Will Skid Plates Void Your Extended Warranty?
Sharp rocks, huge branches, and rough terrains can easily cause expensive damage to critical parts of your vehicle. If you love taking your off-road vehicle to off-beaten tracks, or you often drive on rough terrain, and worry about what is going on in the undercarriage, then you definitely need skid plates. Think of it as a special armor that shields the underside of your vehicle from unexpected hits, allowing you to go off-road with confidence. But will skid plates void your extended warranty? How should you choose the right skid plate for your vehicle? And is it necessary?
Let’s answer these questions with this in-depth guide.
Key Takeaways
• Skid plates are essential for offroad vehicles are ones that pass through rough terrains. It protects your vehicle’s underbody from sharp rocks and other debris.
• Skid plates protect the vehicle undercarriage while the bumper protects the vehicle’s front and rear during collisions.
• Aside from offroad vehicles, overlanders and work vehicles can also benefit from adding skid plates.
• Consider the material, fitment and coverage area when choosing and installing skid plates.
• Skid plates won’t void your extended warranty, but make sure they are properly installed to prevent damage that could cause a denied warranty claim.
Skid Plates: Do You Actually Need Them?
If you are driving exclusively in the highways and city streets, then you don’t need ski plates. However, if you often venture on rougher terrains, then yes, your vehicle absolutely needs skid plates. Without one, a single sharp and solid rock can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in repairs.
What is the Difference Between a Skid Plate and a Bumper?
Many people confuse the two, but they are pretty different as they serve different purposes. The bumper protects the front and rear of your vehicle from impacts. Its job is to absorb shock during collisions; hence, the name.
Skid plates, on the other hand, protects the undercarriage of your vehicle from obstacles and impacts with the ground. It protects the delicate parts of the vehicle, such as the engine, fuel tank and fuel lines, transmission, and the exhaust.
What Vehicles Need Skid Plates?
Off-Roaders – If you own 4×4 trucks, SUV for off-roading, or a Jeep to be specific, then installing skid plates to your vehicle is highly encouraged. It will help you tackle rugged terrain with peace of mind. The Jeep Wrangler, for example, is a popular SUV vehicle. It’s essential that you have a protection against bumps and rocks. Also, it pays to know the pros and cons of owning a Wrangler to determine if it’s the right offroad vehicle and what kind of protection it needs.
Overlanders – If you often take your vehicle for long drives and tough unpaved roads, or challenging and unpredictable terrain, then you need skid plates.
Work vehicles – Vehicles used for agriculture, construction, or various heavy-duty jobs in and highly-demanding and rugged work environments will benefit greatly from skid plates.
Shopping Tips for Skid Plates
How do you find the skid plate that suits your vehicle and driving needs? Here are some tips.
Choose the right material
Nowadays, skid plates come in lighter materials such as aluminum. While it may help in keeping the overall weight of the vehicle down, it is not as durable as steel. The good old heavy-duty steel can take the heavier hits, providing your undercarriage the best protection.
Fitment
While there are universal skid plates that can fit in almost all vehicles, getting the appropriate fit for the specific make and model of your vehicle is the best way to go. Better fit means better protection.
Coverage area
The job of the skid plate is to protect various parts of your vehicle from underneath. Make sure to get the skid plate with wider coverage area.
Installation
While some come with easy installation kits, some others may require professional installation for to secure the whole thing in place.
Cost
Prices for skid plates differ greatly in many factors, such as material, are they cover, durability, etc. While you can save a couple more bucks with the cheaper ones, you can never go wrong in investing in higher-quality ones. As a matter of fact, you can save more with them in the long run by preventing expensive damages.
Will Skid Plates Void Your Extended Warranty?
Correctly installed skid plates will not void your extended warranty. If you need to have it installed, ensure you choose a reputable mechanic or shop to perform the installation. If you damage any parts of the vehicle during installation, you could void your extended warranty, especially if the warranty covers the damaged part.
The Takeaway
So, are skid plates worth it? If you often go on off-roads for fun, you love overlanding with your family, or you take on rough terrains on a regular basis, then skid plates are absolutely worth it. It will protect your precious vehicle from expensive damages, allowing you to enjoy your vehicle for longer and drive with the peace of mind.
FAQs
Do skid plates protect from rust?
It depends on the material on the skid plate. If you install aluminum skid plates, it offers resistance to rust. Steel, on the other hand, requires more maintenance. Aluminum is a material that offers resistance to rust, which provides a protective layer to your car.
What causes a skid plate to break?
Hitting the skid plates over obstacles can cause result in wear and tear over time, making it prone to break. Therefore, investing in superior quality materials is a must as the skid plates absorb the impact from rocks, debris, and other obstacles to ensure it can protect your car’s underbody effectively.
Will my car be okay without a skid plate?
Yes. If you don’t drive over mud, dirt, or roads with sharp rocks, you would not have to worry about installing a skid plate to your vehicle.
