SnowRunner: Customization Guide (Tires, Suspension & Beyond)

SnowRunner is all about the trucks! The right truck for the right job could be the difference between life and death for the residents of these storm-ravaged towns. The only thing more important than finding the right set of starter trucks is finding and purchasing the upgrades that turn ordinary trucks into snow-busting beasts.

The customization store can be a bit complicated for newcomers to off-road vehicles and simulations. Even the most basic of trucks can be transformed with strategic upgrade choices. Before taking on the endless slopes of Alaska or the swamps of Taymyr, players need to understand and master this essential mechanic. Here’s everything you need to know about customization in SnowRunner.

The Customize Menu in SnowRunner

The customization menu can be found in the Garage after a vehicle is selected. Customization options can be broken up into two categories and are as follows:

Performance Upgrades

• Engine
• Gearbox
• Suspension
• Tires
• Lock

Utilities

• Winch
• Spare Wheel
• Frame Addons
• Snorkel

Performance Upgrades in SnowRunner

Performance Upgrades are options for how to make a vehicle more suited for an off-road environment. These are often harder to discern one from another than other upgrades. It is always a good idea to pay close attention to the item descriptions when choosing what upgrade to purchase.

Engine upgrades decide the amount of power each truck has. To get out of tough situations, engines need to be powerful enough to propel the truck forward along with tons of potential cargo. Every engine is named based on its real-world counterpart, so they can be confusing as to which one is the most effective. A good rule of thumb is to read the description and take a look at the Power-To-Weight rating underneath the vehicle title. This ranking will give a good idea of which engine is right for the job.

Gearbox upgrades are all about how many options the player is given when out on the road. The gearbox determines what drive setting are available, so, for the most part, more settings are always a good thing. Experiment with different choices depending on what the vehicle in question is most used for. The name of the upgrade is usually the best way to determine which one is needed. (I.E. Pick “Freeway” if this truck is mainly used for asphalt roads.)

Suspension is all about how much downward force the vehicle can withstand without damage. If a player’s trucks are often sustaining engine damage while going over large bumps, Raised suspension is probably a better option than Stock. Raised suspension can also save a truck from engine failure in deep water. Keep in mind that Raised suspension makes the car easier to roll over on steep inclines and jagged paths.

Tires are the most important part of the truck. A fully upgraded truck with terrible tires will not survive out there in the snow. With so many options, tires are usually the hardest thing to pick in the upgrade menu. Tires are separated into sections named for their use. Each tire is given a Wheel Performance rating, to help the player make an educated choice. When starting out, aim for All-Terrain or Off-Road tires. The best tires are ones that hold a “Good” or above rating on mud and/or snow. Chained tires are hard to come by but will give the widest range of versatility on the road.

Diff. lock refers to a vehicle’s ability to lock the rear tires into one constant motion. It is always a good idea to set a vehicle to Engageable as soon as possible. Players won’t always be using this function, but it is often essential for getting out of tough situations.

Utilities in SnowRunner

Utilities are tools that can be used to aid the player as they traverse the world. Each one serves a function that will prove useful in various situations. Choose these wisely. Each one has pros and cons associated with it.

The Winch is an off-roader’s best friend. This machine allows players to latch a rope around structures, trees, and other vehicles to pull themselves out of tough spots, prevent rolls, or retrieve drowned vehicles. The Extended Scout is probably the best pick for early in the game, although the Autonomous Scout is also quite useful. The Extended Scout gives you a powerful winch with a very long rope. There is nothing worse than being stuck and not having a tree within reach to latch onto. The Autonomous Scout is less powerful and breaks easier, but can be used even if the car has flipped over or run out of fuel.

The Spare Wheel is just that. Most players underestimate how important having a spare tire can be. During long trips through dangerous roads, it is easy to lose a tire and have to start the objective over, or risk being unable to finish the delivery. A Spare Wheel can be handy but do weigh down the car a bit.

A Snorkel protects the engine from water damage. Places like Taymyr are filled with swampy bodies of water. A raised suspension coupled with a good snorkel can save an objective.

Frame Addons are most important on large trucks. For Scouts, the only options are storage for repair items and extra fuel. These can be extremely helpful, but also dangerous. Some more slender scout vehicles tend to tip over with too much stacked on the roof. For large trucks, Frame Addons are different machines and beds that attach to the back of the truck. The Flat Bed is a good all-around pick for starters. The High and Low Saddle options are free, so double-check that any trailers required for an objective don’t need one or the other. There is no way to change the Saddle height outside of the garage.

SnowRunner is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.