Are Off-Road Accessories & Modifications Necessary?
When choosing upgrades for 4×4 or any off-roading vehicles, you have no shortage of options. But are these really necessary?
It depends. Whether you need 4×4 upgrades or off-road accessories will depend on your off-roading habits.
Fortunately, you don’t have to decide alone. Outlander Motorsports is your local off-roading expert in Martinez, CA.
We’ve outlined some of the most common yet necessary modifications and accessories even novices needs for their off-roading vehicles.
Be Prepared to Recover Like a Pro
When venturing into the great unknown or a popular campsite, you never really know what lies ahead. Within a moment’s notice, you can hit a patch of soft sand, run over a massive log, or get stuck in the mud to the point where your 4WD is useless.
If you find yourself in this situation, you will need the ability to recover. This underscores the importance of having a recovery kit. So, make sure your list of 4×4 off-road accessories includes a recovery kit.
The winch deserves special mention here. While the recovery kit includes tools like a shackle, snatch block, gloves, chain, and more, it’s the winch that makes these 4×4 accessories work. A winch will allow you to pull yourself out of many places using an anchor point.
Suspension & Lift Kits Are Key Off-roading Upgrades
Lift kits offer an undeniable aesthetic appeal on trucks and SUVs, but they offer more than looks. In fact, the primary purpose of upgrading the suspension is to bolster your vehicle’s safety and handling when you’re carrying heavy loads.
Here’s why you need upgraded suspension. The factory suspension system your vehicle is fitted with is for accommodating standard weights. But your suspension will be under immense demand once you load your 4×4 with water, fuel, food, passengers, gear, winches, and other things.
At the same time, towing a camper trailer or caravan can also place extra stress on the standard suspension system. If left unchecked, this additional stress can cause changes to wheel alignment and traction. This can impact your steering and handling, reduce fuel efficiency, and cause an all-around uncomfortable ride.
The best solution: consider adding a lift kit. In improving handling and performance, your lift kit will improve ground clearance, which can be paramount for traversing creeks, big rocks, washouts, and soft sands.
Tires are a Quintessential Off-Road Modification
Whether you’re venturing off-road once a month or daily, your ability to do so starts with tires. Thus, upgraded tires are one of the quintessential 4×4 modifications.
When choosing the best tires, you have two choices: all-terrain and mud-terrain tires. All-terrain tires are designed to perform well on and off-road. Mud-terrain tires are built for one thing—mastering harsh and extreme conditions (such as sand, mud, and snow).
Fortunately, most people can get by with a rugged set of all-terrain tires. But more serious off-roaders may need to upgrade to mud tires.
Contact Outlander Motorsports for the Best Off-Road Accessories & Modifications in Martinez, CA
We get it—choosing the best 4×4 off-road modifications and accessories can be tough. Fortunately, you’re not alone! You have access to an entire team of experts right here in Martinez, CA.
Give Outlander Motorsports a call at (925) 839-4144. You can also fill out this appointment form or stop by our shop at 1424 Shell Ave., Suite D, Martinez, CA 94553.
