Aluminum Skid Plates: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Vehicle

Discover everything you need to know about the optimal material to protect your vehicle

If you are looking for peak protection for your vehicle, then it is important to have the right aftermarket gear. That includes a study and durable skid plate that can guard against rocks, debris, and other obstacles. That’s why skid plates are so important for your vehicle. In particular, we will talk about the importance of aluminum skid plates and why they provide the highest level of protection for your vehicle.

What Are Aluminum Skid Plates?

An aluminum skid plate is a protective panel that attaches to the undercarriage of your vehicle. This important piece of equipment is designed to protect your engine, transmission, transfer case, and fuel tank from damage while on the road and off-road. The plate provides an important protective barrier that can help guard against anything you encounter during your driving adventure.

Why aluminum? This material is strong yet lightweight as well as affordable. With an aluminum skid plate, you can protect your vehicle from harsh road elements while saving weight which won’t compromise your vehicle’s performance and fuel efficiency.

Benefits of Aluminum Skid Plates

There are several important reasons why aluminum skid plates are recommended for your vehicle. Here are the top four reasons to choose aluminum skid plates over any other material:

1. Lightweight Strength

Aluminum is about one-third the weight of steel, making it the ideal choice for those looking to save weight on their vehicle. Thanks to its lightweight strength, you can go off-road and know that the underside of your vehicle is protected from rocks, tree stumps, and other obstacles.

2. Corrosion Resistance

Unlike steel, aluminum will not corrode. That means you don’t have to worry about your aluminum skid plate turning to rust due to exposure to moisture and oxygen. In fact, aluminum forms a protective oxide layer to ensure it will always maintain its strong structure.

3. Heat Dissipation

Aluminum is a top conductor of heat. That means that this type of material can dissipate heat more effectively than steel. This is especially important when you are driving in hot weather conditions or rugged off-road situations. 

4. Cost-Effective

Overall, aluminum is one of the top values when it comes to skid plates. While aluminum will cost a little more than steel, it won’t corrode and it will stand up to challenging road terrain. That means your aluminum skid plate will last  and be more cost-effective in the long run.

How Thick Should Aluminum Skid Plates Be?

One of the most important factors to consider is the thickness of your aluminum skid plate. We recommend a thickness level of 3/16 inches 4.76 mm) and 1/4-inch (6.35 mm). The choice between these two thickness levels will depend on the type of driving you will be doing with your vehicle.

3/16-Inch Thickness: This is the thickness level of choice if you plan on encountering moderate terrain. With a 3/16 thick skid plate, you can be sure that you are getting ample protection while keeping your vehicle’s weight lower.

1/4-Inch Thickness: If you are planning to encounter more rugged off-road situations, then a ¼-inch thick skid plate will be the ideal choice. A thicker skid plate will allow you to handle higher impact levels and keep your important vehicle parts protected.

The key is to know where you will be driving your vehicle most often. From there, you should be able to determine the thickness level that is right for your aluminum skid plate.

Do Aluminum Skid Plates Rust?

One of the reasons why aluminum skid plates are so popular is because of their resistance to rust. Compared to steel - which requires regular maintenance - aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion. That’s thanks to the protective oxide layer on its surface. The result is that aluminum skid plates can last a longer time before needing to be replaced.

How Long Does Aluminum Last Outside?

Aluminum skid plates can last a varying amount of time. The factors considered include the driving conditions of the road and the location of the vehicle. For instance, if the vehicle is used for rough off-roading, then it will not last as long as vehicles used for light off-road trips.

When it comes to aluminum as a material, it generally has a lifespan of 20 to 50 years. Here are some of the other mitigating factors when considering the lifespan of the material.

Exposure to Saltwater: Aluminum may suffer pitting corrosion if it is exposed to saltwater for an extended period. Therefore, an aluminum skid plate may need to be cleaned or replaced if you drive it through saltwater conditions.

Physical Damage: While aluminum is a durable material, it may need to be replaced if it encounters a higher amount of impact or if the skid plate has large bends.

Get High-Quality Aluminum Skid Plates for Your Vehicle

At ASFIR 4x4, we offer high-quality aluminum skid plates that are designed for almost all types of off-roading adventures. We have skid plates available for just about all popular models. Be sure to check out our inventory and give your vehicle the lasting protection that it deserves.

Ready to upgrade your vehicle's protection? Click here to view our full catalog of Off Road Skid Plates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You may have some more questions about aluminum skid plates. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Can I paint or coat aluminum skid plates for additional protection?

It is possible to paint or coat aluminum skid plates. However, you don’t need to add anything extra to the plate’s surface in order to protect it from corrosion. That being said, painting or coating the skid plate may provide added protection from physical wear.

How do aluminum skid plates compare to steel in terms of durability?

While steel is more durable than aluminum to impact, it is also heavier and provides a negative impact when it comes to vehicle weight and fuel efficiency. With aluminum skid plates, you get an ideal combination of durability and fuel efficiency.

Are there any downsides to using aluminum skid plates?

The biggest downside to aluminum is that it is not as strong as steel. Therefore, aluminum may bend in instances where steel would not bend.

How often should I inspect my aluminum skid plates?

We recommend that you inspect your vehicle’s skid plate after every off-roading driving experience. Also, you should have your vehicle’s skid plate inspected during your vehicle’s regular service center visits.