
Land Rover Discovery 4×4 Accessories Guide
Having proven its worth in the world’s most gruelling off-roading race, the notorious Paris-Dakar Rally, Land Rover chose to extend its model lineup beyond the Range Rover to include the Defender, and later on, the Discovery. These three models have remained the staple of the Land Rover brand for over three decades, with dozens of variants and thousands of cars finding their way into the garages of serious off-roaders. The Discovery is now in its fifth generation, and the first-ever model hitting Aussie markets in late 1989. Since then, a lot has changed. Though first deemed as a pared-down and smaller Range Rover, the Discovery has found its own identity, grown inside and out, and presents itself as a worthy mix of off-roading capability and unmatched on-road manners.
Most models on the used market are the third and fourth-gen cars, sold with solid 6-cylinder diesel and petrol engines. These cars still demand a high asking price. Alternately, you can get the smaller Discovery Sport, albeit with smaller turbocharged four pots. Owners have heavily modified their cars with a wide range of Land Rover Discovery 4×4 accessories. You can still get OEM parts or accessories directly from Land Rover Australia, or save some cash and opt for aftermarket parts. Either way, add-ons will benefit Discovery’s already robust towing ability, generous space, and off-roading credentials.
Off-Roading Accessories
The Discovery is reliable off-road even in stock guise. Independent and self-levelling suspension, centre diff lock, high and low gearing, and enough grunt to get you out of any rut. If you’re tackling more difficult terrain a few accessories can make things even easier. Improved air intakes and snorkels provide the car with larger amounts of cool clean air, while also protecting the engine from pollutants and water. Snorkels are popular choices for eliminating liquids, dust and debris when in the bush, with Safari-spec models the go-to choice for many Aussie buyers. Bonnet scoops also have a similar purpose. This brings cooler air in at a height, so things like river crossings or wheel-deep mud won’t affect the engine’s performance.
Towing Accessories
The big engines in the Discovery have all the torque you want to tow almost anything. While most cars will have factory-fitted tow bars at the rear, a pair of larger, electrically operated towing mirrors help out when towing caravans, trailers and boats. They extend outwards for a better view out back, eliminating blind spots. Aftermarket towing mirrors are much larger, but fit within the mirror recess in the door. Installation is straightforward and quick. When not in use, like in parking lots, they easily fold back towards the car.
Storage
You can’t attempt to go for a longer trip off-road without a fully-appointed roof rack. Aftermarket roof racks are available for older and newer models of the Discovery. To fit all your gear, or use a rooftop tent, go for a full-length platform rack or tent rack with additional rails at the front. If you need extra room for fiddly things, then a cage basket might be a better choice. Aftermarket racks are quality offerings, made of powder-coated stainless steel, and feature multiple cross-member bars for added support and weight distribution. These Land Rover Discovery 4×4 accessories not only give you more space, but are safer for transporting bigger items, like kayaks, skis, bikes and anything with some bulk. If your Land Rover has gutter rails, then racks are installed using universal gutter brackets.
To keep up the luxury inside intact, get quality yet affordable internal storage items. Things like cargo nets, boot liners, seat pockets and simple storage boxes can help in making better use of the available space and also make all your stuff accessible and organised.
Protection
Land Rovers are an investment. Protecting your 4WD makes sense, and you don’t need to splurge on genuine Land Rover parts to do so. Aftermarket bull bars are affordable choices when you need some front-end protection. They also allow you to use winches if you’re going through tough terrain. You can leave it here, or complete the rugged look with other Land Rover Discovery 4×4 accessories. Brush bars are a natural extension to front bull bars, and keep your car safe from side impact. They brush off branches and rocks and keep the sides panels free from dents or scratches. You can connect these to side steps for the best side protection. These are useful both off-road or in any mishaps in parking lots and garages. Alternately to protect the underbody, exhaust and transmission, get a custom-installed rock slider and fit front and rear bash plates. Rock sliders should carry the weight of a fully-laden Discovery when going over boulders, stumps, or larger objects. Bash plates prevent damage to engine and exhaust components. To complete the rugged look, you can also install a rear bar.
If you want exterior or interior styling additions, better buy OEM Land Rover parts. Cheap knock offs just spoil the luxury. As for all the items listed here, you can save money and get them aftermarket. They’re compatible with all variants of the Discovery, including the Discovery 5 models. Some are also Australian made, so you know you’re getting a good product
