Best Fender Flares: Top 6 Fender Flares for Jeeps, 4X4s, and Trucks

Fender flares aren’t just for the aesthetics, but they serve a very important purpose, i.e., they protect the fender from rust! Furthermore, if your jeep has a set of large or offset tires, you cannot drive it without fender flares. 

Another benefit is that the accessory makes your ride look rugged and catches the eye! I understand these solid benefits are enough for one to invest in a set of fender flares because we Americans love our cars so much.

However, buying the right fender protector is essential to get a seamless fit while getting ample protection. As the flare sits right above the tire, it should be highly durable and sturdy. 

Here in this article, I’ve reviewed the best fender flares for jeeps, 4X4s, and trucks. You’ll also find some universal fender flares here that go well with plenty of cars.

Without any further ado, let’s get started:

Best Fender Flares: Reviewed and Compared 

1. Best Overall:Smittybilt 76837 XRC Black Textured Fender Flare

Inside the shipment box, you will find 10 Self-Tapping Screws, 20 10mm Hex Head Bolts, 40 Flat Washers, 20 Lock-Nuts that make the fender flares ready to install.

The material that Smittybilt has used is steel, so you don't have to worry about durability and corrosion. Lastly, you can choose from the list of compatible makes and models to get a custom fender flare that fits quickly and rewards your vehicle with a robust look.

Pros 

• Made using high quality steel 
• The powder coat protects the flares from rusting
• Compatible with CJ, YJ, and TJ
• Protect your vehicle from rocks and debris flying off due to thick tires

Cons 

• Some users said the flares require regular tightening of bolts
• Painting them costs extra 

2. Best Universal Fender Flares : OxGord Store Fender Flares

OxGord ships the flares in black color, but you can easily repaint them to match the aesthetics of your jeep.

Each set includes four fender flares, i.e., two for the front and two for the rear. Several users said that the flares offer great protection against mud and make the car more off-road trail friendly.

However, this accessory is not that great if your jeep has super fat tires. The brand offers a 1-year warranty covering all manufacturing defects. 

Lastly, you get all the required installation hardware, so mount these fender flares on your vehicle, and you are good to go.

Pros 

• The ABS surface holds the paint pretty well
• The material is heat and impact resistant 
• No drilling is required to install these fender flares 
• They look really stylish 

Cons 

• You may see some gap between the car’s body and the flares after installation
• Not so great for jeeps with fat tires

3. Best for Rugged Look: Tyger Auto TG-FF6C4298

You’ll surely love the rugged look bolstered that comes accompanied by stainless-steel rivets that make the flares appear big and robust.

You get four flares in one kit, and the brand offers all the required hardware to install them on your vehicle. The best thing about these flares is the Tyger restricted lifetime guarantee, which covers warping, cracking, and other manufacturing defects. 

The jeep accessory is best compatible with the 2007-2013 Chevy Silverado 1500, but you can choose the make and model of your vehicle to get the best fit. 

Pros 

• It comes with a UV-resistant coating 
• The flares do not warp or crack easily 
• These are paintable, so you can customize your truck 
• Easy to install, and no drilling required

Cons 

• The material quality could have been better 
• Some users had issues aligning the fender flare holes with the factory holes of their jeep.

4. Best Pocket Style Fender Flares: G-PLUS Textured Fender Flares

The flexible polycarbonate material does not warp or crack and looks good for years. Furthermore, as per several users, the edges of the flares are smooth, and they blend with the aesthetics of the vehicle.

Whether you drive a Chevy Silverado 2500/3500 2007-2014 or Silverado 2500HD 3500HD, you will find these best fender flares as an amazing choice. 

To sum up, G-PLUS Textured Fender Flares offer advanced protection to your vehicle by safeguarding it from rocks, gravel, and mud. However, installing them requires you to remove the existing flares, so the overall process may take hours.

Pros 

• The thick flares offer good protection to the car’s body 
• Made using injection mold technology for added durability 
• They do not warp or crack due to UV rays 
• Easy to install 

Cons 

• There may be little gaps between the flares, and the fender is not installed properly 
• Repainting them is a task 

5. Best Universal Flares: EZ Flares –Universal Flexible Fender Flares

As per several users, this universal flare is great for getting protection against scratches, dirt, dust, and grime. However, they aren't that great when it comes to protection against flying gravel and rocks. 

