You’re finally cresting a dune, looking down over the desert below. The sun is setting, casting red and orange across the sky.
As you peak, the tires hit a divot – sand and rocks cascade into the air, and your windshield cracks, destroying the view.
What could have prevented such a tragedy? That’s right, aftermarket fender flares. Here’s our complete guide to the best flares of 2021.
Comparison of the Best Jeep Fender Flares
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What Are Fender Flares?
Fender flares are the protective shield that sits around the wheel well on your Jeep, preventing rocks, dirt, and debris from flying all over the place. They prevent damage to the body and windows of your Jeep, and they protect passing drivers and pedestrians.
These flares come factory installed on the Jeep. The factory-installed fenders tend to be best when used for street or highway driving. However, many drivers choose to upgrade to larger or custom aftermarket flares for increased protection. These aftermarket fenders are better when driving off-road.
When is it Time to Replace My Jeep Fender Flares?
Fender flares might need replacing for many reasons. The most common is to upgrade to a more protective or more streamlined fender flare, which you can do at any time.
Secondly, people may decide to switch out their fender flares because they have upgraded to larger tires. Factory flares can only account for tires of a certain size. If you have recently installed tires larger than 32 inches, it may be time to upgrade your fender flares.
The final reason that people replace flares is simple wear and tear. If your flares are cracking or loosening, they may need replacing.
Are Jeep Fender Flares Universal?
No. We should be very clear: Jeep fender flares are not universal. Different Jeeps have different bodies, and these bodies require specific fender flares. For instance, it is unlikely that flares designed for a Cherokee will fit on a Wrangler. Even different years of the same model of Jeep may have particular fender flare requirements.
Check what model (and year) your fender flares are designed for before buying them. The last thing you want to do is spend your money on a set of flares that don’t even fit on your rig.
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Review of the Best Jeep Fender Flares
Now that you have some basic knowledge about Jeep fender flares, you’re probably itching to get into the good part. Well, here it is.
Without further ado, this is our breakdown of the top ten Jeep fender flares available on the market.
Best Overall
Hooke Road Flat Fender Flares Set
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 2007-2018 Wrangler JK & Unlimited
Construction Material: Coated Stainless Steel
Integrated Sidemarker? None
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What Recent Buyers Report
Generally, former buyers are pleased with these fender flares. People report that the construction is solid and the material is durable. Also, people like the look of these, particularly on a lifted vehicle. However, we have seen some criticism of the paint quality and the installation process.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Overall, we were happy with these fenders. They look great, are sturdy, and come with a decent warranty policy, which gives us a lot of confidence.
The fenders are much more affordable than many others on our list. When we look at value for money, we contrast the price with the quality of the item. With these flat flares, Hooke reached a happy medium. The fenders are not so cheap that you lose integrity, but not so overly fortified that you have to pay an arm and a leg.
For the average driver, these are a great pick.
Bottom Line
Ultimately, these fender flares are the best value for money of any fender set we researched. They are sturdy, well made, and look great. If you’re shopping on a budget, Hooke’s flat fenders are a good place to start looking.
Pros
2-year warranty
Install in factory holes
Flexible and shatter-resistant
Powder-coated stainless steel
Fits Wranglers from 2007-2018
Cons
Difficult to install
Won’t fit older Jeeps
Best Jeep TJ Fender Flares
Hooke Road Steel Fender Flares
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 1997-2006 Wrangler TJ
Construction Material: Coated Stainless Steel
Integrated Sidemarker? None
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What Recent Buyers Report
Feedback from buyers is pretty encouraging. Hooke Road’s fenders are solid and well constructed. For TJs of the era, the fit is exact. However, only some of the factory holes line up. As a result, buyers have been surprised by the number of holes they must drill to install these flares.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Hooke Road’s Steel Fender Flares are very impressive. They use thick carbon steel that’s finished with a nicely textured powder coating. They look great on an off-road vehicle and provide the clearance necessary to install larger tires. Also, they give full wheel well protection at both the front and the back.
In terms of the installation process, putting these on is a little trickier than others on the list because you need to drill some additional support holes. However, it is still fairly straightforward and not a major inconvenience.
