If you’ve ever spent time with a true off-road enthusiast then you’ll probably have heard them talk about skid plates and the benefits they could bring to your ride. This is particularly true if you’re a 4×4 owner that likes to trek off the beaten path.
Skid plates are known by many names in different parts of the world. You’ll find them being referred to as everything from bash plates and UVP to just generic underbody protection but it all means the same thing – outer coverings that fit on the underside of your 4×4 to protect its underbody.
What are skid plates?
A skid plate will typically be made from steel or aluminium alloy, though cheap plastic kits do exist and we’d always recommend against these. They generally come in separate pieces or plates that can be affixed to different potentially vulnerable parts of the 4×4’s undercarriage.
In much the same way that the hood of the car protects the engine and other components from debris and the elements, the skid plates offer a safety net for the less visible parts of your 4×4. They are particularly important if you are a regular off-roader or have a lower height and without them, a lot of avoidable damage can take place.
Your 4×4 without skid plates
What can happen to the underside of your ride without skid plates installed? Quite a lot and none of it is good. You see, most vehicles (especially older models) are completely exposed to the elements underneath. On one hand, it makes for easier access for maintenance and repairs but it also leaves the undercarriage exposed to everything from holes in the road to debris and rocks when overlanding.
Indeed, some feel that a skid plate alone is not enough for a 4×4. Some users feel the need to bolster their protection further with side rails that are designed to help your ride slide off rocks with ease. These rails can also function as steps, so do have dual uses.
The best skid plates for your 4×4
This will, of course, depend on the make and model of your vehicle as well as your budget. Generally speaking, however, steer clear of cheaper kits made from 2mm flat steel plates. These can bend and break easily and could end up doing more hard than good.
ARB steel skid plate kits are reliable and durable 3mm press-formed plates that are built to last, while N4 and other brands offer aluminium plates as thick as 6mm and 8mm. Aluminium, while not quite as strong as steel, is also rust-proof, which means it will last for longer.
Of course, these are much more expensive due to the material content and low volume manufacturing cost, so are mostly made to order and are only really recommended for very serious users.