The peel-off adhesive lets you stick it to the fenders, and you are good to go once it dries. There is no need to worry about the vehicle’s paint, as the adhesive does not damage it. 

The roll that you receive in the box is 10.5 feet, and you can cut it depending on the size of your car’s fender.

In a nutshell, if you need a cheap and quick fender flare, this one from EZ Flares should be your choice. 

Pros 

• The 3M adhesive sticks quickly 
• You can attach the flares to any vehicle 
• No professional installation required 
• They offer good protection to the car’s paint

Cons 

• You need to retape the flare to reinstall it 
• Not that great for off-roading vehicles

6. Best OE-Style Flares: Bushwacker 21912-02 4-Piece Fender Flare Set

After installation, the flares do not protrude out of the vehicle, so you don't have to worry about its width. As it is an OE-style fender flare, so you don't have to drill holes in your vehicle.

You will definitely love how rugged your jeep looks after embellishing it with these flares. The thick black coating on the accessory makes it look good, but you can even repaint it to customize the vehicle.

Lastly, you get a limited lifetime warranty from Bushwacker that makes this protective accessory a good option.

Pros 

• The broader stance blends with the lines of your vehicle 
• Built using strong and flexible material 
• It does not warp or crack under the sun 
• The flares hide the rust on the fenders 

Cons 

• You may need to do minor drill work 
• These are similar to the factory flares 

What are the Benefits of Using Fender Flares?

There are plenty of advantages of using fender flares, such as it makes your truck look good. Furthermore, the law states that if you are using extra fat tires, you need to install flares to cover the tread.

Here are some perks why jeep and truck owners choose fender flares for their vehicles.

They Make Your Truck Look Stylish 

Adding fender flares to your stock truck can quickly turn it into an aesthetic monster. There are different types of fender flares available in the market that can quickly make your jeep or truck look good. 

The best part about using flares is that you can use them on any type of color.

They Help You Hide Rust 

Rusting is common, especially in the area around the fenders, because the water and mud fly off from the tires and stick to the fenders. But when you are using flares, you don't have to worry about corrosion.

Furthermore, if your vehicle already has rusted fenders, you can use flares to hide it and make the truck look better. Made using durable plastic, fender flares do not catch rust and are easy to clean.

You Need them to Abide by the Law 

Every state has a different set of rules and regulations, but you are required to cover the tread of tires by using flares. Some states even require you to cover the full tire, so it would be great to read the reviews before you install big tires.

The reason why such rules exist is that the loose rocks and road debris kick up because of tires and may lead to accidents. 

Similarly, there are multiple benefits of using fender flares, including they protect the body of your vehicle. So, it is indispensable to use this accessory on your truck, Jeep, or 4x4. 

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Fender Flares 

Buying fender flares does not end on compatibility with the vehicle, but there are several other things to look at as well. The flares that you choose should be highly durable and fit easily on your vehicle.

Below mentioned are some important factors you need to consider when purchasing fender flares:

Types of Fender Flares 

Fender flares come in different styles, and choosing the right type is essential. Furthermore, the aesthetic of the vehicle depends on the type of flares you are mounting on it. 

Check out the following types, and choose the one that fits your vehicle and looks good on it:

• Street-style fender flares
• Cut-out fender flares
• Extra-wide fender flares
• Rivet-style fender flares

Street-style Fender Flares 

If you are looking to achieve a rugged look for your jeep, street-style flares are the best. Designed to match the existing lines of your 4X4, these flares are a good option for jeeps, trucks, and other off-roading vehicles.

Furthermore, they offer extra protection, this safeguarding the fender from rust and damages. If you drive your vehicle on paved roads, you should consider these flares. Also, they work well on bumpy roads with rocks and gravel.

Extra-wide Fender Flares 

You are smart enough to understand why these flares are known as extra-wide. If you are using thick-fat tires on your jeep, you need such flares. The bigger size helps in deflecting rocks, gravels, and mud, thus protecting the car's body from any damages.

The flares extend from the car’s rig fenders and are ideal for off-road trails. Whether you have customized your jeep with a lift kit or installed extra thick tires, you need extra-wide fender flares.

