Grille Guard Buying Guide
Grille guards, sometimes called bull bars or brush guards, are used both to protect the front end of your vehicle and to provide a bit of extra style. They might not be the first upgrade you add to your truck, but they’re still highly popular, and for good reason. If you’re interested in shopping grille guards, this guide from Truck Defender Bumpers can help you find the right one for you.
Coverage
Different types of grille guards offer different levels of coverage. For example, full grille guards typically cover the vehicle’s entire front-end and consist of two vertical members bolted to the vehicle’s frame, which are attached to a set of horizontal tubes covering the grille and headlights. Center grille guards have a similar setup but don’t have a frame in front of the headlights. They offer excellent protection, and some models offer the option to mount accessories. Bull bars are another popular option. Bull bars were originally designed for off-road driving, and are meant to assist the vehicle in climbing over rocks. They resemble tubular steel hoops and are mounted below the grille so that the vehicle bounces over rocks and steep slopes when it hits them. Skid plates are a type of grille guard usually found on bull bars. They protect the vehicle’s underside from rocks when driving offroad. They’re also sometimes used on vehicles with lower ground clearance to protect the underside from scraping against the ground.
Style
Some people don’t install grille guards in order to protect the front of their vehicle, but rather to change its appearance. Full grille guards, for example, can give your truck a rugged look, while center grille guards create a more sleek appearance. Grille guards are also available in a range of different finishes, with polished stainless steel being the most expensive but also the toughest. As a bonus, it’s also highly corrosion-resistant. Chrome plated and powdercoated grille guards are also popular, so look for options that will compliment your own unique sense of style.
Additional Accessories
Grille guards can also be outfitted with a range of different add-ons and accessories. Examples include auxiliary lighting or a winch. Be warned, though, as you’ll need to be sure that whichever grille guard you end up installing is compatible with these accessories.
Shop grille guards at Truck Defender Bumpers in Vale, South Dakota. We’re proud to serve all of North America. We ship right to your door!