A Complete Guide to Truck Fender Flares

Fender flares are an ever-popular modification on pickup trucks, whether stock height, lifted, or lowered. But why? What difference do these common bolt-ons make?​

Read on as our experts dive into all things fender flare, including what they are, their primary purpose, and how to paint-match and install them.

Fender flares are an extension of your vehicle’s fender, providing additional coverage for low-offset wheels and oversized off-road tires. These products are generally custom-molded for a particular vehicle and offer a simple, bolt-on installation with only conventional hand tools.​

Fender flares are highly susceptible to kicked-up rocks and other road debris due to their positioning near the fender well. For this reason, flares are typically constructed from durable composite materials—most commonly ABS thermoplastic or polyethylene—for exceptional strength and impact resistance.

Truck, SUV, and Jeep owners install fender flares for various reasons—here are some of the top benefits.​

Paint Protection

Much like mud flaps and splash guards, the number one job of fender flares is to protect your vehicle’s paint and body from chip-causing rocks and other debris. Flares effectively act as a giant mud flap, providing up to three inches of coverage along the entire fender well.​

Rather than allowing rocks and other road debris to strike rust-prone rocker panels and inner fender lips, fender flares take the brunt of the impact.​

Legal Reasons

While laws vary by state, most local governments require your vehicle’s fenders to completely cover the tires––any protrusion past the tops of your fenders is considered a violation. You can use fender flares to avoid legal troubles while running oversized tires and wide wheels, providing an additional one to two inches of tire coverage.​

Aesthetics

Aside from practical reasons, most consumers install fender flares simply because they like the appearance. Fender flares widen your vehicle’s stance for a rugged appearance. Not only that, but fender flares are often optioned on higher-trim levels from the factory—installing a set on a vehicle that came without often makes for a far more premium appearance.​

For individuals in rust-prone areas of the country, fender flares are also a cost-effective way to cover rust damage on an otherwise clean pickup.

Do Fender Flares Prevent Rust?

One of the most common questions truck owners ask is whether fender flares prevent rust. While they can prevent rust from rock chips and kicked-up debris, they can also trap dirt, road salt, and moisture against the body, which can speed up rust.​

Additionally, fender flares without suitable weatherstripping can eat through the paint where the flare contacts the body due to vibration and debris holding, exposing raw metal and further accelerating corrosion.​

If you opt to install fender flares on your truck, make sure they’re a quality offering, like those from RealTruck. Our fender flares use thick, non-abrasive weatherstripping between the flare and body to prevent paint damage, as well as secure mounting provisions that minimize vibrations and rubbing, saving your factory paint from damage. Additional tips include regularly cleaning around the flares and removing them at least annually to clean dirt, road salt, and debris from beneath—preferably after each winter.

Like any other modification to your vehicle, the worth of a set of fender flares is entirely determined by the individual. If your needs point toward fender flares, installing a set will likely be worth it.​

Do you like the appearance of fender flares? If so, then they’re worth it.​

Are you running wide wheels and tires, and need the extra coverage? If so, then they’re worth it.​

Do you live on a gravel road where your vehicle’s prone to rock chips? If so, then they’re worth it.​

Depending on your particular needs and interests, a set of quality fender flares from RealTruck is worth the investment.

Fender Flare Materials

Fender flares come in a few common materials—fiberglass, polypropylene, and ABS plastic. While fiberglass isn’t often used in modern flare construction, due to its propensity to crack and chip on impact, ABS and polypropylene are frequently molded into flares of all sizes and styles.​

ABS is often used on street builds due to its more rigid construction, ability to hold paint, and more precise molding. However, it’s less impact-resistant, making it less suitable for dedicated off-road applications.​

Polypropylene, on the other hand, is preferred for applications where abuse isn’t just likely—it’s inevitable. Polypropylene is thin and flexible, allowing it to take impacts from rocks, trees, and other trail obstacles without serious damage. With the proper prep, this material can also be painted to match body panels.  ​

Fender Flare Styles

Fender flares also come in various styles, ranging from OE-style replicas to extra-wide and oversized pocket flares. These styles can significantly affect factors like aesthetics, durability, and tire coverage. Check out the table below for a quick overview of fender flare styles.

