How to Protect Your Off-Road Vehicle’s Exterior: 6 Tips From GRID Off-Road
When you’re in your off-road vehicle, the last thing you should be thinking about is if it’s going to make it through the next trip. Preparing ahead of time lets you focus on the ride. Let loose by protecting your off-roader’s exterior! Need a place to start? Here are six tips on how to keep your vehicle’s body strong.
The Importance of Safety
Because of the often-rough terrain, off-road vehicles can experience a lot of damage. Some of the most common you can experience are:
- Transmission issues
- Tire damage
- Undercarriage damage
- Misalignment
All of these problems will cause more issues down the road. Not addressing them soon enough can lead to more expensive repairs and a lower resale value. The best solution? Protect your off-roader with exterior modifications before these things can happen!
Tips for Protecting Your Off-Road Vehicle’s Exterior
Rig your vehicle up protectively to keep it out there as long as possible. Stay out longer with a tough surface that saves your off-roader from harmful damage and scratches.
1. Get the Right Tires
The size of a tire is extremely important to an off-road vehicle. They’re required to reach the perfect suspension, fit the brake calipers and even give you a different style. With so many tires out there, you need to find the best ones for your vehicle. Good tires will save your undercarriage and give you an awesome new look!
2. Give It a Good Coating
Like tires, you may think of coatings as ways to just protect the paint job. While that is part of their purpose, waxes and ceramics can also save your exterior from damaging weather like rain and UV rays. Coating your off-roader will help protect it from debris and potential rust. Think of it as an extra layer of defense.
Use wax if you’re interested in reapplying the coating during washes or maintenance. Ceramic coatings last a lot longer, so use these when you want to reapply less and prevent scratches.
3. Find 4×4 Body Armor
A newer feature for off-road vehicles, companies are introducing 4×4 customizable body armor. You can install it before heading out and enjoy your ride without thinking about potential dents and scratches. While damage to the paint seems like having a cool scar, body armor is more than that. It saves you from costly repairs and is another opportunity for intense styles!
4. Clean Your Vehicle Well
As you know, your off-roader is going to get dirty while you’re riding. To keep it in shape, a good cleaning routine is vital. Any debris that gets stuck in your vehicle can cause stains, scratches and rust. When you’re doing detailing at home, make sure you’re following the right steps to keep your off-roader looking good and staying strong.
5. Protect the Undercarriage
The undercarriage is the most sensitive part of your off-road vehicle. Besides the frame, it’s exposed to the most potential damage while you’re driving. Even regular streetcars can experience damage from road salt and moisture.
Find products to keep your undercarriage safe. Fluid coatings can keep out the salt and water but you’ll need to reapply them for full strength. Things like skid plates and rock sliders are physical upgrades that keep harmful materials out of your undercarriage. Research your options to find out which one is right for you.
6. Use Flares and Brush Bars
Fender flares give your tires extra protection and may be legally required in your area, depending on the size. However, while you’re off-roading, they can do a lot to reduce the damage you take. On top of protecting your tires, they also keep other vehicles from any debris your off-roader might lose as you’re driving.
Also known as brush grilles or guards, brush bars push debris out of your way. It protects your exterior by getting rid of any plant material from your path and absorbing the shock in a potential collision. On top of making your vehicle stronger, it also helps it look tougher. Use flares and brush guards to give your off-roader some extra physical and visual power!
Protect Your Vehicle’s Exterior
The best way to defend your off-roader’s interior is to protect its exterior. While driving, it is its armor against whatever might damage it. Give your off-road vehicle the protection it deserves, starting with its exterior.
Author Bio: Oscar Collins is the founder and editor-in-chief at Modded, where he writes about cars, luxury topics and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates!
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