Are Fender Flares Necessary When Upgrading Wheels and Tires?

If you want a more aggressive stance, improved off-road capability, or refreshed looks, changing the wheels and tires and adding new fender flares can transform the vehicle’s appearance. Replacing the factory wheels and tires is a popular way to upgrade the Jeep or pickup truck’s exterior. It offers an exciting makeover that gives the vehicle a bolder stance and enhances performance.

But as you browse options, you might stumble upon the need for fender flares. Tweaking the stock fender flares with aftermarket ones is something you can add to your to-do list. They can enhance the aesthetics and resolve potential suspension issues, especially when upgrading the wheels and tires.

Importance of Fender Flares

Aside from being a cosmetic accessory, fender flares serve practical purposes for on- and off-road driving. If you plan to take your truck or Jeep off-road, consider fender flares when upsizing tires and wheels. They are an essential upgrade that will pay dividends in protection and performance.

Enhance Protection

One of the primary functions of fender flares is to protect the sides of the vehicle and the fender wells. They act as a barrier, keeping fragments from being thrown into the air and causing potential harm. For those who take their trucks or Jeeps off-road, fender flares are more than just a cosmetic addition — they’re a necessity.

Off-roading exposes your vehicle to harsh conditions that can cause significant damage if not properly managed. When driving at speed on highways or exploring off-road terrain, the tires may kick rocks, sand, dirt, gravel, and other debris that can damage the Jeep or truck’s body. Without fender flares, these things can chip the paint, dent the bodywork, or even damage other nearby vehicles on the road. Off-roading also involves navigating narrow trails and tight spaces, where branches and tree stumps can easily dent or scratch your vehicle. Fender flares help to shield your vehicle’s body from this debris, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining the integrity of the paint and bodywork.

Improve Aesthetics

If you want larger wheels and tires, fender flares can complement them and give a more rugged and aggressive look. Chunkier tires may stick out too far without the flares. Installing this truck accessory helps create a cohesive look, blending the new, larger tires with the vehicle’s body in a way that looks intentional and polished.

Fender flares boost the style of the vehicle’s exterior, refreshing its appearance. They also add to the overall visual impact of your SUV or truck, making it stand out on the trail or road. When investing in new wheels and tires, chances are you’re also concerned about the look of your vehicle. For many SUV and pickup truck owners, the vehicle’s aesthetic appeal is just as significant as its performance.

Legal Compliance

Laws and regulations may differ in different states regarding how much of the tire’s width must be covered by the fender flares. When the tires protrude beyond the fenders, you must check the local regulations to avoid legal hiccups. The rules on offset wheels and protruding tires are in place to ensure safety on the road.

Larger tires, particularly those with a wider tread, tend to stick out than the standard fenders. It can endanger others driving near your truck and create several issues when driving at high speeds. When the tires extend beyond the fender, they can make the vehicle non-compliant with local laws, leading to required modifications — or worse, paying hefty fines. Fender flares provide additional coverage and keep your ride street-legal.

Offset

If you choose wheels with a negative offset, the tires sit further from the vehicle’s body. Negative offset refers to the mounting surface’s proximity to the back edge of the wheel. This impacts the performance and aesthetics, making it an essential factor to consider when upsizing wheels.

Without the fender flares, the tires will protrude well beyond the fender, leading to the same issues of debris and legality. Fender flares will help contain the extra width, ensuring that your modifications don’t cause problems down the road.

Types of Fender Flares
There are several different types of fender flares to consider, such as the following:

OE (Original Equipment): These fender flares are designed to mimic the factory style of your vehicle. They provide a subtle, understated look that maintains the vehicle’s original aesthetic while adding more coverage. OE-style flares are perfect for those who want a clean, factory-finished look without drawing too much attention to the flares themselves.

Street: Compared to OE-style, the street-style flares are more pronounced. They give a slightly more aggressive look while staying relatively low-key. They also provide more coverage, making them a good option for those who have upgraded to moderately larger tires but still want to maintain a sleek, street-ready appearance.

Bolt-On (Pocket): This fender flare style is characterized by its rugged, bolt-on look. Despite the appearance of being bolted on, the flares are attached using adhesive or clips, while the bolts are only decorative. These flares are popular among off-road enthusiasts who want a tough, durable look for their vehicle, as they offer significant coverage. Pocket-style flares are ideal for trucks, and Jeeps frequently used in off-road conditions, providing ample protection from debris.

Cut-Out: Aside from protection, this type of fender flare provides a more aggressive look. As the name implies, part of the fender is cut to make room for the flare. As a result, you can mount even larger tires. Cut-out fender flares require a complicated installation to the vehicle, requiring a significant commitment in terms of modification. Cut-out flares are typically seen on heavily modified trucks and Jeeps for maximum tire clearance for off-road use.

Extended: As the name suggests, this type offers the most coverage. Extended flares are designed for vehicles with extreme wheel offsets and large, chunky tires. They provide maximum protection and coverage, often seen on trucks and Jeeps for serious off-road use. These fender flares are recommended for vehicles with the highest risk of damage.

Choosing fender flares

When it comes to selecting fender flares for your vehicle, you must consider several factors, such as the following:

Durability: Fender flares come in different materials, but most are typically made from plastic. However, not all plastic-made fenders look the same, as they are constructed with UV-resistant materials to resist fading, warping, or cracking over time.

Aesthetics: While functionality is crucial, the appearance of your fender flares is also vital. Consider how these accessories will look on your truck or SUV. Also, check if they complement the style you’re going for and how you use your vehicle. If you use it for daily driving with occasional off-roading, opt for OE or street-style flares. Pocket, cut-out, or extended flares give maximum protection for extreme off-roading. Moreover, some brands offer paintable fender flares that you can match to the color of your ride for a seamless look.

Ease of Installation: Choose options that match your skill level and tools. Many fender flare products can be installed using existing mounting points. However, some types require cutting or drilling, which may need professional help to install correctly. Consider how comfortable you are with complicated modifications to your vehicle.

Cost: Another factor to consider is the cost, as fender flares come in different price ranges, depending on the style, material, and brand. Set a budget to help you find flares that offer the best quality, functionality, and price for your needs.

Flares not just for flair

Although they are not always a strict requirement when upgrading the wheels and tires, fender flares offer various benefits to the vehicle. Whether you’re looking for maximum protection or to refresh the vehicle’s appearance, they are a practical and stylish addition that will keep it looking and performing its best.