So which style of fender flare is right for you and your ride? Whichever best suits your needs.​

Consider a set of extra-wide or flat flares for exceptional tire coverage (over two inches). If you’re only looking for mild coverage––to cover one inch of tire poke from the fenders––most pocket or bolt-on flares will do just fine. And for those who merely want to dress up their vehicle's aesthetics without drastically increasing tire coverage, consider a set of OE-style flares.​

Besides your needs, the choice ultimately comes down to your preferred aesthetic and the direction you’re taking your ride. While the bold, brash stylings of pocket or bolt-on fender flares may complement a significantly lifted truck, they may look out of place on a stock-height pickup with factory wheels and tires. Alternatively, a set of OE-style flares may look out of place on a heavily-modified pickup.  ​

Whatever your preferred style, RealTruck has your fenders covered.​

Depending on the ordinances in your state of residence, installing fender flares on your truck may be mandatory if you've installed a wide set of aftermarket tires. To ensure your flares provide complete tire coverage, measure the gap between your fender and the tire.​

To find out how wide your fender flares should be, use a tape measure to measure how far your tires stick out from your vehicle's fender. Hook the tape measure to the outer edge of your tire, then measure back to the fender and bend the tape up at a 90-degree angle, stopping when it's flush with the fender. The measurement displayed at the 90-degree bend is the amount of coverage you'll need.​

Make sure you choose a fender flare at least as wide as this measurement, if not a little wider for peace of mind.

Fender flares are pretty straightforward to install, so long as you have basic mechanical knowledge and follow the directions below.

Before attempting installation, we recommend thoroughly reading the included installation manual to ensure you understand it. This is also the ideal time to verify that no hardware or accessories are missing from the packaging.

While some fender flares are ready to install fresh out of the box, others require mild assembly of seals and faux fasteners. If required, carefully assemble your fender flares.

At this point, it’s time to mock up your flares and mark/drill any mounting holes (if required). If not, it’s time for final mounting.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mount your fender flares, taking care not to damage any fresh paintwork. Once installed, take a step back and admire your work.  

How to Install Fender Flares Without Drilling

Fender flares don’t always require drilling. Several products use existing body holes to secure the flares, eliminating the need for permanent modifications.​

If drilling is out of the question, ensure the flares you order offer no-drill, bolt-on installations. If you’re unsure, contact our experts for assistance with your order.

For additional information on fender flare installation, check the “Installation” section on your particular product’s page. We offer step-by-step installation videos for most of our fender flares, including:​

• How to Install Bushwacker Pocket Style Fender Flares on a 2015 Ford F-150

• How to Install EGR Bolt-On Look Fender Flares on a 2021 Ford F-150

• How to Install Husky Liners RVL Fender Flares on a 2021 Ford F-150

Benefits of Paint-Matching Fender Flares

Paint-matched fender flares offer several benefits, ranging from aesthetic improvements to superior UV protection. ​

First and foremost, painting fender flares is an aesthetic modification. Most factory-installed fender flares are painted to match the vehicle’s body panels, and for good reason. This extra step creates a sleek, uniform appearance. Painted fender flares accentuate a vehicle’s body lines rather than breaking them up, as with unpainted flares. Applying this same concept to aftermarket fender flares produces similar results, allowing the flares to blend into the factory bodywork for seamless, OE-inspired looks.​

Aside from aesthetics, painting fender flares adds a layer of UV resistance, guarding the underlying plastics against unnecessary oxidation.​

If, at this point, you’re leaning toward painting your fender flares, let’s go over your options for color-matching.

Professional Vs. DIY Painting

Painting fender flares isn’t as simple as picking up a can of paint from your local hardware store and spray-bombing over plastic. Well, I suppose it could be, but the finish likely won't survive the first wash. Properly painting fender flares involves several tedious steps, professional-grade materials, and a clean workspace, which not every enthusiast has.​

With all these factors in mind, you’ll need to decide whether to tackle the paint job yourself or hire a professional. Both processes offer unique pros and cons––let’s look at some of the benefits and downsides of each.

