Fender Flares & Mud Flaps

Are your tyres throwing stones, gravel and mud up against the bodywork, or do wider wheels stick out past the fender edge? In this category you will find mud flaps, fender flares and fender trim that protect paint and bodywork and can cover a modified wheel setup. The parts are for you if you drive an SUV, off-road vehicle or pickup on gravel or winter roads.

Mud flaps, fender flares and fender trim – what do they do?

Mud flaps sit behind the wheels and catch stones, gravel, water and salt that the tyres would otherwise throw up against the fenders, rocker panels and following traffic. For pickups there are also full-width mud flaps behind the bed. Fender flares are fitted to the wheel arches, can cover tyres that stick out further and shield the edge from stone chips. Fender trim finishes and protects the edge of the wheel arch itself.

How to choose fender flares

Start with model and year, and read the product name carefully: several sets exclude certain trim levels or only fit certain bed lengths. Then choose based on several factors:

• Style: flat style gives an angular look, e.g. Bushwacker Flat Style for Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator, while OE style resembles the factory fenders, e.g. for Ford F-150 and Toyota RAV4.
• Coverage: how far the wheels stick out determines the width you need – more width is not automatically better.
• Number of pieces: sets come with 2 or 4 pieces, so check which wheel arches are included.

Whether fender flares and a wider wheel setup can pass inspection depends on the car and the product, so check the requirements for the specific part number.

Installation and maintenance

Mud flaps are typically made for specific models, e.g. Rally Armor for Subaru Forester, Kia EV5 and Toyota Land Cruiser. Depending on the product, they can be fitted using existing holes or may require drilling. For Chevy/GMC 1500 with Super Cruise there are dedicated versions of full-width mud flaps from Access, so check your vehicle's equipment. The category also includes brands such as Husky Liners and Putco. Clean regularly behind flaps and fender flares, as dirt and salt can build up and promote rust.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between flat style and OE style fender flares?

Flat style has a low, angular profile, while OE style is shaped to resemble the car's original fenders. The choice mostly depends on the look you want and how far the tyres stick out.

Do fender flares require approval for inspection?

It depends on the car, the product and the wheel setup. Check the requirements for the specific part number and your car before fitting, especially if the fender flares need to cover wheels that stick out beyond the original fender.

What is a full-width mud flap?

It is a wide flap fitted to the rear of a pickup that covers the full width behind the bed. It shields trailers and following traffic from stones and dirt thrown up by the rear wheels.