g86e74d4328afc0e4f53a908cbaca2f6bc7a6ec2456e428006c98e9d3e6eef6f8678183383c3732341b5c9292a2e9b086
Introduction
Rust is a natural process of oxidation that can occur to various metals when they are exposed to moisture. It occurs when iron combines with oxygen and water, which creates iron oxide and weakens the metal over time. Rust can cause considerable damage if left untreated, making it essential to take preventive action to stop rust from forming. One of the best ways to protect against rust is with fender flares which covers the vulnerable spots on an automobile such as the wheel arches by providing an extra barrier of protection. Fender flares come in either plastic or steel varieties, both of which help protect cars against rusting by keeping them dry and blocking dirt and debris. They also provide a sleek look, allowing for a customized look without detracting from the vehicle’s performance.
What are Fender Flares?
Fender flares, also known as wheel-wells or wheel arches, are plastic or metal extensions that attach to the exterior of a vehicle. They are designed to extend over and cover the wheel well area, which can also help protect the vehicle from mud and rocks that could otherwise get kicked up while driving. Fender flares generally come in three sizes – small (to cover just the wheel well area), large (to cover more of the body and add some fender protection) and extra-large (to cover both the wheel wells and part of the door panels). Common materials used for fender flares include ABS plastic, polyurethane, fiberglass, TPO/thermoplastic olefin, and steel. While smaller flares are usually attached with screws or with adhesive tape or Velcro strips, larger models require bolt-on installation with mounting brackets.
Benefits of Installing Fender Flares
Fender flares are a great way to protect your vehicle from rust. They can be used to cover up areas of rust on the body, preventing further rust damage and corrosion. At the same time, fender flares also keep dirt, mud, and other road debris away from your vehicle, which stops them from entering any of your vulnerable areas and potentially causing even further damage. Fender flares also increase the size of your vehicle’s wheels wells for additional protection to vulnerable parts in that area as well. The larger coverage will help provide you with greater traction due to increased tire clearance as well. Lastly, installing fender flares also increases the aesthetics of your car or truck with its aggressive looks.
How Fender Flares Help Protect from Rust
Fender flares are a great way to cover rust spots, as they can be easily installed on cars, trucks, and SUVs. The lips of fender flares protect original paint from splashes caused by mud, dirt and debris while the deeper body creates an extra layer of coverage that may help decrease corrosion. Fender flares also save valuable time and money by protecting your vehicle’s bodywork from rust-eating sunrays and splashes of water.
Numerous studies have attested to the effectiveness of fender flares in preventing rust. According to multiple sources, car owners equipped with fender flares experienced decreased levels of surface rust compared to those who didn’t have them. One popular brand advertised that a test conducted on the company’s products showed a 90% reduction in the amount of rust compared to other leading brands without fender flares. In addition, it seems that properly fitted fender flares aid in maintaining the long-term resilience against corrosion and wear due to outside elements such as rain, snow, and salty air.
Beyond statistics gleaned from studies and surveys however, many drivers choose to install fender flares for peace of mind regardless. Owner reviews often highlight how these accessories can help keep a vehicle looking like new for added years on top compared to using minimal protection or none at all. Fitted correctly with quality materials chosen for durability—such as ABS plastic—drivers can anticipate a much longer life span than if exposed solely to the elements over time.
Different Types of Fender Flares
Fender flares come in a variety of styles, most of which are designed to hide rust damage or deterioration underneath. There are three primary materials from which fender flares can be made: ABS plastic, unpainted steel and black UV-resistant thermoplastic.
ABS plastic fender flares offer the most customization options, with a wealth of sizes, shapes, and textures. They also provide excellent basic protection for your car against mud and road debris flying up from your wheels.
Unpainted steel fender flares tend to provide better rust protection than ABS plastic due to their heavier structure and thicker protective coatings, although they’re more prone to dents, scratches and fading. They also have a much more aggressive look than the other types, making them great for off-road enthusiasts who are looking for a rugged look.
Finally, black UV-resistant thermoplastic fender flares provide the ultimate in rust protection and durability while maintaining a stylish appearance. They’re perfect for cars that may be exposed to extreme weather conditions or harsh treatment on off-roading trails since they won’t warp when exposed to heat. They also won’t require any painting if you want a more subtle look that won’t draw too much attention away from the vehicle’s existing paintwork.
Installation Tips for Fender Flares
Step 1: Before starting any installation, read the instruction manual provided with your fender flares carefully.
Step 2: Park your vehicle on a flat and level surface in order to prevent damage to your fender flares. Wear safety glasses, protective gloves, and hearing protection prior to beginning work on your vehicle.
Step 3: Remove all of the old mounting hardware from the car’s body panels while taking note of where they were placed and how they were installed. Put these pieces aside in a safe place.
Step 4: Take each fender flare and use a soft cloth to clean off any dirt or debris that may have accumulated onto it over time. This will ensure better results when installing the fender flares onto your car or truck.
Step 5: Gently insert each fender flare into the designated slots along the body’s perimeter and make sure it is even with its corresponding piece before tightening it into place with screws provided in your kit.
Step 6: After each piece has been secured properly, examine them for rust spots along their edges and other potential areas where moisture could potentially seep through, such as between the gaps between two of these pieces Step 7: Cover up any rust spots with lint-free cloths and then paint over any exposed metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant paint to reduce further exposure to weather wear and tear.
Step 8: When completed, store any leftover parts or replacement pieces safely away in a dry place until needed at a later date. Congratulations! You are now done installing fender flares to cover rust on your car or truck!
Conclusion
Fender flares are an excellent way to cover up existing rust, while also providing an updated look to any vehicle. If there is existing rust on the fenders, it’s important to take action before the rust worsens and leads to more costly repairs. Researching the best fender flares for your individual vehicle is a great place to start. If the project becomes too overwhelming, contact a professional for their assistance. Taking action now will pay off in the future!
