Most car owners usually have car conversions and other additions to improve the functionality and aesthetics of their vehicles. The conversations mainly depend on the nature of the road the car will be driven on. They also depend on the purpose of the car as off-road vehicles won’t have the same conversions as a sedan.
One type of addition on cars is the bull bar. Bull bars are primarily used with four-wheel drives (4WD) and other off-road cars for their functionality. Several types of bull bars differ in design and material used.
Types Of Bull Bars
Bull bars can be made from either plastic, aluminum, or steel. Steel is the most common type of bull bar used on 4WD drives in rural settings. Steel is usually durable and has less maintenance cost compared to aluminum, hence, a popular choice.
Aluminum bars are also gaining popularity due to their shiny appearance and strength. They are lighter than steel bars and mainly used on fairly rough roads. Plastic bars are light and will tend to bend during collisions. They’re used in urban settings as they reduce impacts on pedestrians in case of a collision.
Other than the material used, bull bars are further divided into various designs, which include the following:
- Bumper Bar: It’s the most basic front-end protection bar as it’s fitted on the bumper of a car. It offers solid production to the car.
- Baja: Baja bars are similar to bumper powers, but have extra reinforcement as they into the chassis. This design allows them to use high-power winches and be a good option for off-road competitions.
- Competition Bar: This bar is primarily designed to offer maximum ground clearance during off-road drives. They offer substantial protection and can be removed easily when damaged.
- Single And Triple Hoop Bars: These two types are also popular choices of bull bars for 4WDs. A single hoop protects the radiator, while a triple hoop has additional bars to protect the headlights.
Benefits Of Bull Bars
Like other accessories in a car, bull bars are essential additions. For people who drive on rough terrains, your car will benefit in several ways, including the following:
1. Offer General Protection
Vehicles used on rough paths are usually prone to damages caused by sticks, rocks, logs, and other minor accidents. Having bull bars can protect your vehicles from these damages by guarding the chassis, headlights, and bumper.
2. Offer Protection From Animal Collision
There are chances that a car can hit animals, such as kangaroos, when driving off-road. These collisions can damage the front that carries essential parts of the car. Without a bull bar, you may be left with a damaged car and a possibility of being stranded.
3. Ideal For Mounting Accessories
The bull bars can act as excellent mounting rails for accessories such as antennas, lights, and flags. These bars are usually strong, thereby providing a stiffer base for these accessories to sit. When driving on rough patches, a sound bull bar will prevent the accessories from falling off even at high speed.
4. Protect The People Inside
During a coalition or an accident, a bull bar can help reduce the impact of the collision. The high energy is prevented from traveling to the entire car, hence, reducing the effect. This could have life-saving benefits to the people traveling inside the car, making bull bars essential additions.
5. Improve Aesthetics
Bull bars are mostly installed due to their functionality. However, they can also be added to improve the appeal of the car. In urban areas where damages and collisions are minor, a plastic bar can significantly improve the aesthetics of a vehicle by giving it the ‘beastly’ look. This look is also a culture for off-road competitions.
6. Improve Approach Angle
The nature of rough terrains puts your car in many possibilities of damages, no matter how careful you are. The terrain can cause scratches on the paint or damage the bumper. However, when you have bull bars, you shield your bumper and protect the paint by having a better approach angle. You’ll avoid touching the terrain, and if you do, only the bar will be scratched.
7. Offer Recovery Points
Some designs of bull bars usually have built-in recovery points, while others can be added. Some also expose the chassis, making it easy to add points. This has dramatically lessened the task of making recoveries as chassis aren’t made in simple designs any longer.
Conclusion
There are several ways a vehicle can benefit from bull bars. The additions improve the functionality and the appeal of vehicles, making them suitable for the proper purpose. Four-wheel and other four-wheel drives stand to benefit the more. If you have these kinds of cars, a bull bar addition will be something you’ll be happy about. You can enhance your trips by having more comfort and security in your vehicle, free from any worry of front damages.