When improving the aesthetics of your 4×4, the possibilities are endless. From body protection, canopies and tonneau covers to grilles, wheel spacers and snorkels, there are several products that can be used to transform your 4WD vehicle into a mean, lean, truly rugged machine.
Those looking to transform the appearance of their 4×4 with our exterior styling tips however should certainly explore our range of flared wheel arches. Their addition can do so much more than upgrade the look of your vehicle. Read on to discover how wheel arches can enhance the style and function of your off-roader…
Protect from the rigours of off-roading
You’ll encounter tons of different conditions as an off-road enthusiast, with all that mud and debris only adding to the experience! That being said, you’ll need to shield your vehicle’s body from flying stones, mud and grit kicked up by chunky tyres. Flared wheel arches help with just that, reducing corrosion and paint damage over time – even when subjected to the toughest, roughest trails.
Enjoy (a little) extra clearance
Flared arches are often added to make space for larger tyres as well as ensure a more aggressive appearance.
With the help of wheel arches, off-road tyres can be added without the risk of rubbing against the bodywork during suspension flex or full steering lock. But, how much difference does adding larger tyres really make to that all-important ground clearance? As 4WDing Australia explains, it’s one subject that has left many off-road enthusiasts on the fence:
“For every 25mm bigger overall diameter tyre size increase, your vehicle only gains 12.5mm of extra clearance. Say you go from 31″ tyres to 33″ tyres, you will gain 25mm. Does that 25mm really make much difference? Some say it does, and some say it doesn’t. I would say the right tyre pressures and tread pattern would make more difference. If you go up more, from 31″ tyres to 35″ tyres, you gain 50mm clearance. This is quite a bit more, but again, nothing that Lockers wouldn’t make up for.”
Comply with the law
Did you know that it is actually a legal requirement for your tyres to be fully covered by wheel arches in some countries? In these cases, flares ensure compliance following the installation of larger wheels or spacers. Make sure you know what makes a tyre illegal in the UK or your home country for further advice.
Be considerate of other road users
Wheel arches can actually help with road etiquette. By extending the wheel coverage, flared arches minimise spray and debris thrown onto other vehicles. The result? Improved safety, enhanced visibility and better courteousness when driving on the road or off.
Enhance the durability of key areas
With the help of a high quality set of fender flares, you get to add a layer of toughness to a vehicle part that is notoriously vulnerable. Exposed wheel wells are prone to corrosion, water ingress and the build-up of contaminants like mud, dirt and debris, and this can damage your vehicle’s components and inner workings.
Your wheel wells aren’t the only area that’ll benefit from the addition of flared wheel arches, especially if you have a passion for riding forest or rocky trails. Put some extra distance between your 4×4’s body panels and damaging rocks or branches to protect your paintwork too!
Customise the look of your 4×4
Beyond function, flared arches give your rig a more planted, muscular stance. They add width to give your vehicle a truly commanding presence, which complements the off-road attitude pretty well! Whether matte black, colour matched, or riveted for a rugged finish, flares are a great way to express your vehicle’s personality. They’re also easy to clean, maintain, fit and remove – which is a huge bonus.
Unlock all the rewards of flared wheel arch installation for yourself by browsing our range here.