Off-roading is an exhilarating activity, but it can be quite tough on your vehicle. Even if it’s souped-up with the best and latest upgrades, your rig will quickly wear out with constant exposure to the elements and extreme-duty driving.
Driving on the trails when your vehicle is in poor condition is not only unsafe but can also take the joy out of your adventuring. Thus, in order to enjoy more outdoor escapades, you need to take good care of your off-road vehicle.
Here are some post-trail maintenance routines you need to get in the habit of doing to keep your off-road vehicle in great shape
1. Clean It ASAP
Seeing your 4×4 splattered with mud and sand can be satisfying. After all, it means that you’ve conquered the trails successfully and in style. Don’t let the muck sit and get stuck, though, or you’ll be in big trouble!
To keep your off-roader in good condition for longer, wash your vehicle thoroughly every after an outing. Pay special attention to the undercarriage and under the hood, since these are the places that often get bombarded with mud and sand the most. Keeping the mud and sand off your vehicle will also protect its paint from nicks and scratches.
2. Check the Brakes
It doesn’t matter how powerful your 4×4 is if its brakes aren’t in good shape. Unfortunately, the brake pads, rotors, and brake lines can deteriorate easily and quickly when you often push your vehicle to its limits. What’s more, there are many things along the trails that can damage your braking system components. These include mud, sand, heat, and even water from streams or rivers.
After driving through rough terrain, make sure to inspect every part of the braking system and clean them. If anything’s broken or worn down, replace them before heading out again. Thankfully, you can easily buy brake pads in Mauritius (or your own country) through trusted online shops. It’s also a good idea to get more heavy-duty parts like Dorman products (e.g., stainless steel brake lines) so they will last longer and offer more powerful performance.
3. Look Under the Hood
After giving your vehicle a good wash, pop the hood open and perform a complete check. Watch out for any loose or damaged parts, especially the belts, clamps, and hoses. You should also look closely at the smaller components like the spark plugs. If there are any damaged or worn parts, replace them immediately. Make sure to purchase from a reliable auto parts shop for guaranteed long-lasting performance and durability.
Other important things you need to check under the hood include the fluid levels. Refill them as needed, especially the engine oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid. You should also remove any debris clinging from the radiator and then check it for any leaks. Finally, if you often drive in dusty terrains, check the air filter and clean it when applicable.
4. Inspect the Tyres
After returning from the trails, it’s important to check your tyres if they’re still properly inflated. Do another psi check on the following day, since the pressure can drop once the air cools down. Check the pressure in your spare tyre, too.
Of course, you should also check the tyres if they have any nicks or cuts. Missing lugs and loose beadlocks are also a huge problem, so make sure to replace and tighten them accordingly. Finally, your tyre carrier might also suffer from damage. Give it a quick check, especially along the weld lines.
5. Check the Suspension
Your vehicle’s suspension system is crucial not just for successfully driving over rough terrains, but also for your overall comfort. It can be difficult to enjoy off-roading if you’re bouncing over the smallest bumps or pits.
Some of the suspension components that need the most attention are the control arms, track bar, and springs. You should also check for loose nuts and bolts; tighten them to ensure your safety or replace them completely if they are worn down. Like your braking system, it’s also a good idea to replace stock suspension parts with more heavy-duty upgrades. This way, they will last longer and give you more damping power. It’s essential if you’re going off-road.
Final Checks
There are plenty of other small things you need to do before you roll out for another off-road adventure. For example, if you used your winch, you need to re-spool so it’s ready for your next outing. You should also re-grease joints and bearings, as well as the driveshaft (if it’s a grease-able model) when needed.
Last but not least, make sure to organise all your tools in your emergency toolbox and refill your first aid kit. It’s best to be prepared for any situation, and these items are must-haves so you can attend to vehicle-related issues as well as physical injuries.
When it all boils down to it, maintenance procedures for your off-road vehicle are the same as those for your daily driver. The only difference is that you might have to do it more often, since you’re also driving your 4×4 in more extreme conditions.
Hopefully, this list can help you keep your off-roader in good condition for longer.
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