Off-roading is a popular hobby among car and bike enthusiasts. It allows people to test their vehicles’ true capabilities, but sometimes default versions don’t have the right accessories to handle rough terrain and need some assistance.
Here are seven of the best mods for off-roading and their benefits.
1. All-Terrain Tires
All-terrain tires are the best off-road modification money can buy. The heavy-duty rubber and aggressive tread patterns can handle rough driving environments without losing traction. These specific tires have everything you’re looking for:
- Goodyear Military Wrangler MT/R
- BF Goodrich Krawler All-Terrain T/A K02
- General Grabber AT/X
- Cooper Discoverer AT3 4S
Tires are often the limiting factors when people take their vehicles off-road. They encounter a roadblock they can’t get through, forcing them to find another route. Even worse, they get stuck and don’t have the traction to get out. If these situations ever happened to you, switching to a durable set of all-terrain tires will solve your problem.
2. Front Tow Hitch
Suppose you get stuck while off-roading. You need an attachment to get your vehicle out. A front tow hitch is a low-cost upgrade that allows you to pull your car to safety. Off-roading can lead to all kinds of precarious situations, from getting stuck in the mud to hanging off the edge of a cliff. You never know what might happen, so a front tow hitch might save your life.
On a less serious note, this mod can also help in daily situations. If you break down or run out of gas, a friend can haul your vehicle to the nearest auto shop or gas station.
3. Snorkel
Standing water is a common off-road obstacle that people have trouble bypassing, but the snorkel attachment can help your vehicle do its job. This mod redirects exhaust fumes to the top of the car, ensuring water doesn’t mix with them and cause the engine to fail. You often see tractor-trailers and other heavy-duty work trucks with snorkels because they don’t want to stop their routes due to bad weather.
Still, snorkels don’t enable you to drive with most of the vehicle submerged. Keep the water line below the interior electronics, and don’t push your luck.
4. Light Bar
Standard vehicle headlights and high beams create sufficient visibility for regular driving, but you could use something with a wider range for off-road activities. A light bar can attach anywhere on your vehicle, from the front bumper to the roof. Its high-intensity projector lights illuminate a larger area than stock headlights. You will be able to see everything in your path clear as day.
A light bar can also come in handy when you encounter heavy precipitation on the road. It will improve your visibility and reveal your location to other drivers nearby, potentially preventing accidents.
5. Steel Bumper Kit
A bigger, thicker and stronger set of steel bumpers will help your vehicle clear a path through rough terrain and deflect small debris. You won’t have to worry about minor damage because a steel bumper can absorb the blow and keep your vehicle’s body safe.
Still, the bumpers won’t stop you from getting nicks, stains and water spots on other areas. If you want to avoid getting these marks, a ceramic wash and coating will help shield the vehicle’s paint and make it less vulnerable to the elements. Ceramic coating is popular among luxury cars and work trucks alike for this reason.
6. Mudflaps
Dirt and mud are almost guaranteed elements of off-roading, so your vehicle could greatly benefit from a sturdy set of mudflaps. They prevent dirt, gravel and other small particles from getting kicked up into the vehicle’s fenders and wheel wells, keeping them clean and optimal for driving. They also prevent paint stains and scratches in those areas.
As the rest of your vehicle gets dirty and you gain more off-road experience, mudflaps will help keep your wheels in solid condition, enabling you to drive farther and pursue uncharted territory.
7. Interior Liners
Let’s not forget about interior modifications. Get some heavy-duty floor liners to protect your vehicle from all the gross stuff you track inside. Some brands like WeatherTech have floormats that fit inside any car, so you don’t need to worry about getting a specific liner to match your make and model.
Remember to wash and rinse your liners after your off-road adventures to give yourself a clean slate. Next time you go off-roading or do another outdoor activity, you will be grateful to have a clean set of liners.
Dress Your Vehicle for Success
No matter how strong and durable your truck or car is, it could use some help when you go off-road. These modifications will help you see and drive better and improve your vehicle’s performance.
Most importantly, they help ensure your safety and that of everyone around you. Driving is a fun activity, but it’s no laughing matter. Dress your vehicle for success with these modifications.