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The holidays are approaching, carrying blankets of snow with it. While off-road trips are often taken when the skies are clear, going off the beaten path during winter is just as exciting. And even if you’re not a fan of driving off-road, you may be forced to do so when you have to visit loved ones or retreat to your cozy winter cottage.

Your vehicle may be equipped to take on the roughest roads and the toughest of winters, but you may still need to add, adjust, or maintain a few things to make your drive comfortable and safe.

Safely Suspended

One of the best things about getting a vehicle from a trusted lifted truck seller is that you’re guaranteed to have great clearance and suspension while off-roading. If you use your vehicle every day and use it to lift heavy loads, you may want to ensure that its suspension is in tip-top shape. You may not feel it now that you’re driving in the suburbs or city, but you could end up with a literally rocky experience while on the track.

Do the following inspection routine to determine if you need to send your truck to the shop:

• Visual Confirmation – Stand in front of your vehicle to see if it’s slanting left or right. If you notice that it’s tilting significantly, you may need to get it checked. 

• Pay More Attention to Your Drive – If you don’t notice any misalignment, test your suspension by paying more attention to your daily drive. Do you hear noises when you turn? When you drive slow, does it swing slightly to the left or right? 

These methods help you check your vehicle’s suspension without needing to open up the trunk. If you suspect any problems or if you just want to make sure, there’s no harm in taking it in for a regular checkup.

A Full Kit

When it comes to off-road trips, you can never have too many accessories for your vehicle. Here’s a list of essentials for your journey.

• Skid Plate – If your vehicle doesn’t have a skid plate yet, get a heavy-duty one. It protects the underside of your vehicle from damage. While your vehicle may be lifted, your tires may cause rogue rocks and snow to be thrown toward your precious truck. Upgrade your mudflaps to ensure nothing can dent or stain your truck’s underside.
• Guarding Light – A bull bar adds style and another layer of security to your truck. It absorbs shock if you ever hit something, protecting the passengers and the vehicle’s engine from harm. To avoid such situations altogether, throw in some high-performance light bars to your bull guard to help with visibility on the road.

Getting a Grip

Even if you’re using your truck on even road, its tires are bound to succumb to wear and tear. When you’re driving through snow, you’ll need all the grip you can get for a worry-free drive. Inspect every wheel’s tread to see if it’s deep enough for off-roading. Tiresafety.com suggests placing a penny in between the tread. If the president’s head is visible, it’s time for a brand-new set. Get models that are specifically for off-roading like the Goodyear Fierce Attitude or the Maxxis Creepy Crawler for maximum grip and stability.

Going on an off-road trip, especially during the winter season is a challenge for every driver. Consider these suggestions to keep you and your passengers cozy while scaling boulders and mounds of snow. With a decked out bumper and smooth suspension, you’ll end up enjoying the journey more than the destination.

Find the Right Truck for Your Trip

If you want to get into off-roading but you’re not comfortable about your current vehicle’s ability to take on rough roads, it’s time to get a lifted truck. Here at Canyon State Trucks and SUVs, we provide high-quality used trucks from top brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and Ram. Our vehicles certified by expert inspectors so you can ensure that you’re getting the best truck for the best price.

Contact us today to get your ideal off-road companion.