Professional Painting

Professional painting involves finding a reputable shop and having its experienced techs handle the prep and painting. This method has several upsides, including a guaranteed match, professional-grade results, no labor on your part, and typically a warranty that covers things like color match, paint adhesion, etc. This method does come with some downsides, however.​

First, professional painting is expensive. Most body shops charge between $500 and $1,000 for paint and labor, not to mention the initial cost of the flares. Secondly, most body shops have a long waiting list. While the physical prep and paint process likely won't take more than two or three days, don’t be surprised if body shops are a few weeks out.

DIY Painting​

Next, let’s discuss the benefits of painting fender flares at home. The most notable upside is price, considering you’ll only be out the cost of materials and tools. However, this price could easily add up to $200+ for sandpaper, an adhesion promoter, a base coat, and a clear coat, and that’s assuming you have a clean area to work in and some background in auto paint. ​

Secondly, let’s talk about learned skill sets. When tackling any job yourself, you’re bound to pick up some skills and knowledge you’ll use in the future. Painting is no exception.​

Unfortunately, DIY painting does have some downsides. First, you likely won’t have professional-grade results. Now, that isn’t to say the outcome won’t look excellent, just that the color match and final finish may not be as spot-on as a professional application. Secondly, expect to spend some time getting dirty. Sanding, priming, and painting are lengthy and messy processes you shouldn't rush, as doing so can result in a less-than-desirable finish.​

And now for the fun part, let’s get to painting. In this section, we’re covering the steps required to paint fender flares at home with quality results. While this process isn’t overly complicated, it’s important to take your time and follow these guidelines for a quality finish.

Step 1: Test Fit

Before attempting any paintwork, it’s essential to verify the fitment of your new fender flares. The last thing you’ll want is to spend your valuable time and money painting your flares, only to realize you’re dissatisfied with the fit after the fact. We recommend fitting each flare to the body before commencing any paintwork.

Step 2: Determine Your Vehicle’s Paint Code

Before ordering your paint and supplies, verify your vehicle’s paint code. This code, typically alphanumeric and approximately three digits long, can often be found on the sticker on the driver’s door jamb, in the glove box, or under the hood. Locating this code is essential to ensuring a solid color match, as it informs the exact mixture of pigments and metallics. Learn more about this process in our comprehensive guide. 

Step 3: Order Your Paint Supplies

With your vehicle’s paint code determined, it’s time to order your supplies. For first-timers and small at-home jobs, we recommend pre-packaged aerosol products to avoid the mess, cleanup, and additional price of paint guns, air compressors, water traps, and higher-end accessories.

Since we’re painting a plastic-based product, you’ll need both mechanical and chemical adhesion to prevent chips and peeling. To do so, we recommend a mixture of abrasives and a plastic-specific adhesion promoter.  

Next, you’ll need a high-quality primer to ensure proper paint adhesion. We recommend a solvent-based primer, which you can purchase from conventional auto parts stores or professional-grade paint shops. 

We recommend solvent-based paint products as well, but make sure your paint is compatible with the primer to prevent chemical reactions and peeling/crinkling. You can either purchase pre-mixed, off-the-shelf cans in your vehicle’s paint code or have the code mixed in an aerosol can by a professional paint shop. If you go the latter route, you can opt for a single-stage paint (base and clear mixed) or a dual-stage (separate base and clear coats), though we’d recommend a dual-stage process to enhance coverage and depth. 

In addition to your paint products, you’ll need various safety and prep products, including: 

• A high-quality respirator

• Gloves

• Solvent for cleaning (wax and grease remover or isopropyl alcohol) 

• A tack cloth (for wiping overspray between coats) 

• Various sheets of sandpaper (ranging from 220–600 grit)

• Clean microfiber cloths

Step 4: Select an Ideal Painting Location

Before beginning our prep and paint process, you’ll need to find a clean, well-ventilated area to paint. This area must be devoid of dust, insects, and other potential contaminants. We’d recommend a well-ventilated garage or shop (with water heater and furnaces turned off) or a wide-open space without any messy trees, bushes, or other contaminants directly overhead. Try to keep the painting process far away from other vehicles, windows, and other items that would collect paint overspray. 

Additionally, you'll need to select days with a mild temperature (50–90 degrees) and low wind for best results.

