| If you are a confirmed off-road enthusiast, then | | | | Most flares are "plastic," though you will find |
| you understand the benefits of fender flares. | | | | several different types, including ABS and |
| However, if you've never ventured beyond the | | | | polyurethane. You should, however, ensure that |
| edge of the pavement, but want to, or simply | | | | any fender flares you choose are UV stable, or |
| want to add great rugged looks to your truck for | | | | UV resistant. UV rays will cause many types of |
| on-road use, then fender flares are of definite | | | | plastic to dry rot over time, which will result in |
| interest to you. | | | | damage to the flares far before they should wear |
| What are fender flares? | | | | out. |
| In essence, these are additions that mount to the | | | | Size Considerations |
| exterior of your wheel wells (the actual mount is | | | | One of the other major considerations you will |
| inside the well), that extend and expand the size | | | | need to make is the size of the flares you want. |
| of you fenders. In addition, you have several | | | | If you are simply seeking a cosmetic fix for your |
| options on the market that you will need to | | | | vehicle, then any size will work. However, if you |
| understand prior to buying a set. | | | | actually need to protect the sides of your vehicle |
| The basic job of fender flares is to protect the | | | | from the ravages of rocks and debris off-road, |
| sides of your vehicle from mud, rocks, sticks and | | | | then you will need to make sure that the flares |
| other debris that might destroy your paint job in | | | | extend far enough past the lip of the actual |
| seconds, or wreak havoc on your bodylines | | | | fender. |
| (dents don't do much for clean lines!). Of course, | | | | For Jeep owners, flares are a special consideration |
| they also beef up the look of your ride, giving it a | | | | and will actually extend your fenders out by about |
| ruggedness that suggests muscularity and | | | | three or four inches, in order to cover the |
| masculinity. | | | | entirety of the tire. |
| Finding the Right Set | | | | Color Concerns |
| Choosing the right type of fender flares is | | | | A quick glance at the types of fender flares |
| important. For instance, if you have a Jeep, you | | | | available will show you that most of them are |
| will need a different type of fender flare set than | | | | black. Most companies should provide you with |
| would someone driving a Dodge 1500 or a Chevy | | | | paintable fender flares, though you will find some |
| Silverado. Therefore, your first order of business | | | | that can be ordered in OEM colors. However, you |
| is to find a set of flares that is made to fit your | | | | should not purchase any fender flares that do not |
| vehicle. | | | | state specifically that they can be painted (unless |
| Caution should be exercised here, as well. Some | | | | you intend to leave them black, of course). |
| manufacturers sell their flares in sets of four, for | | | | Finding a set of fender flares to enhance and |
| obvious reasons. However, other manufacturers | | | | protect your vehicle can be accomplished easily, |
| sell them in sets of two, which can come as a | | | | though you will have to ensure that the set you |
| surprise if you don't read the fine print. If you | | | | purchase matches your wants and needs. |
| don't want to end up with two, instead of four, | | | | Remember that some sets are purely cosmetic, |
| make sure that you check out the entire listing | | | | while others provide tremendous protection in the |
| from the manufacturer. | | | | off-road environment and you will easily find a set |
| Construction Material | | | | to meet your needs. |