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Keeping your 4x4 in top condition means you’re far less likely to come up against issues while you’re out on the road - or off-road.
However, anything that doesn’t involve getting to drive your vehicle can seem like a chore, and for the less experienced 4x4 owners, it might also be tricky to know what you should be checking and maintaining on a regular basis.
This month, we’re sharing our top 8 things to look out for and stay on top of on a regular basis for your off-road vehicle.
Tyres
As with any vehicle, the tyres on your 4x4 are of huge importance. Keeping them in good condition is simpler than some of the other internal workings since you can check them each time before you get in. If your tyres are worn, you need to replace them in order to provide traction for safety - if you don’t, you could land yourself in hot water.
Check the pressure regularly too, as this can improve performance and reduce wear that is appearing in the wrong places. Uneven tyre wear is another sign to look out for and can be caused by worn track rod ends or steering joints where your wheels and steering rack connect - you might also notice this if you feel some vibration in the steering wheel while driving.
Finally, think about the driving conditions as well, as some off-road terrain might require different tyres.
Load Liners
Designed to protect the rear bed of your 4x4 truck, if you have a load liner and constantly load and unload from it, you might find it has become damaged over time. While they’re built to be hardy, if you notice cracks in the plastic, you may want to have it replaced. Left unchecked, rainwater could seep through the cracks, corroding the metal underneath.
Underbody Protection
If you’re an avid off-roader, you’ll know that the underside of your 4x4 is vulnerable to damage over uneven or jagged terrain - it’s also exposed to the elements. That’s why we recommend underbody protection. These are metal plates designed for specific models, fixed to the underside of the vehicle to bear the brunt of any damage, saving you additional maintenance on the vulnerable components there.
Snorkels
Another tip for keen off-roaders is snorkels. If you plan to traverse bodies of water as part of your drive, a snorkel could prevent lasting damage to your engine. They provide a clean, clear air intake path for the engine, making them useful. Even if you aren’t intending to cross any deep water, you never know when you might be forced to do so by the conditions put in front of you.
Brakes
Everyone knows how important their brakes are, but it’s often a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’. The truth is, you should regularly inspect your brake pads to check they’re up to scratch, but usually, you’ll start to hear a grinding sound if they have worn down. This means you will need to replace your brake disc and pad. Don’t wait for an MOT failure or put safety at risk - check your brakes every few months if you use the vehicle frequently.
Exhaust
There are numerous things that can go wrong with your exhausts, but if you’re conducting regular checks then you’ll hopefully prevent any disastrous incidents while out on the road.
Any rattling or excessive vibration should be checked immediately. Can you smell exhaust fumes while you’re inside the vehicle? If so, it usually indicates that you have a broken exhaust and this should be checked out before continuing to drive.
And when we’re talking about your exhaust, we mean the whole component underneath the vehicle body, not just the exhaust tip you can see at the rear.
Clutch
Keeping your clutch in good condition has a lot to do with how you drive, but if you notice your clutch has gone spongy or creates a strange noise when you step on the pedal, then it’s worth further investigation. Likewise, if the pedal is at the top before releasing, this might also be a sign that your clutch is on its way out - this is why it’s important to pay attention to how your clutch behaves during any maintenance checks.
Noticing the signs of clutch deterioration early means you can get it serviced or replaced to avoid incidents while out on the road.
Check out the Safari Tuff clutch range that we supply if you’re in need of a new kit.
Windscreen Wipers
A clear view of the road is always important, especially when you’re off-roading and mud might be flying around. To keep your window wipers in top condition, clean them regularly and don’t leave them out in direct sunlight if you can help it. Your wiper blades are also not ice scrapers, so don’t activate your wipers until you’ve defrosted the window properly as it could damage them.
Here at Milner Off Road, we stock a wide range of parts for your 4x4 and we have done so since 1981. Browse our website today to find key components to keep your vehicle in top condition. We offer same-day shipping on all our products so that if you’ve got worn or damaged parts on your 4x4, you can replace them quickly.
If you’re not sure what part you need for your vehicle, why not call our specialist team of advisors? We’re always happy to help.