehicle.
  5. Are Fender Flares universal? No, Fender Flares are not universal and must be specific to the make and model of the vehicle.
  6. Does adding Fender Flares affect the vehicles handling? Generally, adding Fender Flares does not affect the vehicles handling. However, if your Fender Flares are too wide or extend past the wheel arch, they may negatively affect the vehicle's aerodynamics and handling.

Trivia

A funny fact about fender flares is that they have been around since the 1980s, but for the first few years they were actually called mudflaps! This hilarious factoid comes courtesy of Autowise.com. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.