Step 5: Prep Your Fender Flares

Before we lay primer and paint, it’s essential to prep your plastic fender flares. Considering flares may still be coated in a thin layer of mold release from manufacturing, clean the flares with a suitable cleaner like dish soap and water. 

Next, scuff the surface of the flares with 220 or 320-grit sandpaper to ensure proper adhesion. When sanding, be sure to cover every surface to be painted thoroughly, transforming the semi-gloss sheen of the factory flares to a uniform, matte finish. Scotch-brite pads are also good for this purpose, especially on riveted-style flares where the extra flexibility can help you get into tight places. 

With your flares fully sanded, wash them once more with the dish soap and water solution. Once dry, wipe the flares with a clean microfiber cloth and your solvent of choice to remove oil and contaminants. Then, apply your adhesion promoter, making sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to a tee. Be sure to mix the product thoroughly before applying.

Step 6: Prime Your Fender Flares

With the adhesion promoter dry, apply 2–3 coats of primer. Be sure to mix the product thoroughly before spraying. Follow the instructions carefully, though most primers require a light initial coat followed by 1–2 medium coats. Once the primer is sufficiently dry, sand the surface lightly with 400–600 grit sandpaper to remove any runs, dirt, or other imperfections, being mindful of sharp edges. If you burn through the primer to base plastic, clean the flare and apply an additional light coat of primer. 

With the primer dry and sanded smooth, clean the flares another time with dish soap and water. Be sure to use a clean, lint-free cloth.

Step 7: Apply Base Coat

Now is the fun part—applying a base coat. It’s at this point that we begin to see the fruits of our labor. Like the primer before, shake the base coat thoroughly before use. Then, apply a light first coat of paint, followed by 2-3 medium coats. The result should be even and provide full coverage. If you’re using a single-stage process, apply a final wet coat, and you’re finished. If you’re using a dual-stage process with separate base and clear coats, then it’s time to move on to our final paint step.

Step 8: Apply Clear Coat

Once the base coat is sufficiently dry (approximately 30 minutes), it’s time to add our clear coat. This high-gloss paint adds depth and luster to the flares to match your vehicle’s factory finish. Like the previous paints, shake the can thoroughly to mix, then apply one light coat followed by 1–2 medium coats. Depending on the brand/product, we'd recommend a final medium–wet coat to ensure a smooth, high-gloss finish, being mindful not to over-apply the product so much as to cause runs.

Step 9: Curing

With our flares painted, it’s time to place them in a clean, well-ventilated area to cure before installation. Depending on the coats of paint applied, outside temperature, and the products used, cure times will vary—however, 24–48 hours is typically sufficient for installation. For best results, we’d recommend waiting up to a week before installing, as the paint can remain soft and prone to fingerprints and scratches for weeks. 

Q: What fender flares fit oversized tires?

A: For exceptional tire coverage (over two inches) on oversized tires, you should consider a set of extra-wide or flat fender flares. Extra-wide flares are specifically made for use with extra-wide wheel and tire setups, covering up to three inches of tire poke. However, if you only need mild coverage for about one inch of tire protrusion, most pocket or bolt-on styles will be adequate. Ultimately, you should measure the gap between your fender and tires to ascertain the exact coverage needed to ensure legal compliance and protection.

Q: Which fender flares reduce road spray?

A: Fender flares, in general, act as a giant mud flap, with their number one job being to protect your vehicle’s paint and body from chip-causing rocks and other debris. The style best suited for maximum road spray reduction is the extra-wide flare, which provides up to three inches of tire coverage. This maximum coverage ensures exceptional protection from road debris and rock chips along the entire fender well.

Q: Will fender flares void my truck’s warranty?

A: No, fender flares should not void your vehicle’s warranty. The only way fender flares may affect warranty claims is if a dealer deems the modification responsible for a part’s failure.

Q: Do fender flares affect fuel economy?

A: While fender flares add slight weight and drag, any impact on fuel economy would be negligible.

Q: How much do truck fender flares cost?

A: Truck fender flares vary in price depending on the brand, style, and finish. While basic, textured black OE flares may cost as little as $200, larger flat designs, especially those with integrated LED lighting, can cost twice as much.