The Myth of Plastic Skid Plates: Why They Won't Work for Your Vehicle
Revealing The Limits of Plastic Skid Plates and Why They May Not Be The Best Choice For Your Vehicle.
Skid plates play a critical role when it comes to the protection on the underside of your vehicle. While there are many different types of skid plates available, there is one particular option that you should leave off of your shopping list. Today, we are going to talk about why plastic skid plates - a popular option these days - do not offer the sufficient protection that your vehicle requires.
The Purpose of Skid Plates
What Are Skid Plates?
Skid plates are the protective shields attached to the underside of your vehicle. The main function of the skid plate is to shield important components from road debris. The most common protected parts and components include the oil pan, transmission, and fuel tank. Skid plates can be made from a variety of materials including steel, aluminum, plastic, or a combination of materials. Here is a comprehensive article on what is a skid plate.
Importance of Skid Plates
Skid plates are essential for off-roading enthusiasts because they prevent costly repairs and ensure the longevity of the vehicle. By absorbing impacts and deflecting debris, skid plates allow drivers to navigate challenging terrains with confidence.
Why Add Skid Plates to Your Vehicle?
The biggest reason why you want to have skid plates for your vehicle is to prevent costly repairs that can come from using your vehicle off-road or in rugged paved road environments. With a skid plate, you can ensure that your important vehicle components are protected from rocks, dirt and other debris.
The Rise of Plastic Skid Plates
The Sudden Appeal of Plastic Skid Plates
In the past few years, there has been a rising popularity in plastic skid plates. There are several reasons why plastic skid plates have become more and more popular. One of the major reasons is the lower cost of plastic skid plates versus other plates. Another reason is the lightweight nature of plastic skid plates.
Common Misconceptions
Perhaps the biggest misconception of plastic skid plates is that they can withstand the same level of impact and abuse as metal skid plates. The blame here comes from misleading marketing from companies that claim that plastic skid plates are a lower-cost, high-quality alternative.
The Reality of Plastic Skid Plates
Durability Issues
Plastic skid plates, no matter how well they are built, lack the inherent strength of aluminum or steel materials. When you subject plastic skid plates to intense impacts, plastic skid plates can easily crack, warp or wear down at a faster rate versus metal materials.
Limited Impact Resistance
When you take your vehicle off-road, the underside of your vehicle is likely to encounter sharp rocks, tree stumps, and other challenging obstacles. When your skid plate is made from aluminum or steel, your vehicle is able to easily withstand off-road conditions. However, plastic skid plates are not designed to handle these levels of impact.
Heat Resistance Issues
Another reason to reconsider plastic skid plates is that they do not have the ability to properly withstand high temperatures. Metal skid plates are able to dissipate heat and prevent the overheating of your vehicle's engine. On the other hand, plastic skid plates can melt or deform when exposed to excessive heat for a longer period of time.
Why Metal Skid Plates Are Superior
Strength and Durability
Metal skid plates are made of either metal, albumin, or a combination of the two. Each of these options provides a higher level of strength and durability. These types of skid plates can handle repeated impacts, resist deformation, and provide the right level of protection in most on-road and off-road conditions.
Superior Heat Dissipation
Heat is one of the sneaky issues that your vehicle will have to deal with during intense driving conditions. With metal skid plates, your vehicle will be better protected from overheating which will give you better peace of mind when off-roading in remote areas.
Long-Term Cost Effectiveness
While metal skid plates may cost more upfront, they will actually save you money over the long term. That’s because metal skid plates can withstand the test of time and they don’t need to be replaced as often as plastic materials.
Our Recommended Choice: Aluminum Skid Plates
We recommend aluminum skid plates because they offer the durability of metal with a lighter weight than steel. Unlike plastic skid plates, aluminum skid plates can also dissipate heat at a high level and provide ample protection from engine overheating. Also, aluminum skid plates are available at an affordable price for those on a budget.
Getting the Right Level of Protection For Your Vehicle
When it comes to protecting the underside of your vehicle, be sure to avoid plastic skid plates. While these plates may seem alluring due to their lower cost and lighter weight, they don’t provide a sufficient level of protection. Instead of plastic skid plates, we recommend aluminum skid plates due to the material’s durability and lighter than steel weight. At ASFIR 4x4, we offer high-quality aluminum skid plates for trucks and SUVs that are designed to handle hard off-road driving conditions. You can be sure that your vehicle’s critical components are protected no matter where you go! We have a large selection of aluminum skid plates for many makes and models. We invite you to view our inventory and get your high-quality aluminum skid plate today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Chances are you may have some more questions about skid plate quality. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Are all metal skid plates the same?
No. Metal skid plates can vary according to their material, thickness, and overall design. Steel skid plates are often heavier and provide the highest level of protection. Aluminum skid plates are lighter in weight and are the preferred choice for performance vehicles.
Can I use plastic skid plates for light off-roading?
Overall, it is not a good idea to use plastic skid plates for any type of off-roading. That is because plastic does not provide the right level of protection from heavy impacts.
How often should skid plates be inspected?
You should inspect your skid plate before and after every off-roading adventure. It is also a good idea to have your skid plates inspected during each major maintenance visit. Be sure to look for any signs of cracking or excessive wear.
Can I install skid plates myself?
Yes, Our skid plates offer a 100% DIY installation, utilizing OEM bolt points for a no-drill, no-cut, and no-weld process.
Do skid plates affect vehicle performance?
Most skid plates will not impede the performance of your vehicle. The only exception would be thicker steel skid plates which could add excess weight to the vehicle.
