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Introduction
If you’re the owner of a rust-prone Silverado truck, fender flares are an excellent choice to help protect your truck from unnecessary damage. Fender flares offer a number of beneficial features that can help prevent rust and corrosion, such as guarding against mud, dirt and rain from getting trapped in the openings around the wheel wells. On top of that, fender flares also provide an eye-catching aesthetic addition to your Silverado’s exterior. Offered in a variety of colors and styles, it’s easy to find a set of fender flares that will match the look and feel of your vehicle. They can also be easily installed without any special tools or modifications – making them an ideal choice for anyone looking for a quick, inexpensive way to cover up rusty areas on their Silverado truck.
Types of Fender Flares
The most common type of fender flare for Silverado trucks is the Bolt-on Fender Flare. This type consists of 4 main components that are connected together with bolts to form a complete, secure fit. They are made from UV-resistant ABS or polypropylene plastic and are available in black, chrome, and body color finishes. The advantage of this style is that it is relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
The second type is the Pocket Style Fender Flares. This style has a lip along the wheel wells which leaves enough room for larger tires without contacting the flares. These flares provide additional tire coverage while giving your truck an aggressive look. They come in only black finish as it adds a custom look to the entire design.
Finally, there is the one piece OE Skirts style fender flares designed specifically for Silverado trucks. This type offers a seamless fit without visible seams or caulk lines of other kinds of fender flares because they are manufactured to replicate original equipment styling specifications offered by Chevrolet over the years on their Silverado’s line-up. OE Skirts also provide good protection against stones, gravel, mud and other road debris caused by driving off-road .
Benefits of Fender Flares
Fender flares can be a great way to help protect your rust-prone Silverado truck from further corrosion. The flares will provide extra coverage for the wheel wells, which are often the first areas of any vehicle that begin to show signs of rusting. If your truck is in an area where it gets exposed to a lot of wet weather, the flares can also help to keep short lengths of water from getting into those problem areas and causing more damage. Fender flares also add a nice aesthetic touch to any car, truck or SUV and can really enhance its overall look and feel. Finally, they can also result in some improved aerodynamic performance over stock body panels, as they guide air away from the sides of the truck and reduce drag while you drive.
How to Install Fender Flares
Instructions for Installing Fender Flares:
1. Make sure that your workspace is clean and organized before starting. Ensure that all necessary tools (screwdrivers, nuts & bolts) are available in a safe location.
2. Start by loosening the bolts or screws of the existing fenders to remove them from the vehicle using a socket wrench or screwdriver.
3. Align each new fender flare on its designated side of the truck and make sure it sits flush against the body of the vehicle and lined up correctly with successive holes used to attach it along various points on both sides of the vehicle’s body.
4. Attach one or two screws to the front portion of each fender flare, near its top edge, to hold in place while you add more fasteners further down both sides of each piece. Use nuts & bolts if available; otherwise use pre-drilled holes available in many aftermarket flares, so you can use screws rather than drilling directly into your paint job.
5. With your new pieces snugly attached, tighten each bolt/screw using an appropriate wrench/screwdriver combination until secure then double check their placement along all sides to ensure they sit flush against the frame without any gaps or misalignment between parts present along any sectional corner edges of your fender flares installation process .
6. Finally, fill in any gaps between sections of your new coating with rustproofing sealant around all contact points between steel and paint-surfaces to help protect against future corrosion build-up over time!
Tips for Maintaining Fender Flares
If you have added fender flares to your silverado in order to cover up rust, it is important that you take appropriate steps to ensure they remain in good condition. To maintain your fender flares, firstly, keep vehicles and equipment away from them. This will help protect the paint from getting damaged due to scratching or abrasion. Additionally, clean your fender flares with a mild phosphate detergent or non-abrasive soap. Avoid the use of harsh chemicals as these can damage the paint job.
Furthermore, inspect the fender flares on a regular basis for any signs of corrosion or warping in order to prevent further damage and extend the life of your flares. Lastly, apply sealant every 2 – three months to help keep moisture out and prevent rust from forming again. Doing this will also increase their durability and prolong their lifespan.
FAQs
Q: What tools will I need to install a fender flare on my Silverado?
A: To install a fender flare on your Silverado, you will need the following basic tools: a drill, hole saw bits, screws or rivets, and a screwdriver or socket set. You may also require other tools based on the type of installation.
Q: How do I clean and maintain fender flares?
A: To keep your fender flares looking their best, it is important to clean them regularly with soap and warm water. After cleaning, apply a protective coating such as wax or vinyl protectant to help keep them looking great longer.
Q: Should the fender flares be painted to match my truck?
A: If looks and style are of utmost importance to you, then finishing off the raw edge of your newly installed fender flares with paint can give them a more integrated look with the rest of your Silverado’s body. However, if you have rust problems covered by the flare that you want to prevent from further damaging your truck, then painting may not be necessary as they will still protect it from environmental elements.
Conclusion
Fender flares are a great way to protect rust-prone Silverado trucks, as they provide an extra layer of protection covering up all the vulnerable areas. Not only do they protect your truck from further rusting, but they also help reduce wind and road noise while driving, reducing drag and increasing fuel economy. Installing fender flares can help extend the life of a vehicle due to the protection it provides against corrosion, dirt particles, pebbles, and insects. Fender flares also improve the overall appearance of a vehicle by giving it a more customized look and making it stand out from other vehicles on the highway. With a variety of sizes and shapes available to choose from, fender flares provide an excellent way to keep your rust-prone Silverado looking its best for many years to come.
