Photo by Georgethefourth via iStock
Each time you take your off-road rig out for a jaunt on the trails, you run the risk of something, somewhere, sustaining damage or breaking altogether.
This means that after each trip, you need to give your vehicle a good once-over to check critical systems and identify anything that needs attention.
In this guide, we’ll discuss six off-road maintenance tips that will keep your rig in tip-top shape.
Off-Road Maintenance Tips: Give Your Rig a Bath
Photo by nuwatphoto via iStock
No matter where you go off-roading, your vehicle is going to come back with dirt, sand, or mud (or all three!) all over it. And while having some mud caked on your vehicle looks pretty cool, it certainly won’t do your vehicle any favors.
This being the case, the first thing you should do after a day on the trails is to wash your vehicle.
Be as thorough as you possibly can in washing your rig. Wash the exterior, the undercarriage, and the engine compartment (on low pressure). Giving these areas a good wash will enable you to carry out the next steps much more effectively.
And while you’re at it, bust out the vacuum and get all the gunk out of the inside of your vehicle as well. Sure, it’ll just get dirty again, but it’s probably easier to vacuum out all the dirt after each trip than let it accumulate over weeks and months!
Check the Tires
Checking the tires is one of the top off-road maintenance tips for on the trail and when you get home.
As you’re out off-roading, periodically check the tires to ensure they’re holding pressure. Do the same when you get back home. Check for leaks, punctures, and other damage of all four tires, and while you’re at it, check the spare, too. If you find damage, get it repaired so your next time out will be one without a flat (hopefully, anyway).
Off-Road Maintenance Tips: Check the Frame for Damage
Photo by tiborgartner via iStock
Next on your check-up list should be the frame of your truck. What you’re looking for are signs of stress, cracks, dents, or twisting that might have occurred while off-roading.
Unlike repairs to other parts of your rig, frame repairs can be both time-consuming and expensive. However, addressing any problems now before they get really bad can save you a lot of time and money down the road.
While you’re under your vehicle inspecting the frame, you might as well put grease on components that need it. The driveshaft and U-joints will be the most likely to need some grease.
Learn More:
Give the Suspension a Once-Over
Photo by ESezer via iStock
The suspension and steering are additional areas that need your keen eye after each trail run.
Get under your vehicle, check for loose nuts and bolts, keep an eye out for components that are showing wear, and give stuff a firm jiggle to make sure it’s secure.
Also have a look at your vehicle’s shocks, bushings, and mounts, noting any signs of wear or stress, and in the case of shocks, if there are any leaks.
Off-Road Maintenance Tips: Check the Transmission and Differential
Photo by Aleksandr Kondratov via iStock
When inspecting the transmission and differential, look for signs of damage from the trail. A tell-tale sign is a leak, but you might also notice scrapes, scratches, and even dents from knocking over rocks and other obstacles.
Check the fluids while you’re at it, especially if you drove through water. If water got into the vehicle’s fluids, like the engine oil, it’ll look cloudy. If you find that the fluids have been compromised, change everything out and replace the seals to ensure water doesn’t get in again.
See What’s Going on Under the Hood
Photo by dvulikaia via iStock
Give the engine bay a good inspection to make sure everything is working as it should. This includes checking the air filter and cleaning it, if necessary. Look at the radiator to ensure it isn’t full of mud, too.
Check for any leaks and ensure that all the hoses and clamps are secure. If there are no leaks, check all the fluids and top any off that might be low.
Of course, if you encounter issues in your post-trail ride that you don’t know how to fix, get it into a mechanic as soon as you can to have it rectified. Again, preventative maintenance now will be far less time-consuming and expensive than if you let little problems fester and turn into big issues later.