Why Skid Plates Are Important for Off-Roading
Off-road travel is exciting, but it can damage vehicles that aren’t optimized for the terrain. One of the best ways to prepare vehicles for off-road travel is to install skid plates. Whether you are off-roading for a day or taking a full overland trip, skid plates will protect your vehicle during the adventure. Read this guide to learn why skid plates are important for off-roading activities.
Protection for the Trail
A skid plate attaches to the underside of your off-road vehicle. The purpose of this upgrade is to protect components of the truck that are vulnerable from beneath, such as the engine, oil pans, and fuel tanks. A skid plate will prevent debris from kicking up into the underside of your car and causing damage. At Ironman 4x4, we have off-road skid plates built to provide better strength in the most common strike zones.
For example, the skid plates will keep rocks and dirt out of the undercarriage. Suffice it to say that it’s not fun for a vehicle to break down during an off-road adventure. Installing skid plates means you give the underside of your vehicle a strong barrier between it and the hazardous terrain below. On normal paved roads, debris such as salt can damage vehicles, but off-road terrain is even more treacherous.
Choosing Durable Materials
Manufacturers make off-road skid plates using various materials, including aluminum and steel. One of the benefits of choosing off-road skid plates is that you can find models that balance protection and weight. At Ironman 4x4, our heavy-duty skid plates for off-roading are made from steel, but they prioritize a lightweight design so that you can still move fast and freely while off-roading.
You can find a wide range of upgrades that look great for your 4x4, but they may weigh the truck down quite a bit. Finding upgrades that are powerful but don’t add excessive weight is ideal for off-roading in any terrain.
Handling Uneven Terrain
Understanding why skid plates are important for off-roading requires learning the hazards present on the trails. You should always understand what kind of trail you’re traveling on. Loose debris isn’t the only hazard that skid plates will protect off-road vehicles from encountering. Skid plates can vary in their designs, and some are strong enough to withstand substantial impact from hazards in the terrain. For example, sudden drops in the path can severely damage a vehicle’s undercarriage.
Thankfully, the right skid plate will prevent that from happening. The deflection power of high-quality, heavy-duty skid plates ensures you can travel over uneven terrain without worry. You should feel confident that you will be able to conquer the off-road terrain ahead; skid plates will provide ample peace of mind in that regard.