Lift kits are used to increase ground clearance between your vehicle and the road. Mostly used in trucks and SUVs. A lift kit provides a vehicle with better off-road performance, larger tires, or simply a rugged look (a preference of most truck or SUV drivers). Lift kits are also very high maintenance and require extra attention to ensure safety, smooth functioning, and reliability. The process of collision repair is also different in the case of lift kits.
Here are some tips for maintaining a lift and what you need to know about collision repair:
Inspection On Regular Basis:
A crucial step in any form of maintenance is regularly checking for any damage. Check every component of your lift kits for any damage or excessive wear. This involves checking the shocks, struts, brackets, etc. Also, look for the spread of corrosion in any part. It is important to check that every component of the lift kit is functioning properly and without damage to ensure structural stability and good on-road performance.
Checking For Misalignment and Stress on Suspension Components:
When using a lift kit there is potential for a vehicle’s alignment and suspension to be disturbed. Misalignment can cause your vehicle to steer to the side. This in the long run causes your tires to be uneven and wear out and your vehicle to lose stability. Additionally, always keep a check on your suspension components. Increased height of the vehicle can cause stress on the bushings and joints.
Maintaining Your Tires:
Most lift kits use oversized tires which are more attention-seeking. It is important to ensure that the tire doesn’t rub against any other part of the vehicle and damage it. Regulate tire pressure to avoid uneven running of the vehicle. Often manufacturers recommend rotating the tires to extend lifespan which is an advice that is often disregarded by the vehicle owners but is a very crucial advice to follow.
Brake System:
Because of the increased height of the vehicle, an incredible amount of stress is put on the brake system. It is recommended to upgrade to high-performance brake components specially designed for lifted vehicles. If one is unable to immediately make the upgrade, look out for a decline in braking performance, and regularly check brake pads, rotors, etc to ensure they are performing their job correctly.
What You Need To Know About Collision Repair In Lifted Vehicles:
Collision Repair looks different in the case of a lifted vehicle. The process of collision repair in lifted vehicles is very complex for several reasons. Lifted vehicles have many non-standard parts that require the attention of someone specialized in handling lifted vehicles. A case of a lifted vehicle collision would require additional consideration towards ensuring the frame and structural component alignment, the damage, and wear on the tires. Replacement parts may be custom fit and recalibration safety systems may be required. Hence, it is important to be well-informed and choose a specialist for the repair job.
