Do Fender Flares Make Rust Worse?

Wondering do fender flares make rust worse? We have the answers!

Do Fender Flares Make Rust Worse?

Overall, fender flares don’t make rust worse. They provide a little extra protection for your car, but nothing more than that.

Fender flares are designed to cover the sheet metal at the bottom of the body sill. This metal is especially susceptible to rusting because it is often dented, scraped, or bumped.

Installation of fender flares can expose a little more rust on your car than there was previously. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t install them! You should go ahead and install them if you want them.

Does Fender Flare Rust Worse Than Stock Parts?

A common myth is that fender flares are the cause of rust or corrosion. This is NOT true. There is no design flaw in the fenders that causes them to rust or cause damage. The metal of your car is the same as it was decades ago, when it was first manufactured. Fender flares do add about 1/4 inch to the body side. This extra sheet metal can cover existing rust, preventing it from spreading.

The only true cause of rust is the environment where your car lives. The type of paint and undercoating will also play a role in how likely your car is to rust from the outside-in (exterior) or inside-out (interior).

How Can I Prevent Fender Flares From Rusting?

To help your fender flares last as long as possible, you will want to wash them regularly with a water hose. If you have access to a pressure washer, this would be ideal! The pressure of the water will help remove any dirt or grime that develops on top of the metal. When you dry the flares with a towel, it will help remove moisture that can lead to rusting over time.