Introduction
Fender flares, also known as wheel well trim, are typically an aftermarket add-on for your vehicle. These plastic pieces fit over or inside the wheel wells on either side of your car and provide additional splash protection from mud and dirt. However, these covers can also be used to cover a rusty wheel well, offering a quick and easy aesthetic solution to rust issues. Fender flares like these often attach with screws or even double-sided tape, creating a secure seal with the damaged area. This prevents further corrosion by keeping moisture and debris away from the rusted area, renewing its appearance in the process. They can be purchased in various styles, sizes and colors to match any type of car. With easier installation than full body repairs while providing something more appealing than paint jobs, fender flares are a great modern alternative for keeping rust at bay!
Pros and Cons of Using Fender Flares to Prevent Rust
Pros:
– Fender flares are a great way to protect your vehicle from potential rust. Installing a set of well-crafted fender flares will help keep moisture, debris and harmful UV rays away from the body of your car or truck.
– You can customize your car or truck with several different kinds of flares to suit any aesthetic or performance requirement.
– Having a set of fender flares installed can make your vehicle look more rugged, while also providing an extra layer of protection against rust caused by environmental hazards including stones and dirt being kicked up from the road.
Cons:
– Fender flares may not be suitable for certain types of vehicles, due to their design and shape. It’s important to check with a professional that it is safe for you to install them on your specific make and model before purchasing them.
– Fender flares may reduce aerodynamics and create increased drag which could adversely affect fuel economy in some cases.
– They require consistent maintenance to ensure they stay effective as rust protection devices; otherwise they won’t be able to prevent against rust damage as efficiently as you might expect them do.
An Overview of Different Types of Fender Flares Available
Fender flares are a great way to cover rust and protect a vehicle’s paint job. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. It is important to choose the right type of fender flares for your specific vehicle model in order to maximize protection and prevent rust from worsening over time. This overview will provide an introduction to the different types that are available:
1) Factory Style: These are designed to fit exactly into the factory wheel wells, giving your car its original look but with additional coverage when it comes to rust prevention. Oftentimes these types snap directly onto the fenders while other times they come with screws or clips for added security depending on vehicle year and make. They also come in various colors that can help match original paintwork.
2) Universal Fit: As the name suggests, these types of flares are made for cars of all makes and models; however, they may require modifications or drilling in order to fit properly. Usual material used is rubber or plastic and some have drilled holes if you’re looking for a more secure fitment down the road.
3) Pocketed/Bolt-On Fender Flares: This design is more robust and offers more coverage as pockets are designed within each flare which give extra visible protection straight away. Being adjustable too, you get great control over how much coverage you need without any further modifications being required once fitted – reducing potential rust damage quickly and efficiently like no other type of flare can do!
4) Off-road Flares: Off-road fender flares offer extreme durability as they are built from hard plastic or steel material depending on their application requirement needs. Of course this increased strength comes at a price; cost wise they tend to be much higher than standard units due to their bolstered quality materials — but it’s worth investing if you want superior protection over time!
Considerations for Choosing the Right Fender Flares
Fender flares are great for covering rust spots on your vehicle and helping protect it from further damage. When selecting fender flares, there are several important factors to keep in mind. First, make sure that the flares you choose fit properly and are compatible with the make and model of your vehicle. Also, consider the styles available such as pocket, painted or smooth. Many companies use different methods for installation, so be sure to research which one is best for your needs. Additionally, look into the materials used to ensure they are durable and have a long lifespan. Finally, don’t forget to account for wheel size when purchasing fender flares; they should extend far enough over the wheel well to provide adequate coverage. Making an informed decision on your next set of fender flares can help ensure optimum protection for your vehicle against unwanted damages like rust
Benefits of Installing Fender Flares to Protect Against Rust
Fender flares are the perfect solution for motorists who want to protect their vehicles from rust. Not only do they look great and give your vehicle a more aggressive look, but they will also shield and protect your fenders by covering areas of exposed metal that may be susceptible to rust. The thick black rubber adds an extra layer and can also help reduce scratches to the paintwork caused by flying debris as you drive on gravel or dirt roads. By keeping the area protected, fender flares can greatly reduce the amount of rust occurring naturally over time due to exposure elements like rain or snow. They also make it easier to clean since dirt and grime is less likely to build up in protected areas compared to exposed surfaces. Fender flares ultimately serve as a long-term cost-effective solution so you can spend more time enjoying your ride instead of in repair shops!
Tips and Techniques for Installing Fender Flares
1. Prepare the rust area by sanding it down and cleaning the surface with a degreaser. This will make the surface easier to cover, and help create a better bond between the new paint and the existing flat black finish.
2. Measure the size of your fender flares to ensure they are properly sized for your vehicle’s fenders. You can also choose whether to use bolt-on flares, stick-on flares or riveted-on flares for installation onto your car’s body.
3. Prior to installation, apply a few coats of primer to the underlying rust areas on each fender flare you plan to install. This will help protect against future corrosion as well as create a smooth layer for installing your paint.
4. Paint each flare using an enamel car paint that matches your vehicle’s Body Color Code (BCC). Make sure you spray in airbrush-style strokes away from the center of the vehicle so you don’t create unsightly stripes with your design work.
5. Using a rubber mallet and screwdriver set, gently tap each Fender Flare into place until they are firmly secured on your vehicle’s bodywork or chassis rails.
6. Use waterproof sealant (available from most hardware stores) around each flare’s edges as an extra layer of protection from future weather and road abuse. Allow this material to dry prior to taking your car out for a test drive – this could take up to 24 hours depending on temperature and humidity levels where you live
Frequently Asked Questions About Fender Flares and Rust Prevention
Q: What are fender flares and why would I want to use them?
A: Fender flares are additional pieces of material that can be bolted on to the side of a vehicle. They serve a variety of purposes such as improving the look of the car and defining its wheel arches; providing extra protection from debris kicked up by the tires; or covering any rust, scratches, or other damages along the side panels.
Q: How effective are fender flares in preventing rust?
A: Fender flares are an excellent option for those looking to protect their vehicles from corrosion caused by moisture coming into contact with metal parts, which can result in rusting. Fender flares act like a barrier between vehicle paintwork and water, halting further corrosion over time by shielding body panels from oxidation due to rain and snowfall. Additionally, fender flares can help reduce mud buildup near wheel wells which is another contributing factor to rust formation on vehicles.
Final Thoughts and Summary
Fender flares can be a great way to cover up rust on your vehicle, but they are by no means a permanent fix. Over time, the rust may cause further damage to the metal underneath and can even spread beyond where the flare is covering. As such, it is important to inspect and treat any underlying areas of corrosion that may be present. Additionally, it is worth noting that fender flares will not maintain their appearance indefinitely and may require replacement or refinishing over time due to exposure to the sun and rain. Their installation can also be time consuming and involved with some vehicles needing custom or specialty parts in order for them to fit properly. Ultimately, fender flares are best used as an inexpensive way to temporarily hide surface rust or aesthetic damage but should not be used as your only solution for serious corrosion issues.