If you drive a TJ, these fenders are our number one recommendation.
Bottom Line
For the Jeep Wrangler TJ, these are the best fender flares available. They are rugged, fairly easy to install, and long-lasting. With powder-coated carbon steel, you have little to worry about when taking these flares off-road.
Pros
Allows for larger tires
E-coat rust protection
Powder-coated carbon steel
Front & back fenders included
Fits Wrangler TJs from 1997-2006
Cons
Won’t fit newer Jeeps
Drilling required to install
Best Jeep XJ Fender Flares
Gplus Fender Flares
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ 4 Door
Construction Material: Polypropylene
Integrated Sidemarker? None
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What Recent Buyers Report
Feedback is a little mixed. Most former buyers are pleased with the buying experience. They report that the seller is reliable and quick to answer questions. Also, people like the fit of these fenders.
Some critics note that the product is bulkier than advertised and does not fit Laredos.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These Gplus fender flares are the best fenders we looked at for the Cherokee XJ. They fit the body of XJs from 1984-2001 very well. Unfortunately, they will not fit newer Cherokees, Laredos, or the Classic Sport Utility.
The fenders are not as heavy-duty as others on the list. They are, however, far lighter. They use a flexible synthetic material, which withstands the elements with no issue whatsoever.
If you’re driving an older Jeep, these fenders are a great way to add a little extra protection without doing any serious bodywork.
Bottom Line
This set of fender flares is ideal for people who drive an XJ. They are lightweight and easy to install. Also, the polypropylene is UV treated and flexible. This product quickly found a place on our top ten list.
Pros
UV protected
Very lightweight
Heavy-duty polypropylene
All additional hardware included
Compatible with XJs from 1984-2001
Cons
6-piece set
Won’t fit newer Cherokees
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Best Jeep JK Fender Flares
hikotor Solid Steel Fender Flares
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 2007-2018 Wrangler JK & JKU Unlimited 2/4 Doors
Construction Material: Coated Stainless Steel
Integrated Sidemarker? None
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What Recent Buyers Report
According to buyers, these fenders are a great fit on most JKs and JKUs. They also give the clearance necessary to add 33” wheels. Feedback regarding the installation process is mixed – some buyers found this quick and easy, while others had difficulty and found the instructions unhelpful.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Hikotor’s fender flares are the best flares we’ve seen for the Wrangler JK. They stood out to us because of their stainless steel construction, their great price point, and the fact that they precisely fit the JK’s frame.
The JK is one of the best looking Jeeps ever made. When putting a fender on, it’s best to be subtle and understated. If it’s too flashy and bulky, chances are it will look out of place. Thankfully, hikotor played its cards just right with the solid steel fender. The simple, streamlined design looks incredible on the wheel wells of the Wrangler JK.
Bottom Line
These fender flares are another great option. If you drive a Wrangler JK 2007-18, these are probably your best bet. They fit well, feel sturdy, and are powder coated to prevent rust and corrosion.
Pros
Great price
4-piece fender set
Install in factory holes
Heavy-duty stainless steel
Fits Wranglers from 2007-2018
Cons
Won’t fit older Jeeps
Instructions are not thorough
Best Jeep YJ Fender Flares
EAG Front and Rear Fender Flare
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 1987-1995 Wrangler YJ
Construction Material: Dura-Flex 2000 Plastic
Integrated Sidemarker? Yes
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What Recent Buyers Report
Feedback from former buyers is generally positive. Customers report that these are reasonably priced flares that look great and work well. However, some buyers note that the quality is lower than they expected.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We loved the look of these fenders. They fit both the front and rear wheel wells of a range of YJs, and the black textured finish matches the bumper nicely. The protective trim is well hidden in the groove between the panel and the fender.
They don’t just look good. These fenders are functional. They are built for off-roading and do a great job of reducing the spray of muck and debris, protecting your paint and windows.
These fenders are also easy to install. However, if your tires are bigger than 33 inches, you will have to drill your installation holes.
Bottom Line
These are the best fenders out there for the YJ. They use quality ABS plastic, like other Jeep parts such as the grill, which means they fit the overall appearance of the Jeep and provide impact dispersal.
