Choosing the Right Bull Bar for Your 4WD - Kawa Saki Automotive
Choosing the Right Bull Bar for Your 4WD
Automobile, Services / By Lucinda Mark
Now that you have made the right decision to purchase a bull bar for your 4WD, the next question is which one? There are numerous factors you need to consider. Some of these factors include the bull bar’s weight, material, accessories, and mounting. Once you have decided on what you want, it would be easier for you to narrow down your choices.
You have to remember though that you need to think about the bull bar’s purpose and not just consider one which looks good in your vehicle (although this is also one of the bull bar’s purposes). But if you are buying one because it would provide added protection for you and your vehicle, read on about the features that you need to think about before deciding.
The weight of the bull bar is one of the factors that would affect your decision. Although some vehicle owners are turned off by the fact that you would be adding 30 to 80 kilograms on the front of your vehicle, there are still weightier benefits to having a bull bar. But, if your vehicle could not tolerate the additional weight, choose instead a bar design that is appropriate to your vehicle size and the purposes that the bar would serve you.
The materials used for 4×4 bull bars would also affect their weight. So, if your vehicle could not accommodate heavier bull bars, opt for those made out of plastic. Don’t think that bull bars made out of plastics are flimsy. They are lightweight but still corrosion-resistant and could still be unscathed during minor collisions. But of course, steel and aluminum are the preferred choices especially for 4WD vehicle owners who are often driving in places with rough terrains and thick forestry.
If you would be purchasing a bull bar because you need to install some accessories, make sure that the bull bar is compatible. There might be some accessories that would not fit if your bull bar is made out of plastic such as a winch that could only be bolted in bull bars made out of steel. If your bull bar is plastic or aluminum, you would need to purchase a winch cradle separately. This could be an additional expense as opposed to having purchased a bull bar that perfectly goes well with the other accessories you plan on buying.
Airbags are one of the most important safety features of a vehicle. Of course, you would not be purchasing a vehicle you would be driving on dangerous terrains without an airbag. So, when you purchase a bull bar, make sure that it has an airbag compatible mounting system. To make sure that the bull bar has this feature, check the manufacturer or don’t forget to ask your vehicle dealer.
Spending money on your 4WD for a bull bar guarantees that you would be enjoying your vehicle for a long time since you managed to provide it with an extra layer of protection. A bull bar would also help with your approach angle to make sure you would not hit any barrier.