Looking for ways to make your off-road vehicle even more extreme? Or, are you hoping to modify your regular car or truck for off-roading? Either way, we have the perfect guide for you.
Below, you’ll find the most important modifications you need for off-road adventures. Some of these mods allow for better control over difficult terrain. Others protect your off-roader from the harsh conditions you put it through.
The bottom line is, you really don’t want to experiment in the mud, dirt, and rocks without these essential modifications. Learn what you need to know by reading this guide.
1. Off-Road Tires
You simply can’t off-road without proper off-road tires. General-use tires will slip, tear, and/or get stuck when driven over wild, unpaved terrain.
In order for the appropriate tires to fit, you may need to change the size of your wheels/lift your vehicle. It’s best to discuss your particular off-roading plans with a trustworthy tire shop in your area.
2. Off-Road Suspension
Next, don’t get too hasty once those giant, thick tires are attached to your vehicle. Upon seeing this, it’s tempting to forego all other upgrades and head straight out to the mountains.
But you still need a suspension kit that can handle off-road conditions. We repeat: do not attempt to take your vehicle off-roading until it’s equipped with off-road suspension. If you do, you can overwork the current suspension and cause severe damage to your car.
It’s also a good idea to get a lift kit. This helps the suspension when driving over extreme or uneven terrain.
Plus, it prevents rocks and other obstacles from damaging the underbelly components of your car. If you don’t lift the car, though, you can protect the underbelly with a skid plate.
3. Paint Protection
As you leap and skid across wide-open spaces and unpaved trails, it kicks rocks, mud, and dust, all over your vehicle. Thus, it’s important to protect the exterior of your car with paint protection systems like XPEL.
For one thing, it makes your off-roader easier to clean and it prevents damage. Furthermore, unprotected paint easily chips away when subjected to such harsh conditions. When that happens, the metal underneath can start to rust and rapidly deteriorate.
4. A Bull Bar
A bull bar isn’t just for looks. It’s an important component for protecting the front end of your off-roader. You can also use it to push other vehicles that are stuck in the mud.
5. A Winch
Speaking of helping stuck vehicles, there’s no better way to do that than with a winch. A winch is a powerful tool for rescuing cars (including yours) from sticky, slippery situations. More to the point, if you’re ever in a situation where you need a winch, you’ll be extremely thankful to have one.
Upgrade Your Off-Road Vehicle With These Mods
Now that you know what your off-road vehicle has been missing, try out these modifications for yourself. Be sure to keep this guide bookmarked so that you don’t forget these crucial off-road upgrades.
Next, find out why your car is underperforming and what you can do about it. Discover the automotive tips you need in our Auto Repair and Maintenance blog. Find this category under the Automotive Blog tab in our menu bar.