Bullbars – Determining your needs

Bullbars – To Have or Not to Have, that is the Question

Equipping your 4×4 before exploring the great outdoors is a given. Having bullbars, or nudge bars, is an additional extra that could potentially add benefits to your vehicle. Considered to be the most versatile and functional pieces of equipment for off-road adventuring, knowing more about them will be a determining factor in adding this accessory.

Enhancing the Aesthetics

Bullbars were designed and manufactured for a purpose. Originally, they were introduced to the market to provide a barrier of protection to the front of the vehicle, as well as the driver and passengers in the event of an accident. Since then, they have become the latest “fashion” accessory for all off-road vehicles and without one, you are not considered as a true off-road adventurer.

From “Beauty” to Beast

If you do most of your mileage off road, bullbars are a handy after-market addition to your vehicle. Not only do bullbars protect your engine, cooling system, electronics, and suspension but they are also used as mounting platforms for many 4×4 accessories such as driving lights, winches, and light bars. They also make excellent recovery points should you find yourself in a situation where you need to be towed to safety.

A Contentious Issue

One of the biggest pros for adding bullbars is considered as one of the cons – safety. Whilst having them fitted might save the occupants of the vehicle in the event of a collision, it could bring more harm and even death to the occupants of the vehicle that you collide with.

Fuel efficiency is decreased due to the additional weight and if your front-end suspension is not strengthened, it could be compromised. There is the possibility of having your indicators, headlights, and general vision partly obscured.

The law around bullbars is murky at best, as presently, there are no laws against having bullbars fitted to your vehicle. The only time the law comes into effect is if a person or persons are injured by one.

After weighing up the pros and cons, the decision lies with you.

It’s All in the Make-Up

When choosing bullbars, take into consideration the type of driving you will be doing, where you will be driving, as well as how much other off-road equipment you will be taking with you. You need to have one that is well designed, properly engineered, and manufactured to exacting standards whilst being compatible to your vehicle’s safety systems.

Turning your SUV or 4×4 into the complete off-road vehicle is what we, at Electronic Fitment Centre, specialise in. Having been in the industry for over 20 years, we can comfortably recommend the perfect roll bars, nudge bars, and side steps to kit out your vehicle.