Truck Front End Protection That May Save Your Life

Owning a pickup truck may not be as easy as owning a smaller vehicle like a sedan. Although trucks are bigger and more heavy-duty than smaller cars, you must consider some things to ensure their protection. The front end of your vehicle can be vulnerable to damage. You will also need the right products to avoid costly damage.

Regardless of where you go, unexpected dangers may be lurking. The road is never free of perils whenever you drive off your lot or garage. Check out some truck accessories that serve as a prevention measure and protect you in case of collisions.

There are three most common truck front-end protectors on the market that can help shield the front end of your pickup truck. They have a specific purpose and can be beneficial in different ways.

Bull bars

The "bull" in the name of this truck accessory refers to cattle, which typically roam on rural roads and highways. Bull bars are a popular truck mod that can push objects out of the way.

Bull bars serve as a protective barrier between the vehicle and any obstacles it may encounter. It is made with a tubular metal fitted in the front of the truck to protect it from collisions with animals or other objects. It can also deflect debris from the road.

Bull bars are mounted using the same holes attached to tow hooks, snow plows, and other accessories. It may also require a set of lower and upper mounting brackets during installation, especially if you will install it with grille guards or brush bars.

Grille Guards

Another type of protection accessory is the grille guard. It rests on top of the truck’s grille, spanning its width. Same as the purpose of bull bars, it is a popular mod for those who live in rural areas. They are often used when animals are more likely to cross paths with your truck.

Grille guards are built with sturdy metal frames fitted over and around the grille. They protect the front-end features of your vehicle, including the radiator and engine components. They deflect debris and lessen the impact of collisions with small animals on the road.

Are you into off-roading? Something rugged style like Aries's one-piece off-road grille guard can accentuate your vehicle. It comes in polished stainless steel and black powder-coated steel that can match the looks of your rig.

The downside of a grille guard is that it can block air through the engine compartment. Restricted airflow could lead to overheating if you're not careful. You can find some products with an angled design, so they will not hamper the airflow into the radiator. They can also add weight to your vehicle. Don’t worry because they are removable if you want to clean your pickup meticulously.

Grille inserts

Grille inserts are not as big as other types of front-end protection for your truck. They are usually installed to personalize the vehicle's looks, but they also protect the radiator from trail and road debris.

Check out the three styles of grille inserts and see what’s best for your truck:

• Overlay: This type of grille is sometimes called "bolt-overs” because you have to install it over the factory part. As the name implies, they are placed over the existing grille with hidden bolts and clamps. It’s easy to install as it retains the original grille. You don’t have to cut or drill. The downside to using this type is that you can still see the factory grille behind the new one. If you change your mind and decide to use another grille, you can quickly remove the overlays.

• Replacement: This completely replaces your factory grille, including the border shell and other components. Installation is not entirely complicated because you don’t need complex tools. All you need is to undo the bolts of the old grille to attach the replacement one.

• Insert: This type reuses the outer shell of the existing grille. You must remove the center of the OEM part to attach the replacement grille insert. Unlike the overlay, there’s a chance that you need to cut away some pieces to ensure proper fitment.

Push bars

As the name suggests, this truck accessory helps you gently push another vehicle or thing with enough pressure without damaging the paint and finish. It is designed to provide an even surface for moving vehicles or other obstacles from one place to another. The bars are coated with rubber and slightly curved. The length extends over the truck's grille.

Some people call it "center grille guard." It allows you to push another vehicle without gently causing dents and deep scratches. However, not all push bars are designed to protect the center area of the truck’s grille. You can merge the vertical ones into complete grille guard assemblies to push without trouble.

Skid plate

A skid plate is necessary if you’re a serious off-roader or an aspiring weekend adventurer in the trails. It is also a good investment for those who usually stick to dirt or gravel roads instead of off-road trails.

Even on well-traveled concrete roads, highways, and streets, you might encounter obstacles such as potholes, spilled loads, and other hazards. The front tires of your truck can come in contact with gravel and road rocks. They get thrown at the underside of your vehicle, where the fuel lines, oil pan, and other vital parts are located.

In rough terrains, large sharp rocks can damage the front-end and underside of your off-road rig. Putting a skid plate on your vehicle can mean the difference if you want to reach home in one piece or hitched in a tow truck.

Bumpers

Installing new truck bumpers can increase tire clearance, especially if you want to put larger and beefier mud tires. Many off-roaders replace the bumpers that initially came with their truck and invest in steel-made ones.

Factory bumpers won’t endure the ruggedness of the trails and are not effective in protecting the vehicle. They are made of inferior materials and may not efficiently deflect rocks and other hazards. It is better to upgrade with heavy-duty bumpers that are strong enough to handle vehicle recovery parts like winches. They are also designed to sync up with the truck’s impact sensors so that the airbags will remain active in case of an emergency.

Stock bumpers may not be inherently good to use if you’re off-roading. Upgrading your factory bumpers with aftermarket ones is an easy modification to improve your 4x4 vehicle. It can also be the first mod you can do to your rig.

Armoring the truck’s front-end

In conclusion, it is crucial to understand how these truck accessories can benefit your vehicle. They can help you decide which ones will work best for you and your driving style. You'll see a wide selection of products available in online stores like 4WheelOnline, or check the auto supply store near you.