Four Modifications to Improve Off Road Performance

With spring, comes the season for off-road adventures. When you really want to tear up a gravel road or a muddy field, aftermarket mods give you the best off-road performance. But which modifications give you the best experience when you want some adventure? If you really want to push your vehicle to the limits, read about these modifications and find one that's perfect for you.

1. Wheel spacing

Wheel spacers are an easy way to give your vehicle an edge in the fields. They’re easy to install and give your vehicle a subtle boost. Putting a wheel spacer in allows widens the stance of your vehicle. In addition to getting an aggressive appearance, this gives you superior handling. Wide stances allow you greater control over turning and steering. While a simple wheel spacer won’t make the biggest impact in the world, it’s a good place to start. You don’t want to invest in a more complicated mod until you know how your vehicle will handle with a simple tune up. Some vehicles don’t need more than that.

2. The right tires

You need the right tires when you’re taking your vehicle off the beaten path. While larger tires are often better, you’re going to need to make a lot of other modifications to your vehicle to be able to sport the largest set. Unless you want to invest in a lift kit (and much more), consider only sizing up a size or two. Instead, look for the best tires with the tread that you want. The better a vehicle handles on the street, the less its tires are suited for mudding. Choosing the right tire is a matter of considering the trade-offs. If you have to commute in the same car you off road in, you can’t go all the way to off road gear. You can, however, get good off-road performance and good city driving—just not at the same time.

3. Brake choice

If you’re going to take your vehicle out into the wild, you have to focus on your brakes. This is especially true if you’re using wheel spacers and/or larger tires. Anything that changes the way your tires fit can affect your brakes. The most common issue with modified tires is a shorter lifespan for your brakes. If you’re riding them hard off road, you need to inspect them more regularly than you otherwise would. You can also consider building in larger, sturdier brakes, especially if you’re running through factory-issue builds too quickly.

4. Strong lug nuts

Sometimes the biggest choices you make are also the smallest. None of these mods would be possible without strong lug nuts. The right lug nut can hold your tire firmly in place even when you’re using a wheel spacer. It can hold a wheel adapter in place so you can run the tires you want on your rig. If your lug nuts are weak, your mods become a threat to your off road performance and your safety. Make sure you invest in the best lug nuts.

These four modifications will improve your off road performance. The right lug nuts will keep everything stable so your parts perform to the best of their abilities. Good brakes will keep you safe and give you more control. Wheel spacers and tire modifications give you that extra edge that keeps you competitive.