There are thousands of beautiful places in Aotearoa that you can only get to in a 4WD, opening up a whole new world of adventure. Looking after your vehicle isn’t always that exciting, however it can cost quite a bit to buy a 4WD and almost as much to fix it if you don’t look after it.
To get the most out of your off-roader and to make it back from your next trip, here are some simple maintenance tips to look after your 4WD in between regular servicing. By following these basic steps, you’ll help protect your vehicle and potentially save yourself a ton in the long run.
You have been out having a good time driving your 4WD through sand, mud, dust, or snow. Make sure you give your four wheel drive a thorough clean, washing the vehicle's inside and exterior, especially the undercarriage.
Cleaning isn't simply for aesthetics' sake. By examining all essential components thoroughly for corrosion, dents, or damage you can identify, fix and improve your 4WD’s health in the long term.
A higher flow hose is best as you can unclog areas that are tough to access, such as the inside of the chassis rails and cross members. Remove the spare wheel from beneath the chassis, then clean it and the empty chamber. Be sure to wash on top of your fuel tank where salt and sand can settle and remember to do the shock absorbers, brake callipers and any other visible moving components.
Take it one step further. Give your recovery gear a thorough clean every time you get back from an adventure away too. Items like recovery tracks, snatch straps, and shackles are often exposed to the same conditions as your vehicle and this can sometimes cause unseen damage and even failure when you need them the most.
When off-roading, your tyres help absorb a substantial amount of vibration and bumps, and provide the traction or grip you need to get out of sticky situations. Tyres that are balanced, have plenty of tread, and are set at the right air pressure for the terrain make a massive difference to your 4WD’s fuel economy, wear and tear, and comfort.
Before heading home from your day out, remember to inflate your tyres to the correct road driving pressure and check for any damage from loose stones, sticks or debris.
Before heading out again, check your tyres for tread wear and tear. Four wheel driving is very demanding on your tyres and they can wear at different rates and fall out of alignment. Rotate them regularly and keep them balanced and you’ll increase their lifespan, minimise the risk of a costly fix of your suspension and ensure your 4WD is as safe as it can be for the next time you wish to go out and explore.
Your engine and 4WD will run smoothly when you check and change your oil, oil filter and fluid levels regularly at the recommended service intervals. Before you leave for your off-road mission, take five minutes to pop the bonnet and check your engine oil, brake fluid, clutch fluid, transmission oil, radiator overflow and power steering fluid. Make sure you take some spare oil on your trip just in case.
Fresh engine oil thoroughly lubricates and protects all the moving parts by reducing the friction, wear and heat. Off-roading requires you to work with lower gears, increasing your vehicle's torque, making your engine work a lot harder than if you are driving on the road.
Over time, the engine oil also collects dust and debris. While an oil filter catches most of this, both need replacing, sometimes even more often than the recommended schedule, depending on how you are using your 4WD.
Check your owner’s manual for the engine and oil specifications to ensure they are right for your 4WD. You shouldn’t use just any old engine oil as a cheap or incorrect type of oil can ruin your engine.
Your owner’s manual will have what you need to know in regards to the servicing schedule. Often if you are towing, working your vehicle hard or in extreme conditions, it is recommended to service your 4WD more often. As part of your pre-journey check, you should make sure your radiator has the correct amount and type of coolant. A proper engine coolant will work much better than water as it is non corrosive and has a much higher boiling point and lower freezing point. Keeping the windshield wiper fluid topped up is important too as visibility is key when the mud and water start flying.
A qualified technician or mechanic can check and refill the transfer case, differential and gearbox fluids, but it’s a good idea to inspect these areas for leaks before heading out to ensure you don’t get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Pay attention to your 4WD. When you have had it for a while, you will start to pick up noises that don’t seem normal such as clicking, knocking, whining or vibrations. The sooner you notice them, the sooner you can get it fixed and hopefully the cheaper the repair will be.
Taking the time to look over your vehicle before and after your 4WD experiences is essential to your safety and the longevity of your 4WD. Check for damaged wiring and loose parts. Anything shiny can indicate something has broken off or worn down.
Look underneath for any leaks and run a spanner over the bolts such as wheel studs, which will loosen after many hours of corrugated driving.
Clean your tyres with a hose to examine the brakes and inspect the pads, lines and callipers for any corrosion or damage.
If you notice anything unusual or that you do not know how to repair correctly, then take your 4WD to an expert.
Without fail, you will want to take your 4WD onto one of the many stunning beaches in New Zealand. No matter how well you wash it afterwards, being buffeted by sand, surf and moisture will inevitably lead to rust.
Consider investing in some form of additional corrosion protection such as a coating sprayed on the vehicle underbody and in cavities or an Electronic Rust Prevention System. Start by discussing these options with other 4WD owners and those who provide the rust-protection options.
Even with a more protected vehicle, it is still recommended to avoid driving directly through the salt water if at all possible.
Differential breathers and a snorkel are two other essential off-roading parts you may have not yet considered. By getting these two items installed, you will save yourself the cost of an engine or differential refurbishment, both of which are extremely expensive.
If you plan to navigate through water crossings or even take your 4WD out on muddy tracks, a differential breather is a must-have.
A differential is the set of gears or a system that transmits engine power to the wheels. The differential takes the power from the engine and splits it, allowing the vehicle’s wheels to spin at different speeds and is located on the undercarriage of your vehicle by the axles.
The breather allows the differential to vent some of the heat and balance the air pressure created within to keep the gears and seals in excellent working order.
An aftermarket diff breather kit raises the venting placement above what your 4WD has included as standard. This means that when you’re four wheel driving, the breather doesn’t get covered with water or get clogged up with mud. If it does, then water can get sucked down or you can blow out oil from the diff, causing damage that can be very costly to fix.
Most vehicle manufacturer warranties don’t cover damage resulting from water, so retro-fitting a diff breather is recommended.
A snorkel, on the other hand, protects your 4WD engine by raising up the air intake from under your bonnet to roof height. This is particularly handy when crossing rivers or high tides, or avoiding dust that is kicked up from your vehicle or others in front.
The snorkel works in the same way as the ones you use when swimming. It helps your 4WD to breathe, preventing water, dust and other particles from entering and clogging up the engine. Taking in cleaner air means cleaner air filters, which means less wear and tear, and less maintenance.
You can keep your 4WD in tip-top shape by following these guidelines and the maintenance instructions in the manufacturer's handbook. Always carry a good set of tools, and spare parts for your vehicle and remember, if you look after your 4WD, it will look after you!
If you are in the market for a new 4WD, download The Ultimate Car Buying Guide, and we'll help you get started!