subject: Skid Plates off Road Necessity Or Fashion Statement [print this page] Here is where I alienate all the people who have off road vehicles and actually use them off the road. I apologise to the farmers, the off road enthusiast and any true off road driver, tank drivers excluded, this article is not for you. For those of you that are left, and drive a Chelsea tractor for taking the kids to school, or going to your cleaning job, then here is a quick and easy way to make your vehicle not only stand out from the others on the school run, but make it look as if you use the vehicle for what it is designed for, when the only real off road driving you do is going up the path onto your drive.
Fitting a set of skid plates to your vehicle is a very easy way to give your vehicle that extra rugged look that true off road vehicles have. A true front skid plate, or sump guard as they are also known, is designed to protect the engine sump from the damage that can be caused by hitting rocks and other debris. These front skid plates are usually made of metal and either bolted or welded into place. The true rear skid plate is again designed to help protect the underside of the vehicle from the type of damage that can be caused by large rocks hitting the floor of the vehicle. Again usually made of steel and welded or bolted into place by an expert.
The accessory of front and rear skid plates looks like they are made of metal, but are usually produced in high density plastic. The skid plates as an accessory are quick and easy to fit to the underside of the vehicle and give the appearance of providing the type of protection that real skid plates would offer. Usually either screwed or even clipped into place, the accessory skid plate gives your vehicle that added rugged look without you every having to get dirty to fit them. All of our skid plates are supplied with full fitting instructions and fixings to allow you to fit them yourself. So why not have a go and make yourself feel like a real mechanic. Roll around on the floor, get your hands dirty, curse and swear when you drop the screwdriver, than stand back and admire your workmanship when the job is complete. Alternatively arrange a fitting option and get an experienced mechanic to fit the skid plates for you, we promise your friends will never know the difference.
