Buy Jeep Wrangler Fender Flare

Purpose

Fender flares shield the Jeep's paint and glass from debris kicked up by wide or knobby tires. (Fab Fours) They also widen the wheel opening so 35-inch or even 37-inch tires can move without rubbing. (MotorTrend) On new Wranglers, LED daytime running lights sit inside the front flare so other drivers can see the Jeep from the side. (Wikipedia) A recall on certain buses even shows that a poorly shaped flare can splash muck onto the driver's window and block vision-proof that a good design is about safety, not just looks. (NHTSA)

Construction

Most factory flares use impact-resistant ABS plastic that bends instead of cracking and weighs little. (jaycon.com) Higher-trim Wranglers mix in aluminum panels for weight savings. (Car and Driver) Premium aftermarket kits may swap plastic for coated steel or carbon fiber to handle rough rocks and give a rugged look. (Cars.com) UV-stable coatings slow fading, but even basic ABS can chalk if left in the sun too long. (jaycon.com)

Styles

• Factory High-Line - raises the arch for tire clearance on Rubicon models. (MotorTrend)
• Flat or Slim - hugs the body, trims away bulk, and adds articulation space.
• Pocket/Bolt-On - shows mock rivets for an aggressive "overland" look.
• Wide Coverage - extends 7 inches or more to keep oversized tires street-legal. (Cars.com)

Legal Rules

Most states say the flare (or mud flap) must cover the full tread width and the top 50 % of the tire. (rules.utah.gov, Oregon) Hawaii's lift law adds that tread may not stick out at all unless a flare is added. (semasan.com) If you add side-marker or DRL lights inside the flare, they must still meet Federal Lighting Standard 108. (eCFR) Always check local codes before cutting stock flares.

Fit & Clearance

Jeep says the 2025 Wrangler keeps big wheel openings so even stock flares clear 33-inch tires. (jeep) Swapping Rubicon high-line flares onto a Sport adds about 1 inch of extra room without a lift. (MotorTrend) Flat aftermarket flares can free two more inches by deleting lower plastic rivets.

Installation

• Use an 8 mm and 10 mm socket; most bolts tighten to about 5-15 ft-lb (check your manual). (Quadratec.com)
• Remove inner liner clips first; pull the plastic slowly to avoid tearing.
• Re-use factory marker light plugs or add LED kits that snap into the flare cavity.
• After mounting, swing the steering left and right and flex the suspension to be sure nothing rubs.

Care Tips

Plastic flares can dull over time. Light sanding and SEM-brand bumper paint restore a dark finish. (Jeep Wrangler TJ Forum) A mild soap keeps off trail mud; harsh solvents can dry out the plastic. A quick word from off-road advocates: wash before you leave the trailhead so hitch-hiking seeds don't spread. (Tread Lightly!)

Off-Road Ethics

Stay on marked routes, keep speeds low near hikers, and pack out mud chunks left in the wheel wells. The T.R.E.A.D. principles-Travel responsibly, Respect others, Educate yourself, Avoid sensitive areas, Do your part-apply to every new set of flares you bolt on.

Environmental

Using lighter ABS or aluminum flares cuts weight and helps fuel economy a little, while wider flares may add minor aerodynamic drag. (Car and Driver) Recycling old plastic flares keeps them out of landfills; most curbside programs accept #7 mixed plastic-check local rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need flares if my tires stick out?
A: Yes. Most U.S. laws require the tire tread to be fully covered to stop rocks from hitting other cars. (Oregon)

Q: What are fender flares made of?
A: Stock Wrangler flares are tough ABS plastic; some special editions add aluminum. (jaycon.com, Car and Driver)

Q: Will new flares let me fit 35-inch tires without a lift?
A: High-line Rubicon flares often clear 35s on-road; real off-road flex still benefits from a small lift or bump-stop spacers. (MotorTrend)

Q: How wide can a flare be?
A: Aftermarket kits range from 3 inches (slim) to 7½ inches for full-coverage versions. (Cars.com)

Q: Do flares affect LED side lights?
A: If the flare houses DRLs or markers, replacement parts must keep them visible and DOT-compliant. (eCFR)

Q: Can I paint plastic flares?
A: Yes-clean, scuff with fine grit, use adhesion promoter, and spray flexible bumper paint. (Jeep Wrangler TJ Forum)

Q: How do I stop fading?
A: UV-stable coatings or trim-restorer wipes protect the surface; park in shade when you can. (jaycon.com)

Q: Are metal flares stronger?
A: Steel or aluminum flares resist trail hits better but weigh more and can dent. (Cars.com)

Q: Will wider flares hurt gas mileage?
A: Extra width adds wind drag, but weight savings from aluminum can offset some loss; the effect is small for daily driving. (Car and Driver)

Q: Do I need to move the turn-signal wires?
A: On JL models the signal harness runs above the liner; keep it clipped away from the tire after reinstalling.

Q: Can I reuse factory clips?
A: Many nylon clips break on removal; keep spares on hand for a tight fit.

Q: Are heat guns safe for restoring color?
A: Gentle heat can darken faded plastic, but too much will warp it-keep the gun moving. (Jeep Wrangler TJ Forum)

Q: What torque for the bolts?
A: Factory M6 bolts tighten to about 5 ft-lb; M8 to about 18 ft-lb-always confirm in your service manual. (Quadratec.com)

Q: Does a lift kit require longer flares?
A: Not always. Taller suspension lifts the body away from the tire; only tire width decides coverage needs.

Q: Are carbon-fiber flares street-legal?
A: Material does not matter to law-makers; coverage and lighting do.

Q: Where can I learn trail-friendly driving tips?
A: The non-profit Tread Lightly! offers free guides.