Pros
Lightweight at 13lbs
Front & back fenders
Optional side rockers
ABS plastic construction
Fits Wrangler YJs from 1987-95
Cons
Maximum 33” tires
Doesn’t fit OEM mounts
oEdRo Solid Steel Fender Flares
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 2007-2018 Wrangler JK & Unlimited 2/4 Doors
Construction Material: Coated Stainless Steel
Integrated Sidemarker? None
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What Recent Buyers Report
For the most part, buyers are happy with these fender flares. People like the durability of solid steel and the easy installation process. Also, the wide flares allow the driver to install larger wheels on the Jeep. There is some minor criticism of the quality of the hardware included.
Why it Stands Out to Us
oEdRo’s fender flares are worth checking out. Not only are they durable, rugged, and well made, they are also quite affordable. oEdRo’s flares are solid steel, making them tough enough to withstand the harshest off-road conditions and the sharpest flying debris. Fortunately, the steel is weather and rust protected, so you don’t have to worry about longevity.
The fenders fit the factory holes for the OEM fenders perfectly, making installation a breeze. All it requires is installing a few bolts and then tightening them up.
Finally, we like that these fenders give you the ability to install larger tires on the Jeep.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is, these are the best overall Jeep fender flares available. They are our number one pick. We love the size, durable construction, and easy installation process. If you’re looking for fender flares, this is a great place to start.
Pros
Allows larger tires
Install in factory holes
All-weather protection
Powder-coated stainless steel
Fits Wranglers from 2007-2018
Cons
Won’t fit older Jeeps
Hardware (nuts & bolts) lower quality
Best Jeep WJ Fender Flares
Bushwacker 10926-07
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee
Construction Material: Dura-Flex 2000 ABS
Integrated Sidemarker? None
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers are more than happy with the finished product. These fenders look great when installed, suit the WJ frame, and are very sturdy. However, buyers who did not account for the installation process were a little overwhelmed by the required bodywork.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Bushwacker 10926-07 is not the everyman’s fender. It is a serious piece of equipment. If you’re a hardcore Jeep owner and you drive a Wrangler WJ, this might be the fender for you. However, you should know that installing these requires actual bodywork. You will need to cut pieces off of your Jeep.
That said, these are an incredible set of fenders. Bushwacker designed these for genuine, heavy off-road use. As such, they provide optimal wheel coverage and sufficient clearance.
Also, they look great, they are highly durable, and they match the OEM bumpers very well.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is, these are the best Jeep fender flares available for the WJ. If you drive a WJ, we wouldn’t recommend anything else. We love the fit, the durable synthetic material, and clever engineering.
Pros
Fits the WJ well
Allows larger tires
All-weather protection
Light and flexible design
Heavy-duty DuraPlex material
Cons
Intensive installation process
Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Fender Flares
Bushwacker 10927-02
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 2011-2016 Grand Cherokee
Construction Material: Dura-Flex 2000
Integrated Sidemarker? None
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyer feedback on this product is somewhat mixed. Some people find the installation process time consuming, difficult, and tedious. Those who like these fenders love them. For the model the set is designed for, these fenders are a great fit. Buyers note that they are just like the OEM flares.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Like the Renegade fenders, these caught our eye precisely because they are unassuming. In a replacement fender, that’s exactly what you need.
These fenders are well built, durable, and provide great coverage. If you’ve damaged your fender coming out of a gravel pit or in an accident, the Bushwacker 10927-02 is a reliable replacement piece. It looks almost identical to the original factory-installed fender, and you can paint it post-purchase to fit the color of your Jeep.
Be sure that your Jeep is the exact model this flare is designed for, as the body shape and wheel wells have altered over time.
Bottom Line
For the Jeep Grand Cherokee, these are a great replacement fender. They match the OEM fenders very well. However, the installation process is a little time consuming and takes a bit of elbow grease.
Pros
UV protected
Matches OEM design
Install in factory holes
All-weather protection
Fits most recent Grand Cherokees
Cons
Won’t fit older Jeeps
Installation is time-consuming
Runner-up
Tyger Auto TG-FF7J66818
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 2007-2018 Wrangler JK 2/4 Doors
Construction Material: Carbon Steel
Integrated Sidemarker? None
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What Recent Buyers Report
Overall, buyers are happy with Tyger’s fender flares. People love the clearance provided, the shark gill design, and the affordability of the product. These fenders get particular praise from people with lifted Jeeps.
