Have you installed fender flares/trim? (heavy salt state question)

I know this is not a reason, or at least not a primary reason people install fender flares. But, I have always wondered whether aftermarket fender trim would help or hurt the salt and corrosion situation. It's definitely a high-corrosion probability area. In your experience installing, does it create an impenetrable seal? Do you feel like it's possible in a sloppy, wet, salt brine bath environment that is living in a winter salt state that it could possibly trap salt and hide corrosion rather than protect?

 

If you live in high salt I would skip, even if the install is meticulous. Any drilling for hardware = areas for rust and the flares rub the paint, can eventually wear it down/off= rust.

But if you use ppf behind them and maybe use some silicone sealant on any attachment hardware you could be fine.

Generally however, salt/sand, mud don't play well with fender flares and over time can lead to finish and rust issues. The "seal" from installing them will not prevent water and small dirt particles from getting all over, under, in them. I personally would not install them in that kind of environment.

Fluid film or a similar product should be used on your frame, suspension, touched up yearly.

 

Oh no doubt. This is not my first salty rodeo

 

If you run wider or offset wheels, they'll help by stopping the throw of gravel and junk up the side of your truck, leaving potential scratches and nicks in paint to result in rust.

If things are stock, I wouldn't (and haven't, here in MN on my stock setup.)

 

I’ve had fender flares for 4 winters now in NY and dirt/salt definitely gets in them. I go to a car wash at least once a month during the winter and spray everything really good. Then in the summer I take them off and clean under them. So far no rust. I see domestic trucks all over around here with rusted fenders.

 

Thanks for the reply’s here all - good points all around.

I personally don’t feel the need to add flares for aesthetic reasons, and my wheels and tires are stock for the foreseeable future.

My mission is purely protection and longevity - seems like a good idea to leave those fenders be!