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Getting out and about in your 4x4 - whether you seek the adventure of off-roading or just need to get the shopping done - is part of the joy of owning a 4x4. That’s why routine checks and maintenance on your vehicle are so important, preventing the need for costly repairs and replacement parts down the line.
Safety is obviously key, and with off-roading there is more wear and tear on the vehicle, as well as an array of different challenges you put the 4x4 through which you wouldn’t with an ordinary car. With this in mind, this month we’ve got five essential checks for your 4x4 which you should perform on a regular basis to keep important components in check, ultimately helping you to enjoy your drive without worrying about damage.
Transmission Fluid
Because you’re likely to change gears more often and more rapidly in your 4WD, it’s important that you keep your transmission fluid healthy. This means regular replacement of transmission fluid, making sure it’s topped up to help provide better lubrication. Overheating of transmission fluid means it will become less effective, leading to wear on core components - something you definitely want to avoid.
Rust Prevention
You’ve no doubt got your 4x4 so that it stands up to the elements and can plough through standing water on off-roading trips, but this can often lead to rust on your bodywork and the underside of the vehicle. Not only does this impact the way your 4x4 looks, but it could impact other components essential to your vehicle. Find a good oil-type treatment for your 4x4 and apply it roughly two times each year to the bodywork to keep the rust at bay. You can check for corrosion on the vehicle underside and under the bonnet if you know you’ve been hitting water-heavy trails.
Differentials
Your differentials need to also have the correct levels of fluid to ensure they’re well lubricated. This goes for both the front and rear differentials as it will ensure you get the most from your 4WD without having to replace parts due to wear and tear over time - an expenditure no one needs right now.
Tyre Maintenance
An obvious point for maintenance is with your tyres, since they will see plenty of action when you’re out and about hitting different off-road trails. Mud, stones, nails and more can get stuck in your tyre tread, so be sure to check them over regularly and clean them out. Even if something looks like it would puncture the tyre by taking it out, it’s better to clear it or you might find a blowout occurs when you’re next putting the tyre under stress. On top of this, you should check your wheel nuts are tightened on all your wheels, otherwise you might do more damage to the vehicle if the wheel isn’t fixed in place properly.
Brake Servicing
Finally, checking your brakes on any vehicle should be pretty standard, but that goes doubly for 4x4s since you’ll need to rely on them so much more while off-roading. Most trails will put you through your paces with slippy conditions and you’ll want full control when driving over any tricky surfaces. You should always replace worn brake pads, check your brake fluid levels, looking out for oxidation and water levels which compromise the ability for the fluid to do its job.
If you’re looking to keep your 4x4 in top condition and need the parts, tools and tyres to do it, look no further than Milner Off Road. We’re specialists when it comes to all things 4x4 and our expert team will be happy to help you find what you’re after if you can’t see it on our store - simply contact us today if you require assistance and advice.