4WD Modifications Every Beginner Should Consider

New to 4WD? The First 5 Modifications Every Beginner Should Consider

Buying your first four-wheel drive is exciting - but once you start hearing about accessories and upgrades, it can also feel overwhelming.

One of the most common questions we hear at Motorama is:

"I've just bought a 4WD, what should I upgrade first?"

If you're new to four-wheel driving, the good news is you don't need to modify everything at once.

You also don't need an extreme setup to get started.

Based on years of hands-on experience helping customers through Motorama 4x4xMORE, here are the first five modifications we recommend for new 4WD owners.

Recovery Gear

Planning for when you get stuck (because it happens)

Getting stuck is part of four-wheel driving - especially when you're still learning.

Recovery gear is about having the right equipment to safely get your vehicle moving again if you bog down in sand, mud, or uneven terrain.

For beginners, we recommend starting with:

A snatch strap (used to help another vehicle pull you out)
Recovery tracks (placed under the tyres to create grip)
Proper recovery points designed specifically for off-road vehicle recovery

Many vehicles come with standard towing points intended for roadside towing, and are not designed to handle the forces involved in vehicle recovery.

Upgrading to recovery points built for off-road use ensures your recovery gear is attached to something strong, tested, and fit for purpose.

Communication

Staying in touch when there's no phone signal

Once you leave built-up areas, mobile phone coverage can disappear quickly. This is why experienced four-wheel drivers rely on UHF radios.

A UHF radio allows you to:

Communicate with other vehicles in your group
Warn oncoming traffic on narrow tracks
Ask for help if you run into trouble

At Motorama, we recommend GME UHF radios because they are reliable, easy to use, and designed for Australian conditions.

If you're just starting out, a handheld UHF radio is a great option. These are:

Portable and easy to use
Waterproof
Powerful enough for short to medium distances

Many drivers later upgrade to a fixed in-vehicle UHF system, but handheld radios remain useful for guiding others or checking obstacles outside the vehicle.

Tyres

The upgrade that makes the biggest difference

Tyres are one of the most important upgrades you can make to a four-wheel drive.

Most new 4WDs are fitted with tyres designed mainly for sealed roads. While they work well around town, they can struggle on dirt, gravel, sand, and mud.

A popular and beginner-friendly upgrade is All-Terrain tyres, often referred to as A/T tyres.These tyres are designed to:

Provide better grip off-road
Handle loose and uneven surfaces
Still remain comfortable and quiet on sealed roads

For new four-wheel drive owners, all-terrain tyres offer the best balance between everyday driving and weekend off-road use.

Underbody Protection

Protecting what you can't see

Underneath your four-wheel drive are important components such as the engine, gearbox, and fuel system.

Most vehicles include basic protective plates underneath, designed for light off-road use. These are usually fine for dirt roads but may not hold up on rougher tracks.

Upgrading to heavy-duty underbody protection, often called bash plates, helps:

Protect vital components from damage
Reduce the risk of costly repairs
Build confidence when driving over uneven terrain

For beginners, underbody protection is about preventing damage, not pushing the vehicle to its limits.

Suspension

Setting your 4WD up for how you use it

The suspension system supports your vehicle's weight and controls how it handles bumps, hills, and uneven ground.Standard suspension is designed for general driving. However, once you:

Add accessories
Carry camping or touring gear
Spend more time off-road

...it can struggle to perform at its best.

Suspension upgrades usually involve improved springs and shock absorbers, selected based on how you plan to use your vehicle.

At Motorama, our team can help match suspension setups to real-world use, whether that's touring, towing, or weekend track driving. The right suspension improves comfort, control, and safety both on-road and off-road.

Three Simple Questions Every New 4WD Owner Should Ask

Before upgrading anything, ask yourself:

How will I recover my vehicle if I get stuck?
How will I communicate if there's no mobile reception?
Will my vehicle be comfortable and safe for how I plan to use it?

Answering these questions helps ensure you make smart, practical upgrade decisions from the start.

Get Trusted Advice from Motorama

Every four-wheel drive (and every driver) is different. Not every modification is necessary straight away, and knowing where to start can make all the difference, especially when you're new to off-road driving.

The team at Motorama works with four-wheel drives every day and is here to help you understand your options, avoid unnecessary upgrades, and build a setup that suits how you actually plan to use your vehicle - both on and off the road.

If you're new to 4WD or thinking about getting into your first four-wheel drive, Motorama is the right place to start.

When you buy your 4WD from Motorama, you gain exclusive access to the Motorama 4x4xMORE, which includes guided tag-along tours, practical off-road learning experiences, and a supportive community designed to help you build confidence and enjoy your vehicle to the fullest.