Skid plates are some of the most useful aftermarket parts you can put on an off-roading vehicle. Not only do these parts provide protection for your car, but they also help improve handling in all of the toughest conditions. In case this was news to you, read on. We have covered everything else you need to know about upgrading skid plates!

What Does a Skid Plate Protect?

Simply put, a heavy-duty skid plate protects the underside of the car from any wood, pebbles, and other debris from the front of the car to the rear bumper. Injury to any of these system components may not only disrupt your day on the trails, but it may also leave you with a large bill at the end, meaning that in most cases where you can expect hardy conditions, a skid plate is a must.

Additional Benefits

Heavy-duty undercarriage shielding offers a seamless, uninterrupted subframe that helps the vehicle to slide over obstructions with much less opposition and handle deep, snowy situations that seem to trip up even the best of suspension systems. Although they will undoubtedly add a bit of bulk to your car, they will also decrease its center of mass, increasing handling both on and off the trail. Furthermore, because air moves beneath the car at freeway speeds, causing modest drag, skid plates can minimize wind resistance, boosting fuel efficiency.

Which Type of Skid Plate Should You Use?

Many producers provide a number of alternatives, with the main considerations being durability, mass, and pricing. They typically range in thickness from 1/4" aluminum and moderate-withstanding 1/8′′ steel to heavy-duty 3/16" steel, with the steel being the best option because it can withstand just about anything.

Although it is less expensive than aluminum, it is crucial to keep in mind that the trade-off is added weight. However, its 1/8" equivalent, which is less costly and weighs much less than 3/16" steel, is an excellent option. While they don't offer as much coverage as regular skid panels, they are still a significant improvement over any OEM plates from the manufacturer.

We hope that our short guide has helped you understand what you need to upgrade your skid plates! If you are looking for top-quality truck armor, including skid plates and aftermarket heavy-duty truck bumpers, be sure to reach out to Supreme Suspensions today for an excellent product at competitive prices.