If you are an off-road enthusiast, then you understand the benefits of fender flares. However, if you’ve never ventured beyond the edge of the pavement, but want to, or just want to add a great rugged look to your truck for on-road use, then fenders are definitely of interest to you.
What are fender flares?
In essence, these are additions that mount to the outside of the wheel wells (the actual mount is inside the well), which extend and expand the size of the fenders. Also, you have several options in the market that you will need to understand before buying a game.
The basic job of fender flares is to protect the sides of your vehicle from mud, rocks, sticks, and other debris that could destroy your paint in seconds or wreak havoc on your body lines (dents don’t hurt!) much for having clean lines!) . Of course, they also enhance the look of your car, giving it a ruggedness that suggests muscularity and masculinity.
Find the right set
It is important to choose the correct type of fender. For example, if you have a Jeep, you’ll need a different set of fender flares than someone driving a Dodge 1500 or Chevy Silverado would. So your first order of business is to find a set of flares that will fit your vehicle.
Here too caution should be exercised. Some manufacturers sell their flares in sets of four, for obvious reasons. However, other manufacturers sell them in sets of two, which may come as a surprise if you don’t read the fine print. If you don’t want to end up with two instead of four, be sure to check the manufacturer’s full list.
construction material
Most flares are “plastic,” though you’ll find several different types, including ABS and polyurethane. However, you need to make sure that any fender you choose is UV stable or UV resistant. UV rays will cause many types of plastic to dry out and rot over time, damaging flares long before they wear out.
size considerations
One of the other important considerations you’ll need to make is the size of flares you want. If you are simply looking for a cosmetic solution for your vehicle, any size will work. However, if you really need to protect the sides of your vehicle from the ravages of rocks and off-road debris, you’ll need to make sure the flares extend far enough past the edge of the actual fender.
For Jeep owners, the flares are a special consideration and will actually extend your fenders three or four inches, to cover the entirety of the wheel.
color concerns
A quick look at the types of fender flares available will show you that most of them are black. Most companies should provide you with paintable fender flares, although you will find some that can be ordered in OEM colors. However, you shouldn’t buy fender flares that don’t specifically state that they can be painted (unless you intend to leave them black, of course).
Finding a set of fender flares to enhance and protect your vehicle can be easily accomplished, but you’ll need to make sure the set you buy matches your wants and needs. Remember that some kits are purely cosmetic while others provide great protection in the off-road environment and you will easily find a kit that meets your needs.
