How Durable Are Semi Truck Grille Guards?
A key benefit of a semi truck grille guard is the added protection it provides for your truck and for the driver, but many drivers want to know — can a grille guard take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’? When you invest in a grille guard, you want to know that it is built to last and will provide the protection that you need into the future. Potential buyers want to know — how durable are semi truck grille guards? This overview created by RIGGUARD may help answer your questions.
Key Factors of Grille Guard Durability
Grille guards are designed and built to protect the vehicle and the driver — and durability is an important aspect to consider when you purchase a semi truck grille guard. The level of durability depends on several factors — materials, design, and finish. Here is a closer look at each key factor that affects the durability of your grille guard.
Materials
High-quality steel promises to be stronger and more durable than inferior steel and low-quality materials. Popular materials used to manufacture semi-truck grille guards include powder-coated steel, aluminum, and stainless steel, that each possess a different level of durability. The durability of steel is based primarily on the gauge — or thickness — of the materials and 14-gauge steel is common. The thicker the steel, the more durable it will be. Aluminum is a strong, lightweight material that is a low maintenance alternative to steel and is just slightly less durable. Stainless steel represents peak durability with maximum strength and it is low maintenance.
Design and Construction
The design and construction of your grille guard are critical to durability. Tubular grille guard designs provide elite levels of strength and durability that will protect truck and driver in the event of a collision. Grille guards that employ a tubular design promise the protection that you need. When you shop for a grille guard, it is important to look for designs that are welded and not bolted or pieced together. Welded grille guards are stronger and provide better protection. Proper installation is an added design element that will impact durability and improper installation has a negative impact on the effectiveness of your grille guard.
Finish
It may seem like a minor factor, but the finish of your grille guard is a key factor in the durability of the product. Exposed steel will rust and compromise the strength and integrity of the grille guard — which is why finish is an important factor. Powder-coated steel is more resistant to rust and the finish will protect the raw materials from the elements.
READ MORE: What Will Semi Truck Grille Guards Protect Against?
How durable are semi truck grille guards? Take a closer look at the factors that affect grille guard durability and get answers to your questions with this overview created by RIGGUARD. Contact RIGGUARD today to learn more about our grille guards and accessories!