All About UTV Fender Flares: Benefits and Installation Tips

If you love blasting through mud puddles or kicking up sand across desert trails, fender flares are one upgrade you don't want to skip. For those hard rides, they keep you cleaner and your UTV looking sharp. There is no denying that these rugged add-ons offer both practical protection and serious style. Learn all about UTV fender flares, including their benefits and some installation tips that will improve your ride’s performance.

What Fender Flares Do for Your UTV

Tired of eating mud and getting showered with rocks every time you hit the throttle? Fender flares are a must if you want to protect your UTV and keep your rides smooth and hassle-free. They act as a physical barrier between the tires and your UTV’s body, preventing rocks, mud, and debris from affecting your performance during aggressive rides.

Whether you’re trail riding, rock crawling, or mud bogging, fender flares protect you and your machine from getting pelted with grit. They also make clean-up way easier, since they catch a lot of the mud that would otherwise cake onto your suspension and frame. More importantly, they guard critical components like shocks, wiring, and air intakes from exposure to water and grime.

UTVs typically have wide tires designed for maximum traction, but this extra width means the tires can easily fling debris beyond the factory fenders. That’s where aftermarket flares come in—they widen your coverage area, ensuring most of the junk stays where it belongs—off your body panels and out of your lap.

If you’re installing flares, it’s a good idea to double-check the hardware they come with. Sometimes, upgrading to stainless steel bolts or using thread-locker can make them stay put longer, especially if you ride rough. 

On top of that, a lot of states and off-road parks require a certain amount of fender coverage for safety and environmental reasons. Fender flares help ensure your rig’s legal, so you can ride stress-free. And honestly, they just make your UTV look a lot tougher, too.

Key Benefits of Adding Fender Flares

There are plenty of good reasons to install a set of quality fender flares on your UTV. First, they drastically reduce how dirty you and your passengers get while out on the trails. Less mud in your lap, fewer rocks flying at your face—what’s not to love?

They also help keep your vision clear, prevent fogged visors or goggles, and make it way easier to stay sure-footed without slipping around on muddy floorboards.

Second, they protect your UTV’s finish. Flying gravel and sticks can chip paint, crack panels, or dent the bodywork. Over time, that damage adds up, especially in harsh riding conditions. Fender flares help take the hits instead, keeping your ride looking good and holding onto the resale value longer.

These parts also improve passenger comfort. Riders in the rear seats often get sprayed with even more mud than those up front, but a full set of flares keeps everyone from feeling like they just ran a mud marathon. Keep in mind, if you often ride with friends or family, investing in wider flares can seriously make a difference in keeping everyone comfy and clean.

Let’s not forget that they add style. Fender flares come in all shapes and finishes, giving you the chance to match them to your build’s appearance. Whether you’re going for aggressive, rugged, or sleek, fender flares pull your whole build together and make your rig look like it means business.

The Right Fender Flares for Your UTV

Not all fender flares have the same impact, so it’s worth knowing what to look for before you order a set. Start with compatibility. Make sure they actually fit your UTV’s make, model, and year. Universal kits are out there, but they usually need some custom work—and even then, the fit can be hit or miss. It’s usually easier (and way less frustrating) to go with a set made specifically for your ride.

Material matters, too. Most fender flares consist of flexible, durable plastics like polyethylene or polypropylene, which can handle hard hits and long days in the sun. If you’re the type who loves plowing through rocky trails or thick brush, it’s worth spending a little extra for reinforced edges or multi-layer construction that won’t crack under pressure. 

Some flares add just an inch or two, while others stick way out to cover oversized tires. Think about your setup—your tire size, how much mud you’re kicking up, and how crazy you get on the trails. A little extra width can make a big difference in how clean and protected you stay. 

Coverage is something you should pay attention to as well. Some fender flares extend just an inch or two, while others stick out several inches to accommodate oversized tires. Think about your setup—your tire size, how much mud you’re kicking up, and how crazy you get on the trails. A little extra width goes a long way in how clean and protected you stay.

Fender Flare Installation Tips

Installing UTV fender flares isn’t the hardest job, but it does require some patience and attention to detail. Here’s a quick guide to help you get it done right:

• Step 1: Clean the mounting area. Use soap and water to remove dirt, then wipe down the area with alcohol for a grease-free surface. This routine cleaning helps your flares seat properly and prevents trapped grime from scratching your panels.
• Step 2: Test fit the flares. Hold each flare up to its corresponding wheel well to verify that everything lines up. This step determines whether you’ll need to trim or adjust the equipment before the final installation.
• Step 3: Mark drill holes if needed. Some kits require you to drill new holes. Use a grease pencil or masking tape to mark where you’ll drill and always double-check measurements before making holes. One wrong hole can lead to a whole lot of extra work!
• Step 4: Attach the flares. Using the included hardware, start from one end and work your way across. Don’t fully tighten each screw until all are in place—this gives you some wiggle room for any last-minute adjustments to make sure there is even alignment.
• Step 5: Tighten everything down. Once everything looks good, go back and securely fasten all the screws. Don’t overtighten the screws, as this mistake can crack the plastic or warp the fit.
• Step 6: Repeat for the remaining wheels. Take your time and follow the same process for all corners. Once you’ve covered each corner, step back and admire the upgraded look.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

After installing your fender flares, give them a regular clean, with a non-abrasive soap and a microfiber cloth—these materials prevent buildup that can dull the finish or cause scratches. At all costs, avoid harsh chemicals or power washers, as they can damage the plastic or wear down fasteners over time.

You’ll want to inspect the mounting hardware every few months, especially after long rides or trailering your rig. Vibrations can loosen screws or warp fasteners, leading to flares coming loose while riding. You should replace any missing or rusted hardware right away to keep things secure.

If your fender flares have a UV-protective coating, you’re already ahead of the game. If not, consider applying a plastic protectant to prevent fading and cracking from those rides with unrelenting sun exposure.

It’s also a good idea to check for any loose edges or gaps that could let mud and debris in. A small bead of silicone sealant along the edges can help prevent this, keeping your flares as tight as possible and minimizing unwanted damage. 

If you are a fan of those extreme conditions like mud bogging or trail riding through thick brush, you might want to invest in custom-fit flare liners or splash guards that can add an extra layer of protection for your vehicle's undercarriage and side panels.

You can also touch up minor dings or scuffs using textured spray coatings designed for ATV/UTV plastics. It’s a quick, no-nonsense fix that keeps your fender flares looking sharp without the hassle of replacing them.

Final Thoughts on Fender Flares

Installing fender flares has got to be one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your UTV, especially if you’re serious about off-roading. They offer practical protection, help you stay cleaner, and give your rig a tougher, more finished look. Learning all about UTV fender flares, including their benefits and installation tips, helps you keep your ride clean and your trail time uninterrupted.

If you’re on the fence about upgrading your UTV, now’s a great time to do it. And while you’re at it, don’t overlook other high-impact upgrades like Polaris Turbo R accessories from DRT Motorsports. Our steady supply of helpful equipment will allow you to round out your setup and keep your rig trail-ready.