If you’re among the 33% of workers planning to skip town for a few weeks of vacation, you might be planning some off-roading. After all, no trip to the mountains is complete without a little fun off the beaten path. But do you need to invest in skid plates if you’re taking your vehicle out on rugged terrain?
Read on to learn if your off-road vehicle needs a little more protection!
What Are Skid Plates?
Skid plates are metal pieces that sit on the underside of your vehicle. Most often, they are attached toward the front of vehicles that may go off-roading. So, if you’re planning on tackling rugged roads, they can make a lot of sense.
Don’t confuse skid plates with belly pans, which look similar. Think of skid plates as a thicker, upgraded version.
Whether you’re getting Toyota skid plates or anything else, you need to know they’re secure. Turn to True North Fabrications for help choosing the right option and installing it.
Understand the Benefits of Skid Plates
The key benefit of a skid plate is the added protection for your vehicle’s undercarriage. This includes the engine, gearbox, and other critical components. If a rock happened to puncture these parts, you’d be sidelined from your adventure.
You can choose from steel or aluminum skid plates. Steel plates are more durable, but they will add weight to your car. The added weight could be worth it, though, since the plate can tolerate more wear and tear.
If you can deal with a higher chance of rips, aluminum plates offer the lighter-weight option. They’re also cheaper. And they can withstand road salt without rusting.
With either option, you stand to gain some aerodynamic advantages from skid plates. The flat plate will help air move beneath it more efficiently. This can result in a smoother ride.
You can dress up skid plates, too, with powder coatings in a number of colors. A burst of color will play up your car’s adventurous sense of style!
Consider the Potential Drawbacks
When it comes to drawbacks, there aren’t many with skid plates. But you should look at the overall cost if you’re on a budget. You could spend a few hundred dollars on a Tacoma skid plate, for instance, and then pay more for installation.
There is a chance that the plates won’t completely deflect all debris. And that means you might get some dirt stuck in your skid plates. This can cause corrosion and add weight to your vehicle.
You might hear more engine noise, too, with skid plates. Further, maintenance can be more time-intensive. For an oil change or engine check, your mechanic will need to unbolt the plate to access the area.
Even so, with such minor drawbacks, skid plates make a lot of sense. Before you head to the mountains, take some time to add one to your car!
Invest in Skid Plates
Choosing skid plates can give you a safer ride when you’re on bumpy roads. You’ll help prevent engine or undercarriage issues. And by doing that, you can enjoy off-roading without damaging your car.
For more tips to keep your car humming, check back soon for new articles.