Chips Happen! How to Clean & Care for Your LFD Off Road Products

Chips Happen! How to Clean & Care for Your LFD Off Road Products

A practical guide to keeping your racks, bumpers, skids, and armor looking good and performing as designed.

Quality off-road gear is built to be used – and LFD Off Road products are no exception. Roof racks, crossbars, bumpers, skid plates, rock sliders, and steps all live a hard life exposed to dirt, road grime, salt, sun, and trail abuse. With a little routine care and occasional maintenance, you can keep your LFD gear functioning properly and looking great for years.

Below is our recommended approach to cleaning, inspecting, and maintaining your LFD products.

 

 

Cleaning Your LFD Off Road Gear

Use Simple, Safe Cleaning Methods

For regular cleaning, you don’t need anything fancy:

  • Car wash soap + sponge or soft cloth

    • This is the best option for routine washes on racks, crossbars, bumpers, skids, steps, and armor.

  • Simple Green

    • Works well as a spray cleaner for tougher grime – just avoid getting it on raw aluminum surfaces.

  • Rinse thoroughly

    • Especially after trail runs, winter driving, or salty conditions.

What to Avoid

Some cleaners can damage finishes or materials:

  • ❌ Bleach or bleach-based cleaners (never use these)

  • ❌ Harsh degreasers or abrasive pads

  • ❌ Pressure washer tips too close to powder-coated surfaces

Gentle, consistent cleaning is far better than aggressive scrubbing.

 

 

Expect (and Manage) Normal Wear & Tear

LFD Off Road products are utilitarian by design. Components like skid plates, rock sliders, bumpers, and roof racks are meant to take hits, collect dirt, and show signs of use. Scratches and chips are normal—but they should still be addressed.

Touching Up Powder Coat Chips

Chips in powder coat finishes – especially on mild steel products – should be repaired immediately to prevent rust.

Recommended solutions:

  • Small chips: Use a standard black paint pen

    • Restores appearance

    • Seals exposed metal from moisture

  • Larger areas or scuffs: Krylon Satin Black spray paint

    • Matches LFD finishes well

    • Easy to apply

Important: Always wash and dry the area thoroughly before applying touch-up paint.

Aluminum and stainless steel components are less prone to rust, but touch-ups are still a good idea for appearance and longevity.

A black roof rack crossbar installed on top of a vehicle, designed for use with factory side rails.

Skid Plate-Specific Maintenance Tips

Skid plates live on the front lines – they’re supposed to get scratched and dirty. Whenever you remove them (for oil changes or inspections), take advantage of the opportunity to give them some attention.

While Skid Plates Are Off:

  • Clean them thoroughly

  • Inspect for dents or bends

  • Check mounting points and hardware

Addressing Bends:

  • Steel skid plates: Minor bends can usually be corrected with a mallet.

  • Aluminum skid plates: ❌ Do not repeatedly bend aluminum – multiple stress cycles can lead to cracking or failure.

If a skid plate appears compromised or doesn’t sit correctly after reinstallation, it’s best to address it before heading back off-road.

Check Hardware & Fasteners Regularly

A simple but often overlooked step: inspect your hardware.

  • Periodically check that all bolts and fasteners are tight

  • Pay special attention after off-road trips or long highway drives

  • Loose hardware can cause:

    • Noise and vibration

    • Fitment issues

    • Premature wear or product failure

A quick inspection goes a long way toward safety and durability.

Final Thoughts: Built to Be Used, Easy to Maintain

LFD Off Road products are designed for real-world use – mud, rocks, weather, and miles. Regular cleaning, basic inspections, and quick touch-ups will keep them protecting your vehicle and looking sharp without much effort.

If you ever have questions about care, fitment, or maintenance, the LFD Off Road team is always a great resource.

Use your gear. Maintain it well. And keep exploring.