Know Everything about Bull Bars

A bull bar is a device that is attached to the front of the vehicle for added protection of vehicle and its passenger from a collision with an animal. The first name came from the need to protect against hitting a wild cattle and kangaroos in Australia. Earlier devices were installed only for defense, typically on four-wheel drive vehicles. Now they are even used as an accessory to provide an off the road look to sedans and SUVs. With the course of time, these accessories also evolved into other forms like Toyota Side Steps Hilux which are meant to protect the sides of vehicle.

There is also some controversy attached with their use and one of the main controversy is the risk it poses to pedestrians. But there are many countries like Australia that support the use of this multi-functional and highly efficient accessory. Australia has passed some laws concerning the design of bull bars or Toyota Hilux Side Steps Melbourne. There are some manufacturers who even use plastic in their products which is considered safer for pedestrians and the vehicle.

There are two main designs of bull bars- one design replaces the front bumper and considered as the heaviest and most durable style, while on the other it is mounted to the front end. Style may block lights, but light mounting can effectively fix this problem. Bull bars made up of steel are also considered as a great option because of their style, durability, performance and ability to provide high protection.    

Another style is a combination of skidplate and bull bar which is designed for off road driving and offers high protection to the front end of the vehicle than the other designs. If you want to add a bull bar to your vehicle, now you can have a wide range of styles and options.   

Difference between Nudge Bars and Bull Bars

Fitting a nudge bar or bull bar totally depends on your situation but there are many car owners who aren’t well versed with the fundamental difference between these two. If you intend to travel off-road and in areas with high livestock density, it is suggested to use a Bull bar as it offers maximum protection against minor accidents.

What is Nudge Bar?

A nudge bar is constructed in a lightweight polycarbonate or aluminium tubing and designed to provide minimal protection against front-end collisions, bumps and scratches. A nudge bar is generally fitted to small SUVs and sedans. These bars offer a platform to mount some accessories such as CB antennas and driving lights. 

Currently, nudge bars are the lightest form of front-end protection which are available in a wide range of commercial and recreational vehicles. Nudge bars are sometimes not considered as “proper” bull bars because they are not directly secured to the chassis, so there is always a need to either alter the bumper or take it off. 

Are Nudge Bars Effective?

Nudge bars are manufactured using a range of materials like steel and aluminium. They suit a wide range of vehicles from small family sedans to larger 4WD vehicles. The majority of today’s nudge bars add an extra elegance to your vehicle and are fully airbag compatible. So yes, they are effective but mainly for frontal protection but they are not as effective as bull bars.

Bull Bars

The bull bars design has evolved to work more effectively with modern todays advanced airbag systems and their function is now to deflect up and not push under the vehicle. These changes are effectively aimed at increasing the safety of the driver and the car. A Toyota Hilux Bullbar 2015 absorbs the impact while leaving you and your occupants safe.

Bull bars like Toyota Side Steps Hilux are also designed to hold various accessories including spotlights, winches and radio antennas. If you live in the countryside where the risk of hitting an animal is high than it may be worth investing in a steel bar to ensure you have the best possible protection.   

Australia’s motoring landscape is typically characterized by remote roads and large sparsely populated areas that are shared with stray livestock.  In such a case, a bull bar becomes crucial to ensure safety and security of your loved ones.