Devon 4×4 has just released a range of underbody protection for the Land Rover Discovery 4, bringing a welcome boost to the vehicle’s mud-plugging credentials.

The new gear includes a pair of front wishbone protectors that reinforce the front suspension, as well as improving the vehicle’s ability to slide over obstacles.

If these aren’t quite hardcore enough for you, take a look at the front steering and sump guard. This lump of metal provides solid protection from damage, and is made out of 8mm 5083 grade aluminium.

Other products available in the D44 range include a discreet winch mount for use on the Discovery 3, an auxiliary switch panel and an aluminium end cap to replace the fragile plastic part on the Warn 8274 winch.

Check out www.devon4x4.com for more details.

Upcountry Auto Products has just launched this hardcover for the Mitsubishi L200 long-bed. It retains the distinctive silhouette of the pick-up, while providing lockable storage and colour-coding to match the paintwork. The product is designed for the 2010 model year of Mitsubishi’s popular truck. Price is £1099 excluding VAT.

Visit www.upcountry4x4.co.uk for more details.

OIL ADDITIVE #1

Frost’s new anti-wear oil additive uses ZDDP – a compound that was commonplace when many classic cars were built. It is designed for use in elderly vehicles (Series Land Rovers are a good example), for which modern oils, which do not use ZDDP, are unsuitable.

The Frost ZDDP Anti Wear Oil Additive will help protect your classic 4×4’s gears, cam and followers, and costs £9.50 a bottle.

Visit www.frost.co.uk to order.

The Skoda Yeti isn’t everyone’s idea of a hardcore off-roader. Owners of the vehicle can now give it a slightly tougher appearance, however, thanks to ANTEC’s stainless steel styling parts.

The product line-up includes front protector bars, which are made out of polished stainless steel and are EU-PEDESTRIAN approved. According to ANTEC, vehicles fitted with its kit are safer than those without it. So not only does the gear improve the Yeti’s looks; it also makes it better in a crash.

Log onto www.upcountry4x4.co.uk for more information.

These glowplug reamers are available from Sykes Picavant. They enable home mechanics to clean, and re-cut if need be, their diesel vehicle’s glowplugs, thereby improving engine starting and efficiency.

Available in a range of sizes, the glowplug reamers come with full instructions and their own plastic storage cases. More than that, they open up a whole world of cost-effective DIY vehicle maintenance.

Visit www.sykes-picavant.com for more info.

Wolfrace has recenty released these alloy wheels for use on luxury SUVs. The premium range of Wolf RR and Wolf Design rims are available in a wide variety of sizes, and the Wolf Design rims can be drilled to fit almost any vehicle. Wolf RR wheels are designed for use on vehicles with a five-stud fitment, including the new Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X6.

Call 0845 330 9896 or visit www.wolfrace.com to find your nearest dealer.

GAP Security has just become the sole UK distributor of TOADTRAK GPS vehicle tracking devices. The TOADTRAK is Thatcham approved, and recognised by every UK insurance company.

Coming with a range of features, including internet tracking and a distress-call function, the TOADTRAK brings valuable piece of mind – especially to owners of luxury and premium vehicles.

Contact GAP Security on 0800 783 2165, or log onto www.gapsecurity.co.uk for more details about the range.

Live the home mechanic dream with this AC and DC TIG welder from Frost. The 176i is a professional welding machine suitable for use on a variety of materials, including aluminium and alloys, mild steel, stainless steel, copper and brass. It is straightforward to operate, but has all the functions necessary to produce aerospace-quality work.

The 176i can be used on a 230v, 13A plug supply and is cheap to run. It is very portable and well-suited to use on automotive projects.

The welder costs £849 including VAT, and a visit to www.frost.co.uk will provide more details.

Suffolk-based BMW specialist Motormec has launched these privacy shades just in time for summer. The shades are available for BMW’s range of SUVs and come with their own storage bag.

Because they are made to measure, the shades perform a highly effective job of keeping the sun at bay – and they also maximise privacy for rear passengers. They are easy to install and allow for the windows to be opened even when they are in place.

Call Motormec UK on 01502 500 590, or visit the website www.motormec.co.uk to order your set.

When it comes to protecting your 4×4’s exterior, the list of suitable products is endless. In this month’s Pricewatch we consider every place on the off-roading spectrum – from the hardcore mud-plugger to the tarmac-bound SUV driver. So whatever your off-road tastes, there’ll be something here to suit.

FOCUS ON… FROGS ISLAND 4X4 BUMPERS & ROCK SLIDERS

Frogs Island is currently offering a special deal that means owners of 80-Series Toyota Land Cruisers can more or less sort their exterior protection for just £1200 plus VAT.

The kit comprises heavy-duty front and rear bumpers as well as a pair of rock sliders. The front bumper features built-in Hi-Lift jack points and integrated recovery points. The bumper can house a variety of winches, including the Warn Dual Force HP or HD, as well as a number of Superwinch products. Lovers of the doughty Warn 8274 will be pleased to hear that a similar bumper is also available to work in conjunction with this unit.

Like the front bumper, the rear bumper is thermal zinc-coated and then powder-coated for a long-lasting finish. It is designed to be used with the vehicle’s existing mudflaps and uses two additional mounting brackets for enhanced strength. The bumper has pre-drilled holes to accommodate the Land Cruiser’s original recovery points and it also incorporates Hi-Lift jacking points.