Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Nudge Bar for Your Vehicle

You don't have to be an off-road fanatic or contractor to have a nudge bar installed on your vehicle. Collision with other vehicles, trees, objects, or even a stray animal can cause significant damage to the front of your car. It is for this reason that you should invest in a nudge bar to shield the vital components of the vehicle such as the bumper, grille, and headlights. In addition to acting as a protective add-on, the bar also improves the car's aesthetics and gives it a stylish and sturdier look. Nudge bars come in different configurations and styles; therefore, you should consider these features before purchasing one so as to get the most value out of it.

Steel or alloy steel material

The most common materials used in the manufacture of nudge bars are pure steel and steel alloys. The two have various differences that you should consider in determining the best one for your car.

• Pure steel: Pure steel is durable and able to resist stronger impacts compared to steel alloy. However, steel metal is heavy and it can weigh down your vehicle's suppression system. It is suitable for heavy trucks and four wheel drive vehicles which can withstand the extra weight.
• Steel alloy: Nudge bars made from steel alloys are lighter and suited for front-wheel-drive vehicles. However, they are not as strong as steel and may not be able to withstand as much impact from a collision.

Full or center guard bars

The nature of the terrain you subject your vehicle to should determine the ideal type of guard bars, that is full or center bars. Full guard bars wrap around the entire front of the truck and protect the components when driving around small trees, shrubs, and other tough vegetation. They offer protection to both front sides and center of the vehicle. Center guard bars consist of one bar which curves from one end to the other. They are suitable for terrains that consist of grass and soft vegetation. Unlike full guard bars, they cannot adequately protect your car if you hit small trees, shrubs, and drive into the bushes.

Nudge bar lights and winches

Purchasing extra lights for your nudge bars can be useful if you drive through areas with no streetlights during the night. The extra lights can illuminate your way to prevent collision with trees and objects. Also, you should consider installing winches. They will protect your nudge bars from damage in case your car is towed after an accident or roadside emergency.

Always ensure that the nudge bars you buy are compatible with your air bags. Incompatible ones can interfere with the timing of your air bags during a high-speed collision. Consider these factors when visiting your dealer to ensure you get the most protection out of the nudge bars.