Tweak Your Mitsubishi Pajero Before Heading off Road
If you have an off-roader like Mitsubishi Pajero, you’re probably hesitating whether you should go with an original equipment manufacturer or with aftermarket parts. While some parts are universal and can serve you well regardless of their tag, getting an original part is usually the best option to avoid installation nightmares. You got to weigh the pros and cons to make the best decision before reaching for your wallet.
Roof Rack and Awning
They are one of the universal aftermarket parts which are very versatile. These high-quality Mitsubishi Pajero accessories are most popular among owners preparing for camping or a prolonged stay in the outback. To install them the vehicle has to have rain gutter channels. Nissan Patrol, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Hiace as well as Jeep Cherokee can fit the same roof racks.
We are talking about a full-length cage rack made from aluminium and a 2.5m x 2.5m awning that opens to the side. The main advantage of getting these two pieces in a set as opposed to buying them one by one is their lower price. And they are robust too. Full-sized Mitsubishi Pajero roof rails include 8 mount brackets with 10 internal cross-member bars.
Off-road use of these accessories puts more stress so do make sure they are built to last. Opting for a stainless steel heavy-duty frame is the best way to go, even though you won’t make a mistake if you opt for aluminium or sturdy alloys. Make sure you double-check the properties of the mesh cage (if there is one) because sometimes they are not to be used for heavy loads.
As far as the awning is concerned – it is your ultimate off-road shade for the next adventure. And beyond that too, they are produced to high standards to ensure many years of reliable service. The cover itself has to be able to stop the Australian sun, so go for ripstop canvas. There are retractable and non-retractable awnings in the market. They both can be installed alongside roof bars, however, the non-retractable variety has a longer service life.
Soundproofing and Insulation
Just because you are off the beaten path, that doesn’t mean you should forget about comfort, especially in the passenger cabin. You are going to spend hours upon hours driving so all Mitsubishi Pajero accessories that you manage to squeeze in will alleviate your hardships.
For starters, we have an exceptionally harsh sun regardless of the season. Apart from the harmful rays beaming at you (unless you have car window shades, protective clothing, sunscreen, and glasses), you will also face unbearable heat. The roof of your Pajero accumulates heat from exposure and you are bound to feel it.
Investing in an aftermarket car insulation set can greatly reduce the heat and improve your driving experience. It’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to soundproof and thermally insulate your cabin. These kits usually come with self-adhesive tape (500mm x 500mm or bigger) included in the sheets. So, to install them you just peel off the outer layer and you can start applying it. It’s prudent to mark out all of the shapes beforehand and strip everything that can be removed. A simple roller can help fine-tune the installation.
In terms of protection, you get the best. Usually, these sheets are made from synthetic materials (like rubber, vinyl, or reinforced with aluminium top layer) which is far superior to organic insulation which can and, if given enough time, will rot. You would have to place the mat on the chassis to get optimal protection. Going for a partial solution in the form of a heat shield applied to a particular area will offer some protection but the heat will still permeate. It’s multi-directional and your long-haul driving will only make it worse. You got to be committed to car insulation, otherwise, it won’t work.
Cold Air Intake
Air filters are becoming slicker and slicker. And even though many drivers forget to address the air intake, tweaking your Mitsubishi Pajero in this regard will bring about better performance. You see, the air that enters the combustion chamber of your engine affects the way fuel burns. Cold air is denser and contributes to a better fuel economy. It’s done in several ways, most of which are designed to shorten the air intake route or provide a more direct route.
The amount of air that enters the internal combustion engine is the same, but the quality of the air is different. This is the cleaner and less demanding version of a forced induction vent. Going for an aftermarket cold air intake will increase horsepower relative to the original intake. You will also be able to hear the difference in the purr of the engine as soon as you install this part.