Buy Jeep Cherokee Fender Flare

Key Points

Jeep Cherokee fender flares-also called wheel-arch extensions, flare moldings, or fender guards-cover the tire tread, block mud and rocks, and give the SUV its rugged look. They are usually made from flexible ABS plastic, polyurethane, or fiberglass, and different Cherokee generations (XJ, KJ, KK, KL, and others) have their own shapes and mounting holes. Good flares fit tight, line up with factory clips, and stay UV-stable so they won't chalk or crack too soon.

What Flares Do

Fender flares stick out past the sheet-metal wheel well. They:

• Shield paint from sand, salt, and small stones kicked up by wide tires (maple4x4).
• Keep roads cleaner by cutting spray in wet weather (NHTSA).
• Make room for bigger off-road tires on lifted Cherokees (NAXJA Forums).
• Add style. Black pocket flares give a bold, riveted look, while slim flares keep a stock vibe (Quadratec.com).

Part Materials

• ABS plastic - light, rigid, paint-friendly, and stays strong in cold weather (Engine Block).
• Polyurethane - flexible, resists cracking on the trail (maple4x4).
• Fiberglass - easy to sand and custom-paint but can chip if hit hard (maple4x4).
• Steel or aluminum - tough but heavy; mostly for extreme rock guards (MotorTrend).

Model Fitment

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Style Choices

• Flat - clears tall tires; popular on lifted XJs.
• Pocket / rivet - bold, wide tire coverage (Quadratec.com).
• OE-style - slim, factory look to meet city rules.
• Body-color - upscale appearance on modern trims like the 2024 Gladiator Nighthawk (jeep).

Install Basics

Most Cherokee kits come with clips, edge trim, and screws. A typical ABS flat-flare install goes like this (Quadratec.com):

1. Test-fit each flare and mark holes.
2. Clean paint with wax-free degreaser.
3. Drill pilot holes if the kit needs them.
4. Add included edge trim to prevent rubbing.
5. Bolt or clip the flare, starting at the center.
6. Torque screws evenly so the lip seals tight.

Avoid common errors like skipping rust-seal on drilled edges or over-tightening screws (maple4x4).

Legal Rules

U.S. federal law sets no exact flare width, but NHTSA letters treat flares like mud-flaps-the edge should not extend more than about 3 in. past the tire (NHTSA). Many states require tread to be fully covered when viewed from above. Local police may ticket uncovered tires, so measure before installing extra-wide wheels.

Care & Cleaning

Rinse mud while it is fresh; let water soak 15 min., then spray the dirt off (JL Wrangler Forums). Use mild car soap, not dish soap. Restore faded plastic with trim restorer or a light coat of satin plastic paint (Cherokee Forum).

Performance Off-Road

Trail hits can bend sheet metal. Flares act as sacrificial guards, and some flat kits pair with rock rails (MotorTrend). If your 2020-up KL rubs its flare on 32-in. tires, check Jeep service bulletin W43 for liner clearance (NHTSA).

Paint & Color

ABS and fiberglass take paint well after a plastic adhesion promoter (Quadratec.com). Sand with 600-grit, wipe with tack cloth, then use flexible primer and two to three thin color coats.

Green Facts

• Recycling ABS uses only about 10 % of the energy needed for new plastic (US EPA).
• End-of-life Cherokees can have flares removed before shredding so the plastic stays in the recycling stream (US EPA).

Common Problems

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will flares stop rust on my wheel wells?
A: They block new rock chips, but they do not fix rust already there. Treat rust first, then install (maple4x4).

Q: Do I need to remove the wheels to install flares?
A: Removing wheels gives easier drill access, but many kits fit with the tires on if you turn the steering.

Q: What tools will I need?
A: Plastic trim tool, #2 Phillips, drill with 1/8-in. bit, masking tape, and safety glasses (Quadratec.com).

Q: Can I paint textured plastic flares smooth?
A: Yes. Sand until the texture is dull, spray flexible primer, then color and clear.

Q: Will new flares affect gas mileage?
A: The effect is tiny. Added drag is minimal because the pieces sit close to the body (Quadratec.com).

Q: Do wider flares change my Jeep's width for parking rules?
A: They can. Measure overall width after install and compare with local parking regulations.

Q: How long do ABS flares last in the sun?
A: Quality ABS with UV stabilizer often lasts 8-10 years before fading (maple4x4).

Q: Are flares required for off-road events like Easter Jeep Safari?
A: Most organized trail runs demand full tire coverage for safety (Car and Driver).

Q: Can I recycle damaged flares?
A: Many municipal yards accept #7 mixed plastics, and specialty auto-plastic recyclers will take ABS parts (US EPA).

Q: Is polyurethane worth the extra cost?
A: If you wheel on rocky trails, the added flex helps prevent cracking, so it can pay off in fewer replacements (maple4x4).

References

1. NHTSA interpretation letter on wheel-fender limits
2. Maple blog on corrosion resistance
3. Enthusiast forum discussion on relocating stock flares
4. Aftermarket style guide on flare designs
5. Article comparing ABS and polyurethane
6. Blog on modern polyurethane materials
7. Blog on choosing flare materials
8. MotorTrend body-armor guide
9. Jeep heritage page on 1970s Cherokee
10. 2016 Jeep Cherokee brochure (Trailhawk)
11. NHTSA recall W43 on KL tire rub
12. EPA plastics energy-saving fact sheet
13. EPA end-of-life vehicle guide
14. DIY cleaning thread for off-road mud
15. 2024 Jeep product page showing body-color flares