Off-road vehicle service life techniques can extend the duration of your auto. Use the following information to ensure maximum operation.
Off-road vehicle service, when scheduled regularly, extends a vehicle’s life.Review the Vehicle’s Undercarriage before the Off-road Vehicle Service Check
You should know your off-road vehicle inside and out. Before you venture out, take a good look at the underside of your vehicle. You should be able to locate specific parts, including the following:
- Fuel tank
- Differentials
- Gearbox
- Engine sump
If you know where these parts are located, you will be less likely to damage them while driving. You also need to review your on-board technology. Totally read your manual before you go off-road. When riding the trails, road-test the surfaces. Also, check what is on the other side of an incline when driving uphill.
Wash and Vacuum the Vehicle
After off-roading, you need to make sure you maintenance and inspect your vehicle. First wash and vacuum your off-roader, especially beneath the carriage. Hose the engine as well. After all, when you inspect the engine, you want to easily see the parts.
Check the Tire Pressure
After you clean the vehicle, measure the tire pressure. Check the pressure the following day as well. The spare tire’s pressure should be measured too. Assess the tires for missing lugs or cuts. Also, check for stress along the weld lines of the spare tire carrier.
Examine the Differential and Transmission
Once you have checked the tires, inspect the differential and transmission. Look for any leaks or damage. While many off-roaders cover the differentials with covers, the covers, if dented, can still leak. If you have driven in water that was deep, inspect the liquid and check its color. If the water is milky-white, you need to change the fluid. The milky-white hue means the water is contaminated.
Review the Shocks
Look for any leaks or dents on the shocks, including the mounts and bushings. After reviewing the shocks, inspect the brake drums for sand or mud. If you have been driving through mud, water, or sand, this check is a necessity.
Take a Look of the Brake Linings
Inspect your brake linings too. If the lines are too short, you can lose braking power.
Inspect the Axles and Wheels
Because bigger tires can be hard on an axle, you need to check the part’s components. Components include knuckles, stub shafts, and ball joints. Look for such signs as bends or cracking. Jack up the vehicle and check for any looseness on the wheels.
Review the Suspension System
The suspension system needs to be in good shape to make the most of an off-road experience. Off-road vehicle service frequently centers on this activity. Review such components as the control arms, bump stops, springs, or track bar. Check for damage or wear. Look underneath the vehicle, checking for added wear or looseness. Inspect the steering box as well as the sector shaft to make sure both are intact.
Grease the Joints
Should any bearings or joints need lubrication, get out the grease gun. Include the driveshafts or u-joints if they can be lubricated. If you are not sure which parts to grease, look for the grease zerk fitting. The fitting points to the parts that need to be greased.
Make a Check of the Vehicle’s Frame
Look at the frame for any cracks, particularly along the weld lines.
Inspect the Vehicle’s Engine
Off-road vehicle service also focuses on the condition of the engine. When a vehicle is run hard, parts tend to wear down faster. So, you need to review what is under the hood. Check all the clamps, belts, and hoses and look for leaks. Look for what is loose and worn and make the needed replacements.
Assess the Fluid Levels
You also want to review the fluid levels, including the power steering, transmission, antifreeze, and oil. Inspect the fluids for water contamination, and refill or replace the fluids as required.
Take a Look at the Radiator
You also want to inspect the radiator for damage, mud clogs, or leakage. Check the air filter as well. If you have been hitting dusty and dirt roads, remove the filter and clean it.
Image Credit: Flickr – Creative Commons
Photographer: Rebel Off Road