As far as we’ve seen, the only criticism that people have is that the installation process is a little difficult.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Tyger Auto’s TGFF-7 J66818 fender flares are incredibly solid. They are made of carbon steel and weigh in at about 90lbs. The carbon steel is powder-coated and rust-protected, meaning these flares are capable of handling muck and grime.
To install these fenders, you need to do a little extra work. However, the payoff is worth it. They look great, you get full wheel well protection, and you’re able to upsize your tires if you choose.
All in all, these are another great option.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is, these are a very close runner-up. If the installation process was a little bit easier, they might have been our number one pick. If you’re looking for a reliable and rugged set of fender flares, Tyger Auto’s product might just be for you.
Pros
Rust resistant
5-year warranty
Unique gille design
Heavy-duty carbon steel
Fits 2007-2018 Wrangler JK
Cons
Won’t fit the JL
Drilling required to install
Best Jeep Renegade Fender Flares
Garage-Pro Fender Flares
Specifications
Fitment Years / Generations: 2015-2020 Renegade
Construction Material: Plastic
Integrated Sidemarker? None
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What Recent Buyers Report
These fender flares have received almost exclusively positive feedback. They are a basic model designed to replace the OEM fender flares installed by Jeep. Buyers report that they match the originals nearly perfectly. We have seen little to no criticism so far.
Frankly, there is little to say about Garage-Pro’s fenders – and that’s a good thing. Garage-Pro designed these to be a replacement for a single OEM fender. As such, it should match the other three fenders perfectly. If it isn’t a perfect match, it’s pretty darn close. We couldn’t tell the difference.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The fender flare is made of good quality plastic and simply clips onto the factory-installed supports. The only drawback is that it matches Renegades between 2015-18 only. However, this is not an issue with the product itself – the design of the Jeep simply changed.
Bottom Line
If you drive a Jeep Renegade and need to replace one of your fenders, this is the product for you. It is almost an exact match with the OEM fenders and simply clips into place, just like the factory design. It is also quite affordable.
Pros
Like factory fender
One year warranty
Install in factory holes
All-weather protection
Fits Renegades 2015-18
Cons
One fender only
Won’t fit most Jeeps
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What Should I Look For When Buying a Jeep Fender Flare?
When you’re trying to decide which fender flares are right for you, you must account for how you use your vehicle. If you’re driving exclusively on the road and highways, you will not need the same type of flares as you will if you take your Jeep into mud pits and dunes.
The first thing to do is to check what flares are compatible with the model and year of your Jeep. Then, you need to look for a few factors. The most important aspects to consider are:
Material
The material of the fender flares is one of the factors to consider. Whether you prefer thermoplastic or steel is up to you; however, make sure that the materials are of high quality. Cheap plastics or synthetics are likely to break very quickly.
Size
Size is an important factor. Are the flares wide enough to catch debris? In contrast, you may want a slim design to reduce the overall width of your Jeep.
Style
Different styles have different functions and look. What kind of fender flares are you looking for? Do you need full or partial coverage?
Installation
You’ll want to make sure that you can install the flare yourself. If it requires extensive bodywork to fit, it might end up costing you a lot more than you expect.
Cost
This one is simple. Does the flare cost a reasonable amount of money?
Perks of Getting a New Jeep Fender Flare
There is a range of benefits to upgrading your fender flares. First, you might need to upgrade your flares if you’ve recently upsized your tires. While Jeep’s factory flares are more than sufficient for the OEM tire size, they cannot accommodate larger tires. If you have 33-inch tires or larger, install new fender flares. If you don’t already have larger tires, installing new flares enables you to upsize the tires.
If you’re an off-roader, flares are a huge perk. Upgrading to wider, more protective flares allows you to tackle much more serious terrain, from gravel pits to dunes. Also, thermoplastic or metal flares can withstand a serious beating, allowing you to make the most out of your Jeep.
