Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Traverse Fender Flare

Chevrolet Traverse fender flares-sometimes called wheel-arch flares, mudguard extensions, or fender-trim kits-shield the SUV's body from rocks and road splash, give extra tire coverage, and let owners add a bolder look with minimal effort. (Island HI Performance & Offroad) Below is a deep dive into every angle that matters: fitment across model years, materials, installation, upkeep, legal points, and more.

Key Facts

• Fit range: All three Traverse generations (2009-2017, 2018-2023, 2024-present) share nearly identical wheel-arch shapes, so most aftermarket flare sets list the same SKU for 2009-2017 or 2018-2023, with a new mold for the 2024 redesign. (Edmunds)
• Coverage: Typical flares add 1.5-2.5 in. of extra width per side-enough to cover most +1 or +2 wheel/tire packages. (TREAD Magazine)
• Primary material: Textured or paint-ready ABS plastic (a tough thermoplastic) dominates because it resists mild impacts and weighs little. (Wikipedia)
• Finish options: Smooth paintable, OE-style matte black, or polished stainless-steel trim rings for older first-gen models.
• Fastening: Clip-and-screw plus automotive acrylic-foam tape, the same OEM-approved double-sided tape used for body moldings.

Compatibility Years

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Purpose & Benefits

Flares block stones, salt, and slush kicked up by wide tires, cutting paint chips and rust on the wheel arch sheet-metal. (Hagerty) They also keep the vehicle within tire-coverage laws when you install offset wheels. (NHTSA) Plus, wider flares can stabilize airflow around the body for a tiny drag benefit and a tougher stance that echoes Chevy's pickup styling cues. (Cars.com)

Materials & Finish

ABS plastic: light, impact-tough, and easy to paint; UV inhibitors slow fading but periodic waxing helps. (Wikipedia)
Dura-Flex-type ABS blends: add more flex for off-road hits and resist cracking in cold temps.
Stainless trim rings: bolt to the outer lip for chrome-style shine on older models.
Attachment tape: OEM acrylic-foam tape bonds to painted or bare plastic surfaces with adhesion promoter; no drilling on rear arches.

Installation Basics

1. Dry-fit each flare to confirm panel gaps.
2. Clean & de-wax the arch using isopropyl alcohol.
3. Apply adhesion promoter where tape meets paint for a 30 lb/in tensile bond.
4. Press in place with firm hand pressure from center outward; ideal surface temp 60-110 °F.
5. Secure screws or push-clips into factory liner holes; no metal drilling on the Traverse's composite fenders.

Maintenance Tips

• Wash gently: Use a soft sponge; avoid harsh solvents that dull ABS.
• UV care: Apply plastic sealant every 3-4 months to cut chalking.
• Winter check: Rinse road salt under the lip to stop hidden corrosion on metal inner structure. (Hagerty)
• Tape health: If edges lift, warm with a heat gun and re-seat or replace tape.

Legal Considerations

Many U.S. states require tire tread to stay inside the body line; flexible flare extensions may be excluded from overall-width measurements, while rigid add-ons count toward width. (NHTSA) Check local code before choosing an extra-wide set.

Common Styles

• OE-style slim: subtle, matches factory arches-good for mild tire upsizes.
• Bolt-on "pocket": exposed rivet heads, adds 2-2.5 in. coverage.
• Cut-out: requires trimming fender edge for max articulation-rare on crossovers but used on lifted off-road builds. (TREAD Magazine)

Troubleshooting

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Related Upgrades

• Splash guards: bolt to flare lower edge for extra mud control.
• Wheel-arch liners: heavy-duty plastic liners swap in while flares are off, stopping dirt buildup behind them.
• Clear PPF strips: protect freshly painted flares from stone chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will flares from a 2015 Traverse fit my 2022?
A: No. First-generation (2009-2017) flares differ slightly from second-generation (2018-2023) arch shape. Buy the set made for your body style. (Edmunds)

Q: Do I have to remove the wheels to install them?
A: It helps, but you can turn the steering full lock or use ramps to reach the liner screws. Rear flares install easily with wheels on.

Q: How much tire poke is allowed after adding flares?
A: In most states the tread must stay under the flare's outer lip; check the local vehicle code where you live. (NHTSA)

Q: Can I paint the black ABS to match my Red Hot body color?
A: Yes-scuff with gray Scotch-Brite, spray plastic primer, then base-coat and clear. ABS accepts paint well when cleaned and flashed off. (Wikipedia)

Q: What keeps them from flying off at highway speed?
A: The combination of OEM-grade acrylic tape (rated to 30 lb/in shear) and screw clips mirrors factory attachment strength.

Q: Will they hurt fuel economy?
A: Tests on similar SUVs show negligible mpg change; the flare's smooth curve guides airflow, and added drag is minor. (Cars.com)

Q: Are stainless trim rings still available?
A: Yes-polished steel trim sets exist for 2009-2017 models if you want chrome-style shine without full plastic flares.

Q: Do I need to cut metal?
A: Standard OE-style or pocket flares are no-cut. Only "cut-out" competition flares require trimming the fender edge for big suspension travel. (TREAD Magazine)

Citation Index

‒ correspond to the numbered sources cited inline above.