Fender flares are a very important accessory used on trucks, SUVs and Jeeps. Some vehicles come off the factory line with fender flares while some owners choose to install them later. Their primary role is to prevent, dirt, rubble, stones and other forms of debris from getting thrown into the air as the tires rotate.
Flying debris like small stones can pose a danger to pedestrians walking by. These have also been known to cause damage to other vehicles by cracking windshields or scraping paint of car bodies.
The secondary role of fender flares is of course aesthetics. These accessories increase visual appeal of the vehicle. Some give it a sleeker look while others are made to give it a rugged, aggressive look.
If you go out looking to buy a pair fender flares for your car, or do a brief search online, you will notice that there is a very wide variety to choose from. On top of that, there are more than a few considerations to take. Most fender flares are designed for specific car models and are sometimes even model year specific.
Some manufacturers sell them in sets of 4 for both front and rear and others sell them in pairs for front only or rear only. Others sell them in kits which include mounting equipment such as bolts and nuts. You have to have all this information before making a purchase.
To save you the time and hassle of trying to figure out which fender flares are best for you, we have come up with a summary of top brands and some details to think about before buying.
Best Fender Flares for Jeep JK
Best Jeep JK Fenders
Smittybilt 76837 Fender Flares
The Smittybilt 76837 XRC black textured Jeep Wrangler fender flares come as a kit of 4 pieces for both front and rear. They are black power coated, ready for use but can be painted if you prefer to have them match the color of your jeep. Painting them is a quick and easy job which will come out neat because the fender’s exterior surface is completely smooth. You never have to worry if they will last as long as you need because they are made of 100% steel.
They are designed with a stream line which helps increase suspension articulation and maintain that rough street look. Included in the package are 10 self-tapping screws, 40 flat washers, 20 10mm hex head bolts and 20 lock-nuts.
Key Features
- Four fenders (2 pairs) included
- Made of 100% steel for durability
- Black power coated
Pros
- Very strong and durable because its pure steel
- Stream-line design
- Comes with all the nuts and bolts required to install
View price on Amazon
EAG Fender Flares With LED Amber Side Markers (2007 – 2018)
This is a set of 4 flat fender flares which can be used in all 2007 – 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK models. They fit on both 2 door and 4 door models. The set comes with a beautiful textured black finish which works great on black jeeps, but they can be painted to match the color of your jeep.
You also get LED side markers which have both aesthetic and functional advantages. They add to the flare of your jeep both in the day and when they shine bright in night light, as well as provide added safety on the road.
If you have just removed original OEM JK fender flares, you will notice that this EAG set sits one and a half inches narrower than factory JK flares.
They are made of heavy-duty proguard plastic which adds to that rugged, off-road ready look jeep owners just love. These fenders are manufactured in the US using high impact ABS which ensures flexibility while maintaining unquestionable durability. All necessary mounting hardware is included in the package as well as a set of easy-to-follow instructions for amateurs wishing to install them for themselves.
Key Features
- Set fits all 2007 – 20018 Jeep Wrangler JKs. Both 2 door and 4 door models.
- Textured black finish can be painted to match you jeep
- 5 inches narrower than factory JK flares
Pros
- Made of heavy-duty proguard plastic for maximum durability and 100% UV protection
- Package comes with all installation hardware required and a set of installation instructions.
- Made in the USA so you are supporting local manufacturers when you buy these
View price on Amazon
Hooke Road Flat Fender Fares
These Hooke Road fender flares come as a 4 piece set for both front and rear ends of the jeep. They are made of heavy-duty steel which makes them shatter proof. A textured black powder coating ensures that they are ready for immediate use.
These fender flares add to the visual appeal of the jeep and are also functional. They protect the wheel wells from mud, sand, scratches and other forms of damage and increase clearance which is essential for off-roading. Hooke Road fenders are preferred by many users because they are easy to install, flexible, and are designed to contour perfectly onto wheel wells.
This product is designed for 2007 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler JKs and Unlimited models. The disadvantage to this set is that you will need to do some drilling to install the rear flares.
Key Features
- Set of 2 pairs for both rear and front wheel wells
- Specifically designed for Jeep JK 2007 to 2018 models (both 2 and 4 door)
- Flat
Pros
- Have a textured black coating
- Made of heavy-duty steel for durability
- Flexible and easy to install
View price on Amazon
Mopar Jeep Fender Flares – Factory Original
This is a factory original set of 2 pairs of fender flares. This is what brand new Jeep Rubicon models come with. They are made for fairly recent models, which is the 2018 and 2019 Jeep Wrangler 4-door models. They come with a textured black finish which adds to the visual appeal of the vehicle.
With these, you can have your cake and eat it. You can have tires as wide as 37 inches which gives you great ground clearance while still maintaining the daytime running lights.
