Skid plate

Not to be confused with Skid block.

Retrofitted skid plate on a Saab 96.

Cosmetic (fake) skid plate

A skid plate is an abrasion-resistant shield affixed to the underside of a vehicle or boat ^[1] to prevent damage to the underside when contact is made with the ground. It is usually made from plastic or metal (usually aluminum or steel).

Skid plates may be used on off-road vehicles, motorcycles and lowered vehicles to prevent damage to components in the vehicle underbody. Fake skid plates are also added to vehicles for an off-road look. ^[2]

Advantages and of skid plates

• Additional protection to specific components, such as engine and gearbox in a car, or frame, motor and linkage on an off-road motorcycle. ^[3]
• Increased resistance against any impact or debris found on the road.

Factors in the design of skid plates

• Weight: heavier skid plates will offer more protection, at the expense of fuel economy, suspension wear, and increased difficulty in recovery and installation. Generally, steel skid plates will weigh twice as much as aluminum skid plates, which in turn weigh twice as much as plastic skid plates.
• Coverage areas: depending on the design of the vehicle, some parts of the underbody may be more vulnerable than others to damage. Some important components to protect include the oil sump, transfer case, differentials and exhaust.
• Ease of installation: some skid plates bolt on to existing parts of the vehicle's frame, while others require modifications to the frame e.g. grinding, welding, or drilling.
• Ease of maintenance: some skid plates come with openings or access doors to enable routine oil and fluid changes, while others require removal and reinstallation to perform maintenance. Skid plates from materials that corrode (e.g. steel) may require touch ups and maintenance.

See also

• Rock sliders
• Metal bumpers

References

1. "Skid plates". Northwest Canoe. Archived from the original on 2015-05-07. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
2. "Fiat Panda 4x4". Motor Trend. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
3. "Skid plates for off-road motorcycles". Dirtbike Sam. Retrieved 8 May 2020.