How To Take Care Of Your Off-Road Vehicle

Off-road trips often result in quick wear and tear of motor vehicles. Besides the fact that their vehicles do encounter dirt, dust, water and certain other unwanted particles, drivers on off-road courses often exert more driving effort than they would on normal roads.

Regardless of how rugged your vehicle is –or how sturdy its components are –you really need to cultivate the habit of caring for it regularly. General clean-up as well as caring for certain crucial parts will go a long way to prevent your off-road vehicle from quick wear/tear and even sudden mechanical failures.

If you’re not really sure about the best maintenance practice to adopt for your off-road vehicle, rest assured that this article will guide you all through.

Caring for the Engine

Particles, such as dust and mud splashes, on off-road courses can cause damage to certain parts of your vehicle’s engine. You should inspect parts such as clamps and belts regularly to ensure they are in good condition. Worn-out hoods and other parts should be replaced with new ones while loose parts should be fastened properly.

If you regularly travel across water-filled courses or got stuck in one, do well to check your engine’s fluid levels (including antifreeze and oil) to ensure they are nottainted by water. Provided you often drive along dust-covered courses, there may be need to check the air filter thoroughly to ensure it is devoid of dust particles. Also, it’s important that you inspect the radiator for signs of blockage, leakage or other defects.

Maintenance of Suspension Components

The suspension components of your vehicle need to be in good shape in order to boost the off-road performance of that vehicle. Regarding this, endeavor to check out crucial components such as bump stops, springs and control arms to ensure they are not damaged or worn-out. Also, inspect bolts, nuts and several other components thoroughly to ensure they are properly tightened. If you feel very suspicious and would like to further inspect, you can operate underneath the vehicle to make sure all parts are properly fitted and that there are no trails of friction. If you ever replace the suspension components of your off-road vehicle, you can consider going for king suspension.

Inspecting the Brakes

Your vehicle’s brake drums will require proper inspection and maintenance especially if you vehicle often gets stuck in sandy off-road tracks. Do well to check the brake drums carefully, ensuring they are free from sand heaps or mud clumps.

Taking Care of Your Vehicle’s Differential

Rather than having a dented cover which is very prone to leakage, it’s recommended that you strap your vehicle’s differential with a heavy-duty cover. Some drivers do that and as far as off-road travels are concerned, that could be all you need to prevent your vehicle’s differential from wear.

General Clean Up

This should be an essential part of any maintenance practice you’re adopting for your off-road vehicle.  Put simply, general clean-ups require washing your vehicle thoroughly and removing some engine parts (such as hose and hood) in order to wash them separately.  Cleaning off road wheels can be a difficult task and should be made a top priority after each trip. Dust, broken pieces, road garbage and certain other unwanted particles, including plants, can cling to your vehicle particularly while traveling along a bushy off-road course. By carrying out general clean-ups regularly, it will be very easy to prevent your vehicle from the damage or wear such unwanted particles may cause. More importantly, general clean-ups enable you to easily notice any defects on your vehicle while still beautifying the vehicle’s exterior.