Key Features
- Made for Jeep 2018 and 2019 models
- Comes as a set of 4 pieces
- Genuine Mopar factory product
Pros
- Allows tires up to 37 inches
- Textured black finish
View price on Amazon
Safaripal Aluminum Fender Flares
This Safaripal product first came into the market in late 2016 and has proved quite popular ever since. It is a set of 2 pairs of fender flares made from rust-free T6 aluminum. With a textured, black, power coating, they are not only attractive but also durable enough to withstand year after year of off-road driving and all kinds of weather. They fit on 2007 – 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicons, Saharas and Sport vehicles. Both 2-door and 4-door models can benefit from this product.
One unique element about these fender flares is that the front pair and rear pair are not the same size. The front pair is 9 inches wide and the rear pair is 4 inches wide.
This set is more suited to larger tires and is specially designed to provide better clearance which comes in handy for off-roading. When you buy these fender flares, you can install them yourself because the installation process is relatively straight forward. All the mounting hardware required is included in the package though you may need to do a bit of drilling.
Key Features
- Designed for larger jeeps made between 2007 and 2017
- Front fender is wider than rear fender
Pros
- Gives excellent tire clearance
- Made of rust-free aluminum
- Easy to install
View price on Amazon
U-Drive Textured Steel Fender Flares
If you are looking for an averagely priced set of fender flares, this U-Drive kit is one you must take a second look at. The package comes with 2 pairs of fender flares for both the front and rear. They are made of heavy duty steel to ensure that even the roughest treatment leaves it unfazed.
The set is designed for Jeep Wranglers made between 2007 and 2018, and is suitable for both 2-door and 4-door models.
It has the textured black power coating found on most fender flares so it can be used immediately. They are a favorite because they add a rugged, off-road look and feel which any jeep owner will want.
Installation of this kit doesn’t necessarily require you to take the jeep to the shop. All the mounting hardware is included in the package along with a set of easy-to-follow instructions. The process is quick and simple. It can easily be done in under 2 hours using basic hand tools. You may need to do some drilling but no cutting is necessary.
The manufacturer offers a 2 year warranty on kits proved to have suffered damage during delivery or have a manufacturer defect.
Key Features
- Designed for 2007 to 2017 Jeep Wranglers
- Kit has 2 pairs of fender flares
- Has a textured black power coating
Pros
- Made of heavy duty steel
- Mounting hardware and instructions are included in the package
- Manufacturer warranty offered
View price on Amazon
EAG Steel Fender Flare Kit (2018 -2019)
This is a kit is perfect for off-road enthusiasts who could do with some added durability in parts and additional clearance without having to dig too deep into their pockets.
It consists of 4 (front and rear) Jeep Wrangler fender flares designed for Jeep Wrangler 2018 and 2019 models. These fender flares are made from 1/16” sheet of pure, heavy-duty steel which makes them strong and durable. A textured black power coat finish allows immediate use after purchase with the option to paint them to match the body of the jeep. They have a streamlined design which helps to increase tire clearance and suspension articulation without losing the street-ability look.
Installation can be done quickly and easily without the need for professional expertise. It is a bolt-on process done using factory holes. In some modified models, the holes may not align perfectly and this may necessitate a small amount of drilling. No cutting is required.
The package comes with all required hardware. If you are a frequent off-road driver, it is advisable to buy some heavy duty bolts and use them in place of those provided in the kit for extra reinforcement.
Key Features
- Made for 2018 and 2019 Jeep Wrangler models
- Kit with 2 pairs of fender flares for both front and rear
- Streamlined design
Pros
- Made of 100% steel
- DIY installation
- Textured black power coat
View price on Amazon
Factors to Consider When Buying Fender Flares
There is a lot to keep in mind when choosing a set of fender flares for your jeep. Here is a list of some details to think about before you make a purchase. Some may seem obvious while some will definitely get you thinking about details which had not crossed your mind.
Primary Purpose
Think about the main reason you are getting fender flares in the first place. Are you more interested in the functionality of the fender or in how great it will make your jeep look.
If your primary concern is to protect the car and other cars from mud, sand, rocks, liquids and other debris thrown into the air by the tire, you should go for a strong, wide fender flare. A steel or aluminum set will be ideal. If you are more concerned about the aesthetics, then either metallic or plastic fender flares will do just fine.
Make and model of your car. Fender flares are not made with a one-shape-fits-all scheme. Majority of products in the market are designed specifically for certain makes of vehicles and often specific models.
For jeeps for example, some fender flares are designed for 2007 to 2017 models while others are designed for more recent models like the 2017 and 2018 Wranglers.
If you go out and buy a fender flare for a Ford truck when your car is a Honda SUV it will be nothing but a waste of time and money … and you will have no one but yourself to blame.
