As an owner of a 4×4 car or truck, you want to make sure that you have good routine maintenance to keep your vehicle in excellent condition. This powerful vehicle, with a strong engine power (measured by its kW or kilowatt and torque) distributed on all four wheels can sustain heavy terrains. 4×4 vehicles have that specific look, with front bumpers that command power obvious to anyone coming across them. 4WD cars are designed to be sturdy vehicles that can handle off-road trips with rough conditions and steep inclines. But that doesn’t mean these reliable cars don’t need the TLC they deserve!
To the contrary, they need more care so they don’t break down during your trip, especially when you’re in the middle of nowhere, where a garage or mechanic is not readily available.
So here are some maintenance tips for your 4×4 car:
1. Get to know your car inside and out.
You are probably familiar with cars already and their maintenance. And the way to maintain 4×4 cars or trucks is almost the same as any other regular car. But as 4wd vehicles are expected to have a much better performance, it is critical to ensure that the parts are in excellent condition.
Of course, not all 4×4 are exactly the same. For example, there are ones that have more ground clearance, and hence more appropriate for rocky, dirt roads and bodies of water. If you have one of the lower ones, you need to be careful that you’re not driving through rough roads that your car cannot handle.
The important step in maintaining a 4×4, or any car for that matter, is to not put it through much work that it damages the car.
2. Get it serviced regularly.
If you are not too familiar with your new 4wd just yet, it’s best to take it to a professional who can check and ensure that the parts are in optimal condition. Some people like to get their car fully serviced every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. But it depends on your car and how often you drive it, and the road conditions you are driving it in.
When you take your car for a full service, the mechanic will do the following for you: oil change; putting new air filter, changing the spark plugs, checking the capacity of the battery–making sure that it has enough charge, and checking fluids are all topped up.
The mechanic can also tell you what is the best schedule for your regular full-service routine.
3. Pay attention to the tires and their alignment
Make sure all tires are balanced and aligned. This means that the tire sizes are all the same. It’s also a good practice to rotate your tires as the wear and tear on the front and back wheels are not the same. Rotating tires on your 4wd means that they are used on different sides of the car.
When driving, and you notice that the car is not driving straight, and is leaning to one side, that means that the car is misaligned. It is recommended that you take it to the garage to be checked.
4. Inspect the shocks
Shocks or shock absorbers is one of the 5 Things You Need to Dress Up Your 4WD Car. Having good quality shock absorbers means that you have a better driving and passenger experience as it absorbs any impact when driving over rough ground, bumps, and potholes. Moreover, it prevents damage, not only in the items you have in your car, but also the suspension which provides steering stability. This is why it’s important to regularly inspect the shocks, and also the other parts connected to it such as bushings, and rubber mounts.
These maintenance tips cover all the bases for keeping your vehicle in excellent condition so that you can enjoy every trip, be it off-roading or a long drive with friends or family.
On top of these maintenance tips, you can also dress up your 4wd car or truck, which will not only make it more attractive but add sturdiness and protection for your vehicle. For example, a nudge bar is a good accessory which also protects the front bumper. Images supplied by Virtual Assistant Thailand
