SUV Modification Tips for Novice Mechanics

Modifying an SUV may seem daunting to amateur mechanics, but here are a few tips that should help get you underway.

If you intend to drive your SUV off-road, consider skid plating as an extra measure to safeguard its suspension, tires and underbelly from rocks, branches or debris. This will keep them protected.

Wheel spacers

Wheel spacers are precision-engineered discs designed to add distance between vehicle hub and wheel. Common materials used include aluminum, and these spacers may come in varying thicknesses for different vehicles.

Wheel spacers can help alter a vehicle’s stance and provide clearance for larger tires or custom wheels. Drag-race trucks often utilize wheel spacers to accommodate large front calipers.

Wheel spacers are safe and effective modifications if installed professionally, however. Prior to installion it’s essential that thorough research be performed as these parts may conflict with certain warranties on your vehicle and installing wheel spacers yourself may void these. Therefore, professional installation should always be considered an option.

Roof racks and cargo carriers

Roof racks and cargo carriers are an effective way to expand the space available in an SUV, especially if you regularly take camping trips or carry large amounts of luggage.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that an overloaded cargo rack will lower fuel efficiency significantly due to their size and wind resistance; therefore, only keep items essential to you on the roof.

Cargo carriers that mount to a trailer hitch receiver are more compact and easier to store, plus can be tilted back easily to clear your rear hatch of vehicle.

LED light bars

LED light bars make an effective and stylish mod for off-road enthusiasts and drivers looking to improve the visibility of their SUV, or simply those seeking visibility improvements. Available in various shapes, sizes and configurations to meet individual needs as well as customizable for an individualized look, LEDs are energy efficient lighting solutions which allow users to save fuel and battery power while enjoying bright, powerful illumination solutions.

LED lights illuminate a broad section of the road, making it easier to identify hazards and stay safe. Their closer to daylight color temperature reduces eye strain during long drives. A quality light bar can also increase visibility on work sites or during inclement weather, giving you confidence to navigate difficult terrain with confidence.

Dash cameras

Dash cameras provide crucial supplementary evidence for insurance claims and can protect you from fraudulent claims or hit-and-runs. Furthermore, you can use them to monitor how well teen drivers are driving and help them improve.

Dash cams typically store video footage on SD cards with limited storage capacities; when this occurs, the dashcam overwrites any unnecessary information to make room for new recordings.

The Vantrue e1 dashcam features an adhesive base that securely sticks to windshields, with its USB cable conveniently attached for effortless removal and transfer between vehicles, significantly reducing costs and effort for fleet managers. Furthermore, this dashcam comes equipped with both wide-angle front cameras capable of recording 2.5K video as well as rear view cameras capable of producing 1080p videos for optimal recording quality.