Manufacturer’s package details. Errors in this area are most common with online purchases. Make a point to check the details given by the manufacturer to know exactly what you will be getting for the quoted price.
Most sellers sell fender flares in sets of 4 for both front and rear installation. Others sell them in pairs so you would have to buy two packages to get fenders for both front and rear. Others, though rarely, sell them in individual pieces so you have to buy four to have a complete set.
Installation Process. Many manufacturers use ‘easy installation process’ as a selling point to market their products. In actual fact not all fender flares marketed as such are easy to install. Some may require professional expertise to install which then translates to an additional cost for you.
Even if you are well aware of the need for a professional, some require additional modifications on the vehicle. Cut-out fender flares, for instance, require removal of part of the wheel well in order to achieve a perfect fit.
An owner should be aware of the need for such modifications before purchasing a product.
Fender flare coverage. Tire coverage measurements and height are actually very important details to think about when buying fender flares.
The height of a fender refers to how high up the fender the flare covers. It is measured from the top of the fender through the flare curve. It varies, though insignificantly, depending on the specific body line of the vehicle. Height is important when an owner is looking to use fender flares to hide rust and other forms of damage on the vehicle’s body.
Tire coverage measurements are important if you have larger-than average tires. It measures how far the fender flares protrude from the body of the vehicle. Different states have varying laws on this measurement so you have to make sure you remain within the law.
Brand names: If it is possible, buy fender flares of a well-respected brand. Do some internet research to check customer satisfaction ratings. Some manufacturers offer warranties. This always helps to add confidence in the purchase because you are assured of support incase anything goes wrong. No manufacturer will offer a warranty on a substandard product.
At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter which fender flares you settle on. The important thing is to make an informed decision which you will not regret later.
FAQs
Can I install my fender flares myself?
It depends on the type of fenders you are dealing with. Some are easy to install and come with clear instructions. Others require more complicated processes, sometimes involving drilling and cutting. You may know how to do it but don’t have the tools required. If you are not up to the challenge, take your car to an auto-shop.
Are fender flares a legal requirement?
Fender flares are actually a legal requirement in some American states. Some states require any vehicle with oversized tires to have these installed in the interest of public safety.
The reasoning is that larger, wider tires are more likely to throw stones, mud and other debris into the air. These could cause accidents or cosmetic damage to other cars like cracked windshields and chipped body paint. If you have a vehicle with large tires, check your local state laws to find out if it is a requirement for you.
Do fender flares prevent rust?
On the contrary, fender flares sometimes cause rust. Flares are secured to the vehicle body using bolts at the bottom and a gasket on the top. It is not airtight. When rain water finds its way through and finds scratches caused by rubbing, corrosion is inevitable.
What does it cost to paint my fender flares
Fender flares are usually black in color when you buy them. Some people opt to paint them so they match the color of the vehicle. A professional paint job on fenders will cost between $300 and $400.
If you don’t want to black fender flares, it is best to buy smooth ones to make the painting process easier. The painter typically has to sand them down first to get a perfectly smooth surface before painting.
How do I measure fender flares?
Hook a tape measure to the exterior edge of the tire. Measure back to the fender and then bend the tape measure upwards to obtain a 90-degree angle. Stop when the tape measure is flush with the fender.
What does it mean to ‘roll’ a fender?
This is a process where the inner lip of a car’s fender is rolled to form a ‘V’ shape from its usual ‘L’ shape with the use of a heat gun and other special mechanical tools. It is done to increase clearance for the tire in the wheel well.
Do all fender flares require drilling?
No. Some will fit perfectly. The bottom edge aligns neatly with the bottom of the fender. The front fits against the bumper tight enough. If the vehicle did not have fender flares before, you will have to drill holes in the body of the vehicle to accommodate the bolts.
What are fender flares made of?
The most common materials used to make fender flares are plastic, steel and aluminum.
What are the different kinds of fender flares?
There are 3 types.
Extended style: as the name suggests, they extend further out and are ideal if your primary interest is to protect yourself and others from flying debris.
Bolt style: These are outlined by a line of bolts. They give a vehicle a unique rugged look. They work best on vehicles with other rugged fittings like a raised suspension or grille guards.
Street or OE style: These work well with trimmings like lowered suspension and chrome rims. These are more for aesthetic value than anything else. They don’t give half as much protection as extended style fender flares.
Conclusion
If you are like many jeep owners, you have scratched your head a few times trying to figure out the best fender flares for your jeep JK. From our analysis, the Smittybilt 76837 Fender Flares emerge as the top pick.
Their 100% steel construction is great for users who don’t want to think about buying another set of fender flares for a long time. They can be installed straight out of the box or can be painted to match the vehicle body. We also love that they come in a complete set of four for all sides. Suspension articulation is guaranteed thanks to a streamline design.
