Three Exterior Features Of An Off Road-Capable Station Wagon

When you think of a station wagon, you might picture a large vehicle that offers plenty of room for carrying people or equipment on road trips or around your community. What you might not realize, however, is that some models of station wagons can be suitable for taking off-road. While trucks and SUVs are synonymous with off-road travel, an off-road-capable station wagon can be a good choice for a family that frequently goes camping or that enjoys other outdoor activities. If you're shopping for an off-road-capable station wagon at a local auto dealer, you'll often notice the following exterior features.

More Ground Clearance

One of the things that make trucks and SUVs suitable for off-road travel is their high ground clearance. When a vehicle's body is high off the ground, it can safely avoid rocks, tree roots, and other objects that could cause damage. While conventional station wagons often sit close to the ground, those that are capable of off-road travel have more ground clearance. This means that you can take your station wagon on dirt roads or even trails with minimal risk of something making contact with the underbody.

Underbody Skid Plates

While the vehicle's extra ground clearance will give you confidence when you drive, unpredictable terrain may still be a concern at times. One feature that will increase your confidence about navigating rough trails is the presence of underbody skid plates. These durable plates cover various components on the underside of the vehicle. This means that if you drive over an elevated rock or something else that is hard, the skid plate will protect the underside of the car when it makes contact with the rock.

Wide Fenders

Standard on-road vehicles generally have small fenders, as this design will help to give the vehicle a sleek appearance. When you look at off-road-capable station wagons, one design difference that you'll notice is the presence of wide fenders. Visually, the wider fenders help to give the station wagon more of a rugged appearance. Functionally, the fenders are ideal for keeping mud from splattering on the sides of the vehicle. When you hit a muddy area or a dirty puddle during a weekend off-road adventure, the fenders can help to contain the mud and water. This means you may not need to visit a car wash before you use the vehicle for your weekday commute. Contact a dealership, such as an Audi dealership, for more information.