5 Features Your Ford Needs for Off-Roading

Off-roading offers plenty of fun and a lot of adventure. If you’ve been thinking about getting into off-roading but you’re not sure where to start, this helpful guide will discuss some of the most important features your Ford will need to help it handle all types of off-road trails.

1. Skid Plates

Skid plates are one of the most crucial features your Ford will need to tackle off-road trails. After all, most of the dangers your off-road vehicle will face won’t come from the front, back, or sides — they’ll come from underneath. If you drive over a rock or log that’s more sharp and pointy than you expected, you could end up damaging your oil pan, transmission, or exhaust. Skid plates attach over these important components and add extra protection where you need it most.

2. All-Terrain Tires

Large tires look impressive and can more easily roll over large obstacles. However, they also make your engine work harder, and you might have to lift your suspension to accommodate them. Instead, go with all-terrain tires that can handle off-road conditions. All-terrain tires have the advantage of offering better traction and puncture-resistance, which are essential for off-roading. Plus, while they’ll still have a small impact on your vehicle’s ride quality and fuel economy, they’re not nearly as bad as large tires.

3. A Tire Deflator

Once you pick out the right type of all-terrain tires, you also want to look for a tire deflator. When you’re driving on regular roads, you’ll want to keep your tires at the pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver’s door. When you’re ready to hit the off-road trail, you should decrease your tire pressure to help maximize traction. A tire deflator can make this task much faster. Plus, don’t forget to bring along an air compressor so you can quickly and easily re-inflate your tires when you’re back on pavement.

4. Hill Descent Control

If you’re shopping for a new Ford for your off-road adventures, check out what type of safety features are offered. Hill descent control is a fantastic safety feature that will come in handy when you’re going down hills. This system can monitor the terrain you’re driving over. When it notices you’re heading down a steep hill, it can decide how much power goes to each wheel. This helps you maintain the speed you need so you can focus on safely maneuvering down the hill.

5. Tow Hooks

Getting stuck is a fact of life when you’re off-roading. That’s why you definitely want to have tow hooks on your vehicle. In addition to tow hooks, make sure you also have snatch straps and shackles in your vehicle. Having these tools handy will make it easier for you to pull another vehicle out of an obstacle or get yourself towed out of a tight jam.

If you’re ready to get into the fun of off-roading, you can make sure your Ford is ready for the adventure when you outfit it with these important features.

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