Running bigger tires? You need fender flares. Without them, your oversized rubber flings mud, rocks, and road debris at everything behind you — and in most states, that's illegal. But fender flares do more than keep you street-legal. The right set transforms your truck or Jeep's stance from stock to aggressive.

In this guide, we'll break down every fender flare style, material, and fitment consideration so you can pick the right set for your build.

Why You Need Fender Flares

• Tire coverage — Most states require tires to be fully covered by the fender. Flares extend coverage for larger tire sizes.
• Paint protection — Keeps rocks, sand, and debris from sandblasting your quarter panels
• Aggressive look — Wider flares = wider stance = meaner truck
• Resale value — Protects the body underneath from trail rash and road damage

Types of Fender Flares

Pocket Style / Rivet Style

The most popular aftermarket style. Pocket flares feature exposed bolt heads (real or decorative) around the perimeter, giving that aggressive, purpose-built look. They typically add 2-4 inches of coverage per side. Most require drilling for installation, but the result is rock-solid mounting that won't vibrate loose on the trail.

OE Style / Factory Style

Designed to match the factory fender contour, OE-style flares add subtle coverage without changing your truck's overall appearance. Perfect if you want the function without the aggressive look. Most use 3M tape for no-drill installation.

Bolt-On Extended

Maximum coverage for maximum tire sizes. Bolt-on extended flares can add 4-6+ inches per side and often include inner fender liners. These are the go-to for serious off-road builds running 35s or larger.

Street / Slim Style

Minimal extension (0.5-1 inch) for a clean, subtle look. Popular on street trucks and dailys that just need a touch more coverage for slightly larger tires or wheel spacers.

Materials: What Fender Flares Are Made Of

ABS Plastic

The most common material. ABS is lightweight, impact-resistant, and paintable. It handles UV exposure reasonably well but can fade over time without a UV protectant. Most affordable option.

Thermoplastic (TPO/TPE)

More flexible than ABS, which means it bounces back from minor impacts rather than cracking. Many OEM flares use thermoplastic. Textured finish that doesn't need painting.

Fiberglass

Rigid, smooth, and ready for paint. Fiberglass flares offer the best surface for color-matching to your truck's paint. Downside: they can crack on hard impacts rather than flexing.

Metal / Steel

Heavy-duty and virtually indestructible. Metal flares (usually steel or aluminum) are popular on Jeep builds where the flare doubles as armor. Heaviest and most expensive option.

How to Choose the Right Fender Flares

1. Tire size — Measure how far your tires extend past the current fender. You need flares that cover at least that much.
2. Vehicle fitment — Flares are vehicle-specific. A set made for a 2019 Silverado won't fit a 2019 RAM.
3. Installation method — No-drill (tape) is easier but less secure. Drill-mount is permanent but bomber.
4. Finish — Want to paint-match? Go smooth fiberglass or ABS. Want the rugged look? Go textured thermoplastic.
5. Local laws — Some states have specific requirements about how much tire must be covered. Check before you buy.

Installation Tips

• Clean the mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol before applying any adhesive
• If drilling, use a step bit to avoid cracking the body panel
• Apply touch-up paint to any drilled holes before mounting to prevent rust
• Use rubber washers between flare and body to dampen vibration
• Let adhesive-mounted flares cure 24-48 hours before washing or driving in rain

Popular Fender Flare Fitments

Bull Strap carries fender flares and body components for virtually every truck, Jeep, and SUV application through our Turn 14 Distribution partnership:

• Fender Flares — all styles and fitments
• Body Components — panels, trim, and accessories
• Body Armor & Protection — rock rails, skid plates, and armor
• Fender Liners — inner fender protection
• Rock Rails — rocker panel protection

The Bottom Line

Fender flares are one of those upgrades that's both functional and aesthetic — you get tire coverage, paint protection, and a meaner stance all in one bolt-on mod. Whether you're running 33s on a daily driver or 37s on a weekend wheeler, the right flares make your build look complete and keep you legal on the street.

Browse all fender flares at Bull Strap →