Cut-out fender flares

If you want to run your drive on large tires, there is no better option than cut-out flares. Installing these flares requires you to cut out the fender, and that may need you to visit a local garage. 

Despite the difficult installation, these fender flares look amazing and match the lines of your vehicle. You can even use large tires on your car, which in return rewards you a better grip on off-road trails.

Another advantage of using these fender flares is that they help you remove the rust. As you’ll be trimming some part of the fender, so getting rid of rust is easier. 

Rivet-style Fender Flares 

You might have seen a lot of trucks and jeeps with rivet-style flares. Some folks even call them pocket-style flares because they give your vehicle a beefy look.

Extend to offer more tire coverage, rivet-style flares cover the area of the rig’s fenders. This, in return, provides more protection to the paint and also makes the 4x4 look rugged.

These are no-drill installation flares, and you can install them using rivets, so removing them also becomes easier.

Compatibility 

After checking the type, you need to ensure the fender flares are compatible with your vehicle. There are some good universal fender flares available in the market that fit with a range of vehicles. 

Choose one that’s designed for your jeep/truck/3/4x4 for ease of installation and to get a clean and appealing look.

Durability and Sturdiness 

Usually, fender flares are highly durable and can easily withstand the impact of rocks and gravel. Still, it would be great to be sure that the accessory you are planning to install on your car is sturdy.

Skim through the customer reviews to know more about the durability of the fender flares.

Brand 

When choosing the best fender flares, consider the top brands only. When you choose a prominent brand, you get the assurance of quality, durability, and good after-sales service. 

There are several amazing brands out there, including Bushwacker, G-Plus, and more, that manufacture excellent fender flares and other accessories. 

Budget 

It would be great to have a budget in mind before you start shopping for fender flares. In this article, I have reviewed some high-end as well as inexpensive flares so you can quickly make an informed choice.

How do I Install Fender Flares on my Jeep?

Drilling holes in the fender is something that requires expertise, but if you are a handyman, and want to do it yourself, here’s the complete process.

Step 1: Mark the Hole Location 

Place the flare against the fender, and mark the bottom home. Make sure to align the flare properly with the fender so that you can drill holes in the right location. Take a marker, and put small circles on the area you want to drill.

If your vehicle’s body already has fender flare holes, you can skip this part.

Step 2: Draw a Mark on the Position Where the Frame’s Holes Meet the Fender Flare 

Keep holding the fender flare in place over the vehicle’s frame, and try to locate the hole by touching the car’s frame. Use an erasable marker to mark this location, and then get your hands on the drilling machine.

Step 3: Drill Holes Carefully 

Use a 1⁄4-inch (0.64 cm) drill bit, and start drilling small holes through the fender flare. Put the drill's head on the location you have a market and make holes. 

Step 4: Install the Flares 

Attach the flares basket with the provided hardware and place it on the fender. Now put bolts through every hole, followed by a washer and a nut. Tighten the nuts using an Allen tool, and do this for all fenders.

You can even use the plastic fasteners onto the flare if you find them inside the shipping box. Else, you are good to go!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much did fender flares cost?

A: The price of the flares depends on the type, brand, and quality you are going for. Usually, the range of good fender flares starts from 100 bucks and can go up to $500 if you seek quality and aesthetics. 

In this article, I have reviewed the best fender flares for every budget, so you can quickly select a compatible model for your vehicle.

Q: How long do fender flares last?

A: They can even last a lifetime if you ride the vehicle properly and protect them from any damages. On average, fender flares can easily last around five years, provided you get a good quality one. 

However, the lifespan depends on your driving style and how you have installed the flares.

Q: What are jeep fender flares made of?

A: Fender flares come in a wide variety and are made of different materials. The most common material is ABS thermoplastic because it is tough and durable. 

Make sure to go for such accessories made using durable materials, and the easiest way to know about durability is going through the customer reviews.

Q: What do I do with the existing fender flares?

A: You can keep them in the garage or put them on sale if you have installed new fender flares. Some drivers keep them for backup in case the new flares break down due to any issues. 

Takeaway! 

There are numerous benefits of using this protective accessory, so you should choose one of these fender flares for your vehicle. This complete guide contains all top flares recommended by jeep, truck, and 4x4 owners. 

All that’s left now is making a choice, and you can quickly make an informed decision after reading these reviews.