Stock Jeeps look great. However, buying a new set of fender flares allows you to add a little… flare… to your ride. These pieces come in a range of styles and are very customizable. It’s easy to make your Jeep stand out just a little more by getting a cool new set of flares.
Finally, fender flares can come with LED lights and also be combined with inner fender liners to continue protecting your engine.
Types of Fender Flares
Fender flares are not all the same. They come in a range of materials, a range of sizes, and a range of styles. These differences come with various advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right one is a matter of knowing what your Jeep is going to be doing. To make things a little easier, we’ve broken down the various types below.
Here are the most common types of fender flares:
Extended Style
Extended flares extend far from the vehicle to catch any debris cast by the tires, which is very important if you’re driving with the doors removed or are with other drivers who may be at risk.
Street or OE (factory) Style
These are smaller, slimmer flares best used when driving on the street or highway. They do not provide the same level of protection as larger off-road fenders.
Flat Flares
Flat flares come in a wide range of styles typically made from thermoplastics. They generally give better coverage and keep clear of the wheels and tires to prevent rubbing when the suspension is being used.
Tubular Flares
These are popular flares. They are usually made from steel or aluminum and extend along the entire length of the outer edge.
How to Install Fender Flares
You can install fender flares at home, which saves you a lot of money. Also, it will be a much more rewarding experience. Knowing that you’ve done the work on your vehicle makes driving it a lot more fun.
Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved in mounting a new set of fender flares. Keep in mind that this outline is a brief step-by-step, not a universal guide.
- First, remove the old fenders. This process involves taking the bolts for the liner, the fender, and the support off with the appropriately sized wrench.
- Once you remove the fender, pop the support clips off.
- Line the groove on the new fender up with the support holes for the OEM fender.
- Insert the bolts and tighten them as you go.
- Add rubber weather strips around the fender.
As we mentioned earlier, this is just a brief overview of the steps involved in mounting your fender flares. Particular models and specific Jeeps will require slightly different processes. Make sure to review the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a new set of fenders.
Also, make sure to reference the video linked below for a full breakdown of the installation process.
Conclusion
Fender flares can help keep your Jeep in shape for years. They protect it from flying debris and muck. They also protect passing drivers. If you’re looking for fender flares that suit your Jeep, we hope we helped point you in the right direction.
Quick Summary – Best Jeep Fender Flares
Before you head out, here’s a quick recap of the best Jeep Fender flares:
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People Also Ask
Before you go, take a moment to look through our FAQ. We didn’t have a chance to touch on everything in our review, so we’ve put this guide together to answer some of the most common questions we hear regarding fender flares.
Fender flares do not necessarily make rust worse. However, if you install fender flares over a rust spot, the flares may intensify the process. The flares are not watertight and can cause a concentration of water just above the rusted area.
There is no easy answer to this question. If you paint the fender yourself, you can do it for as cheap as the paint cost. If you bring your fender into an auto body shop to paint, it will likely run you a few hundred dollars in material and labor.
Yes, you can install fender flares on a 4×4 Jeep, provided the fender flares you are attempting to install are compatible with the particular Jeep you’re installing them on. Make sure to check what model the flares fit before purchase.
Fender flares are a low-maintenance piece of equipment. Once installed, they require approximately the same maintenance as the rest of the Jeep’s body.
Fender flares are not necessary. Fender flares are an additional tool to protect your Jeep from flying debris, rocks, muck, and dirt. If your Jeep has tires of a certain size, fender flares may be required according to your local laws.
Fender flares should not damage the paint on your car. If the paint is already worn or damaged by rust, the flares can cause water concentration, which can intensify the damage. However, properly installed fenders should not cause much of an issue and can protect the paint.
Yes. Jeep Wrangler fender flares are legal. As far as we know, they are legal in all jurisdictions. If you have tires of a certain size on your Jeep, you may be legally required to install fender flares to prevent debris from being cast at passing vehicles.
Fender flares use a wide range of materials. The different materials have various pros and cons, which we outlined in the body of this piece. Some flares are made from heavy powder-coated steel, while others use carbon fiber or thermoplastics.
Who Worked on This?
Brian
Editor
A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.
No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!
Cory
Writer
Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.
“What fenders?”
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