Silverado Fender Flares: Rugged Attitude & Styling

Fender flares are basic components that secure to the outer edges of the wheel well. These are hard plastic pieces that are usually custom made for Silverado’s and come in a variety of flare heights and designs. Fender flares do look really cool but almost every feature is designed specifically to provide actual benefits to the builder of the truck.

Fender flares have two primary functions. They are initially intended to provide additional coverage for tires that span out beyond the wheel well. They are also good for stopping rocks that are being thrown up into the sides of the vehicle. Both of these aspects are made possible by the width of the flares and the height. Big bulky flares provide maximum coverage and protection.

Fender flares that are made specifically for a Silverado are constructed of ABS plastic. This is very hard plastic and is not to be underestimated. It will stand up to the blows off-roading can throw at it. ABS flares can also be painted to match the paint of the vehicle. Universal flares are also available for Silverados. This type of flare will be made of a vinyl material so it’s pliable enough to be shaped to the wheel well.

When it comes to tire coverage, you need to balance the width of the flares with the amount of the tire that will be sticking out. In most states, the tire cannot be sticking out beyond the fenders without some sort of protection. A fender flare’s purpose can be used to extend the fender out further. This way if a tire sticks out past the fender a fender flare will reach out to cover it. In commonwealth states, laws and regulations surrounding this issue tend to be very strict on this rule of the road while others are lenient. This is why the best practice is to study your local laws.

If tire width, wheel width, and wheel offset aren’t balanced, you can quickly run into the issue where fender flares won’t cut it no matter how far out they protrude from the side of the truck. This is why you will want to try and keep all of these factors in mind as you are assembling your truck. Unless your Silverado is undergoing an extreme buildup, this likely won’t be an issue.

Installing fender flares is done in two ways; they are either drilled or are secured with tape. Figuring out what will work for you comes down to personal preference. Bolt-on fender flares are physically bolted to the fenders.

These are the go-to choice for those looking for a super secure mount. However, most would rather not have to drill into the fenders of their Silverados. Tape on fender flares are much easier to install and if they get knocked off of the truck, reinstalling them is much easier than bolting a new flare on.

Drill vs Tape On: Installation of bolt-on fender flares is a lot more time consuming and will require one to work very carefully. This is a permanent mount and once the fenders have been drilled there is no going back. But this is the most secure mounting method available for fender flares. Tape on flares secure in place with the use of double sided 3M tape. New tape can be purchased making removal and installation of these flares when desired a breeze. This will not damage the sheet metal in any way. On either flare type, a rubber gasket is installed to the outer edge of the flares to prevent the paint from being scratched. 

Fender flares will offer a good amount of coverage for the tires to safely extend out under; they won’t always cut it though. In extreme cases, flared fenders can be installed on the truck. These will stick out pretty far but that’s not the only benefit to running this type of fender. 

Fender flares offer coverage but not clearance. A flared fender will open up the wheel well while a fender flare attaches to the outer edge. This is how flared fenders cover maximum tire clearance. This opens doors for taller tires to be fitted to a Silverado without having to reach for lift kits to bring the wheel well up further.