In most states, tires cannot extend past the fender. If your larger tires and wider wheels poke beyond the stock fenders, fender flares are necessary for street legality. Even if not legally required, flares protect the body from rocks and mud thrown by wider tires. Check your state laws for specific requirements.

Flat-style flares sit close to the body with a clean, minimalist look. They provide minimal extra coverage (typically 1-2 inches wider than stock). Pocket-style (bolted) flares have exposed hardware for an aggressive look and provide 2-4 inches of additional coverage. High-clearance tube fenders replace the entire fender for maximum tire clearance but leave inner components exposed.

Most aftermarket fender flares are direct replacements that bolt to the same mounting points as the factory flares. OE-width flares use all factory holes. Wider flares may require additional drilling or factory bolt relocation. Always check the specific product fitment guide for your Jeep year and model before purchasing.

Most aftermarket flares come in textured black ABS plastic that matches factory Rubicon-style flares. These do not require painting. Smooth-finish or color-matched flares require body shop painting. Textured black is the most popular choice for off-road builds because it hides trail scratches and does not chip like painted flares.