So you’ve been out on the trail and saw a buddy rockin’ some sexy new fender flares. And that made you wonder, “What’s the deal with those weird pieces of plastic anyway?” We’re here to answer all your burning questions about fender guards, wheel flares, fender flare extensions—whatever you call them, this is your guide.
Fender flares have three basic functions:
1. They shield you from the mud and other junk your tires can kick up.
When you’re taking on deep mud, you know how messy the ride can get. Fender flares add a few inches of protection on either side of your machine. That may not seem like it would do much, but you’ll be surprised by how much less crud ends up in your cab.
2. By shielding you from mud, they make cleanup easier.
When less mud ends up in your cab or all over your rig’s body, it takes less time to clean up. That’s just a fact! How much less cleanup will obviously depend on the type of fender flares you use and how nasty you’re willing to get your ride in the first place.
3. They look badass!
Fender flares add a little pizzazz to your machine’s appearance even if you’re just cruising through the yard. They change your rig’s profile, making it look wider and more powerful. Form and function—that’s a win-win.
In the UTV industry, there are a ton of different options for fender flares. However, they all boil down to the three main types:
Stock Fender Flares
Many sport machines, like the Honda Talon and Polaris RZR, come equipped with fender flares from the manufacturer. From the moment these machines leave the factory, they’ve got fender flares surrounding all four wheel wells, which improve mud and splash protection. These OEM fender guards are made of heavy-duty molded HDPE and perfectly match the machine’s overall look.
Aftermarket Molded Fender Flares
Whether you’ve busted your OEM mud guards or you’re looking for an upgrade, aftermarket molded fender flaps could be a good option for you. They generally look more like OEM fender flares, but you can find options that are wider and more durable than the stuff that came from the factory. Take a look at our Polaris RZR XP 1000 Fender Flares to get an idea of what we’re talking about—they look good enough to be stock, but they’re 4” wider and way tougher.
Low Profile Fender Flares
Low profile fender flares, which are also called fender flare extensions, are another popular aftermarket option. They attach directly to the factory flares to extend their coverage and offer improved protection from mud and trail debris. They’re normally completely flat and made out sturdy, flexible materials. For example, at SuperATV, we make low-profile fender flares for a variety of machines. We use 1/8” HDPE with countersunk aluminum bolts and washers for maximum strength and durability. Plus, they look super sleek!
Whether you’re looking for fender flares that look exactly like your originals or just want to add some extra mud protection, fender flares are an essential accessory for any side-by-side owner. With all our fender flare options at SuperATV, you’ll definitely find the right fit for your rig and your style. Get out there and hit the trail with confidence thanks to your new fender flares.
