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What Is a Skid Plate?
What Is a Skid Plate?
Skid plate is the metal armor that protects a vehicle’s vital undercarriage components. From the front of your engine to your transfer case, these shields are designed to withstand direct hits from rocks and other debris that may be encountered on rugged terrain. They’re not just a fancy accessory, but a valuable investment that will help you avoid the pain of expensive repairs and focus on enjoying your off-road adventures.
If you’ve been riding motocross, enduro or even just trail riding at some point you have probably experienced heavy impact damage to the lower part of your frame and engine. This could be from a rock hitting the engine casings or from a log rubbing against the frame and both of these situations can cause panic in the driver as they worry about what’s damaged, how much it will cost to repair and what other problems might result from this type of damage. A good skid plate can prevent these types of damages by absorbing the blow and protecting the engine, frame and your wallet.
A skid plate, also known as a plank, is a flat rectangle of metal attached to the underside of a motorsport racing car, most commonly used in Formula 1 and other categories that require mandatory underbody protection. The plank is typically welded to the chassis and extends down to the lower edge of the front suspension tower. During race competition, the plank serves to impose a minimum ground clearance that helps keep the car from bottoming out when driving over steep grades on paved roads.
The plank is also an important safety feature for these vehicles, preventing drivers from getting into trouble when they turn sharply or hit uneven road surfaces. In fact, the plank is so important that if it is not in place, the driver and passenger will be disqualified from a race.
Skid plates are a lot like planks, but they’re made from aluminum or steel and can be bolted to the underside of the vehicle. They’re designed to provide protection for the most vulnerable parts of a truck, SUV or Jeep including the oil pan, transmission, transfer case and fuel tank. They can be powder coated to give the vehicle a clean and stylish look.
While the main function of a skid plate is to protect these components from damage, they can also serve a number of other functions including improving aerodynamics on smaller vehicles and deflecting dust from the engine bay on larger trucks. They can be made from a variety of materials, with aluminum and steel being the most common. The material of a skid plate can also determine the price and weight, with steel being more durable but heavier than aluminum.
Skid plates are not only a smart accessory for your off-road vehicle, but they can also help increase its resale value. Potential buyers will see that your vehicle has protective metal armor and are less likely to be concerned about potential undercarriage damage or expensive repairs.
