Every vehicle on the face of this earth requires regular servicing and maintenance every now and then. And off-road vehicles or even your 4wds are no exception. In fact, the 4wd requires more frequent services than the regular ones. This simply could be that not all vehicles are driven in the same way. It differs and depends on the hand that is at the wheel. So if you are a 4wd vehicle owner and you are not in the habit of taking your vehicle for regular services then make sure you amend your ways. Your vehicle will require frequent 4wd service.
When should you take your vehicle for a service?
Say you have just purchased your vehicle or you are a first-time owner of a 4wd vehicle you sure would like to test out the skills and capabilities of your car. You must feel the urge to be out on the roads. There is absolutely nothing wrong in desiring that. But after you return make sure that your vehicle is in for a 4wd service at the best place in your locality or as recommended by your car maker. This will help you ensure that every little component of your car is up and running.
Your vehicle by now must have been well exposed to the dust, dirt, mud, water and everything on the trail that you have taken. If you have crossed deep water crossings, or gone on extreme off-roading or even climbed rocks your vehicle is due for a checkup. It is best to ensure that all is well with your vehicle before you put her back into your own garage.
Again if you switch on the ignition one fine day to hear some weird noises coming out from your engine it sure means that it is time you pay a visit to your 4wd mechanic for a 4wd service. Apart from the weird noises if you notice abnormal leaks, smells or fluids in any part that it should not be in then also you know that your beauty on wheels needs some beauty care.
It is also best that you check your vehicle and take it for a 4wd service before and after every trip to ensure that all is perfectly well with your vehicle. And mind the services that are recommended by the maker after buying a new vehicle.
What should you get your vehicle checked for at a service?
Now you know when to take your vehicle for a 4wd service but do you know what you should get checked for at the service? If not here they are:
- Leakage checks should be in
- The engine oil should duly be checked every time
- Water can contaminate the front differential so get it serviced
- Check the transmission and transfer case to avoid any problems
- The U-joints and drive shafts are critical things in your vehicle and if left untreated can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere
- The rear differential is more used than the front one so get it serviced
- The brakes are the most important thing in any vehicle to be checked at every service.
What should you expect in a 4wd service?
4wd is used in rugged and rough terrain. So be careful when you are using them and take them for regular 4wd service as always. Now, what should you expect at the service centre? They are:
- Check that the transfer case and front & rear differentials are drained and refilled with clean and fresh fluid.
- Check for a Power Purge Transmission Flush at the service where the transmission fluid is totally changed in an automatic transmission vehicle.
- In a manual transmission also the fluid has to be changed.
- Get an overall check-up to detect any potential problem that might get you stranded in some off-road place or rough terrain where there is nothing at hand.
Concluding with why your vehicle requires regular servicing?
Your 4wd will require regular 4wd services to ensure they are in excellent condition. If you are on an off-road trip and it breaks down then there is absolutely nothing that you can do. So it should be maintained regularly. At least with the other cars you can get them towed away or serviced even in the middle of the road but with such vehicles that are totally negated. So make sure that it is in the best of conditions with regular services.