Skid plate

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A skid plate is a steel plate affixed to the underside of a vehicle to prevent damage to key components in the undercarriage. Skid plates are most frequently found on four-wheel drive vehicles designed for off-road use. Without protection, components such as the transfer case, oil pan and gas tank could be struck and damaged by rough terrain features on an off-road trail. Today, skid plates are often part of the off-road upgrade packages for trucks and SUV's offered by major automotive companies such as GM's Z71, Ford's FX4 or Toyota's TRD off-road package. They can also be purchased as an after-market upgrade from a variety of off-road outfitters.