So, you just got invited on a weekend off-roading trip with your buddies. Now, you're wondering how to make your car off-road ready and what your list of off-road must-haves should contain. Fortunately, getting your vehicle trail-ready doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right upgrades and gear, you'll be prepared to handle the unexpected challenges of off-roading in no time.
Read on to learn about the best off-road upgrades for your vehicle and essential off-road gear to help you blaze the trail with ease.
The Best Off-Road Mods You Can Make to Your Vehicle
Your stock vehicle is great. It handles paved roads comfortably and manages light trails without too much trouble. But if you want maximum performance off-road, you may want to consider investing in these upgrades
Note: Some off-road mods can impact your on-road stability. Check your local laws before implementing any of the modifications below.
Install Some Skid Plates
If you don't want a sharp rock to tear a gaping hole in your oil pan, you might want to install a skid plate. Skid plates are metal shields that mount to the underside of your vehicle and protect vulnerable components from rocks, debris, and other trail obstacles. Skid plates are typically found underneath oil pans, transmission pans, and fuel tanks.
Equip a Winch
Most off-roaders have gotten stuck on the trail a time or two, but after enough times, they've wizened up and installed a winch. Winches are motorized spools of metal cable used to pull your vehicle toward whatever you attach it to. They're perfect for getting unstuck from sand or deep mud or dragging your vehicle up exceptionally steep grades.
Add a Light Bar
You'd be surprised how dark it can get on the trail! Typically mounted above your windshield or on your front bumper, light bars provide powerful, wide-beam illumination that is perfect for situations where you're away from street lights and light pollution.
Lift Your Suspension
Intuitively, a suspension lift raises your vehicle's suspension, increasing ground clearance and enabling you to fit larger off-road tires. A properly installed lift kit can greatly improve your vehicle's articulation, allowing it to crawl over rocks and navigate rough terrain.
Invest in Aftermarket Shocks
A good set of off-road shocks can help make the difference between a stiff, bumpy ride and a comfortable, smooth one. Off-road shocks are typically “softer” than stock shocks — that is, they compress more easily to absorb all the low-speed bumps of unpaved roads.
Off-road-specific shocks are great for vehicles that will spend most of their time on unpaved roads. But if you're turning your daily driver into a trail rig, you may want to spring for adjustable options, which enable you to manually dial in their stiffness — swapping between soft for off-road and stiff for on-road stability at the turn of a dial.
Upgrade Your Tires
Off-road tires are easily one of the biggest must-haves for off-road trucks and vehicles. Rather than losing traction and digging themselves into a hole, off-road tires claw through loose surfaces and propel your vehicle forward. But if you've ever ridden in a car that has knobby off-road tires, you know they don't offer the most comfortable or quiet ride on pavement.
Enter the Dueler A/T Ascents — an all-terrain tire that allows you to have it both ways. As the newest addition to the already incredible Dueler A/T line of tires, the Dueler A/T Ascents use a brand-new tread pattern that reduces highway noise and vibrations. Best of all, their comfort doesn't mean compromise — full-depth 3D sipes and precision sawtooth edges help them deliver the tread stability needed to navigate wet and wintry roads while providing rugged off-road power with elevated on-road comfort.
So, when you're ready to upgrade to a set of off-road tires, look no further than the Dueler A/T Ascents. With impressively long tread life, on- and off-road adaptability, and a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for winter traction, you can't go wrong.
Essential Off-Road Equipment
Okay, so now your vehicle is ready to hit the trail. But what about you? Aside from plenty of water and snacks, here are some key items to consider bringing to make your next adventure a breeze:
- A First Aid Kit: A first aid kit stocked with gauze, bandages, antiseptics, tourniquets, and other necessities is essential to treating injuries ASAP, especially when you're far from immediate help in remote areas.
- A Tool Set: Pliers, wrenches, and other basic tools allow you to repair your vehicle if something breaks down on the trail.
- A Shovel: Whether you're digging for gold in the California desert, or simply need a tool to clear a path or dig out tires, a shovel is an off-roader's friend.
- An Air Compressor: A portable compressor enables you to lower tire pressure for better traction on rough terrain and reinflate them before returning to paved roads.
- Jumper Cables or a Portable Jumper: These prevent you from getting stuck in the middle of nowhere if your battery dies. If you're adventuring alone, choose the portable jumper, since it doesn't require another vehicle to get yours re-juiced.
- Some Extra Fuel and Coolant: There aren't many, if any, gas stations on the trail, so extra fuel is a must. Bringing extra coolant is necessary in the dunes, since you may have to top off coolant if your engine overheats.
- A Recovery Strap or Two: Tow straps are essential for towing or pulling your vehicle out of tough spots like mud, sand, or snow — especially if you don't have a winch.
- Work Lights: If things get dark on the trail, you'll be thankful for the much-needed visibility these can provide when you need to set up camp or make repairs.
- A Fire Extinguisher: When traversing the wilderness, there's plenty of brush and other debris that your exhaust could catch on fire. Having a fire extinguisher on hand helps prevent the environment and your vehicle from burning down.
- Traction Boards: These grippy boards can be shoved underneath your tire if you get stuck, potentially allowing you to free your car from mud, sand, or snow without the aid of another vehicle or winch.
Ready to Hit the Off-Road? Stop by Firestone Complete Auto Care
Whether you're heading into the mountains, hitting desert trails, or exploring muddy backroads, a few key modifications can help turn your everyday vehicle into a rugged, off-road machine. This is especially true when equipping your ride with the right tires.
Fortunately, the Dueler A/T Ascents are designed to handle the rugged terrain you plan to conquer! Head to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care for professional installation of these all-terrain tires, and you'll be ready to hit the trails in no time. Schedule an appointment today!
