Fender Flares: Exploring the budget-friendly pickup upgrade

George Boulton

July 5, 2024

Fender flares are a popular pickup truck upgrade, offering a budget-friendly way to enhance both style and functionality. But are they right for your truck?

Fender flares add a touch of aggression and enhance your truck's presence.

There's a variety of fender flare styles to choose from, each offering a unique look and level of functionality.

A relatively cheap and simple way to increase the width and stance of your truck is to add flares – the extensions of your vehicle’s fender look smart and have several uses:

Enhance its looks: Fender flares widen your truck for a more rugged appearance. They’re often available on top-spec models, so it looks like you’re a baller, too. 

Protect your paint: Tired of rocks kicking up and scratching your clean paint? Adding fenders help reduce this by reflecting any debris coming its way.

Might save you from legal trouble: Most local governments require your fenders to completely cover the tires. So by using fender flares, you could avoid any legal hassle.

Choosing the Right Flares for Your Truck:

There’s a variety of fender flare styles to choose from, each offering a unique look and level of functionality. Here’s a breakdown of some popular options:

Bolt-On Flares: These attach to existing factory holes on your truck using screws with “bolt heads” for a rugged aesthetic. No drilling is required, making them a user-friendly option.

Pocket Flares: Similar to bolt-on flares, pocket flares have a deeper recess where the bolts sit, offering a more aggressive look and slightly increased coverage.

Extra-Wide Flares: Live up to their name, extending several inches past your tires. Often found on heavy-duty trucks like the Ford F-250, they provide maximum protection and create a true powerhouse appearance.

Flat Flares: Made famous by the Jeep Gladiator and Wrangler, flat flares hug the tire closely without impacting wheel movement. They offer a sleek, functional look perfect for off-road adventures.

Where to Find Your Perfect Flares?

Many retailers offer a wide range of fender flares to suit any pickup model and desired style.

One of the most popular places to buy fender flares is Offroad Alliance which has a wide range of styles and sizes to suit your pickup.

So, should you add fender flares to your truck? If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to enhance your truck’s visual appeal while protecting it from the elements and staying road legal, then fender flares are definitely worth considering.

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