Off-road driving is fun if you’re up for a new adventure, but it can also be dangerous for the unprepared. Don’t underestimate how easily a vehicle can get damaged by flying rocks, fallen branches, and other road debris.
Fortunately, most of the damage that comes with off-road driving can be mitigated by installing aftermarket accessories and investing in high-quality parts.
Here are some must-have upgrades and accessories to protect your vehicle when driving off-road.
Body Lift Kit
One of the best ways to keep your vehicle safe on off-road adventures is to increase its ride height with a body lift kit. By raising its body, your vehicle will take significantly less damage from any rocks, bumps, and debris that might be kicked up and damage the undercarriage.
From an aesthetic standpoint, a body lift can also make your vehicle more imposing and eye-catching since it’ll be taller than the average vehicle. You can also install bigger tires since the body is lifted higher off the frame.
However, bear in mind that body lift kits don’t alter the vehicle’s frame. Though its height may increase, the axles and suspension are left untouched, remaining at the same height. Fortunately, this also means its handling and drivability won’t change as much as one would anticipate.
Bull Bars
Another excellent off-road accessory designed to protect your vehicle is bull bars. These are installed to prevent your vehicle from taking damage when colliding with pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles.
Bull bars are extra useful off-road because they serve as push bumpers that keep things like rocks, trees, and other obstacles in the wilderness away from your vehicle.
Off-Road Bumpers
The bumper is one component worth upgrading for drivers keen on off-road adventures. This component is designed to absorb and redirect impact forces during minor collisions, reducing the severity of any physical damage to your vehicle.
Though all vehicles come with bumpers, get one specifically designed for off-roading if you want to stay safe on rough terrain. Driving in the wilderness can be tricky since there are many obstacles off the beaten path — many of which are hard to dodge, if not outright unavoidable. Rocks, trees, fauna, and other off-road hazards can crash into your vehicle and damage it. Fortunately, off-road bumpers minimize the damage sustained on the front of your vehicle.
Differential Cover
Differential covers, also known as rear axle covers, are critical components when it comes to protecting your vehicle’s differential gears and nearby parts. They play a massive part in keeping the drivetrain operative, shielding it from damage brought about by debris and moisture.
The differential cover plays three roles: shielding the gears and lubricating fluid, covering the access point for maintenance, and providing structural support to the differential assembly. Without a differential cover, both the durability and the performance of the drivetrain decrease exponentially.
Fender Flares
When it comes to keeping your vehicle safe on off-road drives, fender flares are your best friend. These accessories are designed to shield your vehicle’s body from flying debris such as rocks, dirt, gravel, and water. Not only do fender flares prevent scratches, dents, and splatters on your vehicle, but they also prevent rust and mud buildup.
LED Light Bar
If you plan on driving off-road after the sun sets, it’s strongly recommended to install LED light bars on your vehicle. These aftermarket lights are significantly more powerful than the standard headlights and enhance visibility in extreme low-light conditions.
However, keep in mind that they’re too bright to be used in the city and shouldn’t be used while driving on public roads. In some states, you’ll even be required to cover them before driving your vehicle on the street.
LED light bars are extremely durable and last up to 50,000 hours, making them perfect for off-road adventures.
Nerf Bars
Nerf bars are excellent aftermarket accessories for drivers who want to drive off-road because they make it easier to get inside and outside the vehicle. Typically, vehicles designed for off-roading are high off the ground and difficult to enter. Fortunately, nerf bars provide drivers and passengers alike with an extra step to make the process of entering the vehicle much easier.
However, nerf bars have more to offer drivers than improved quality of life. They’re also protective accessories that shield the sides of your vehicle from damage caused by flying rocks and debris.
Skid Plate
When driving off-road, rocks, dust, and obstacles off the beaten path might get kicked up and destroy vital components in the undercarriage such as the oil pan or the transmission.
A good way to protect these auto parts is to invest in a high-quality skid plate made of durable metals, such as steel and aluminum.
Snorkel
Snorkels are aftermarket accessories that are installed to elevate the vehicle’s air intake system, allowing it to draw in cleaner air because dust on the ground gets kicked up by the wheels. It’s an excellent accessory to have for off-road drivers because it prevents dust and debris from entering the engine via the air intake system.
Another benefit that comes with using snorkels is that they offer protection against water, preventing liquids from entering the engine when it’s raining or when driving through ponds, rivers, and streams.
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