If there’s one thing that can affect the performance of your 4WD, it’s the maintenance you do. Some people don’t realize that if they neglect to maintain their cars, they could end up having problems when they need them most. Here are 5 things you should maintain to make sure your 4WD lasts longer:
Tires
Tires are the essential parts of the car that keep you moving and they determine how well you can control your vehicle in all kinds of weather conditions. You need to ensure that they remain in good working order by checking them regularly and keeping them at their optimal pressure levels.
Tire treads should also be checked regularly with a tread gauge, as this will give you an idea if the tires have enough tread left for safe driving on wet roads or snow-packed roads. Worn-out tires can cause accidents, so it’s important that you replace them before this happens. You can also search for 4wd repair near me online in case you are looking for auto repair shops in your local area.
The other major thing to do is make sure that each tire has enough air pressure inside it—this helps keep them rotating smoothly and efficiently which prevents wear and tear on both the wheels themselves as well as their bearings inside the wheel wells where they rotate around on those axles underneath each corner of your 4WD.
Radiator
The radiator is a heat exchanger that transfers thermal energy from the engine to the cooling liquid (water and antifreeze). It consists of a series of tubes that are filled with coolant. The radiator is located in front of the engine, so it helps transfer heat from your car’s engine toward its exterior surface.
Radiators can be either aluminium or copper-based. Aluminium radiators tend to be more affordable and easier to replace than their copper counterparts, but they are also prone to corrosion if not maintained properly. Copper radiators are more expensive than aluminium ones because they’re made with better materials; however, they can last longer than an aluminium model if properly maintained over time.
Wheel bearings
Wheel bearings are a type of rolling-element bearing. They support the weight of a vehicle and are located in the wheel hubs. Wheel bearings consist of metal balls and metal or plastic races that roll on each other as the wheels turn.
The bearing axle rotates freely around its axis, while the hub spins with it and supports the entire weight of your 4WD vehicle on one side at any given time while you drive down the highway at speeds over 100 km/h (60 mph). Because they’re constantly exposed to high temperatures, dust, dirt, water and other elements that can damage them over time – not to mention prolonged exposure to UV rays – they need regular maintenance checks by experienced mechanics every 12 months or after every 50 000 kilometres travelled (30 000 miles).
Front and rear shock absorbers
Shock absorbers are a key part of your 4WD suspension system. They are designed to dampen the movement of the springs and reduce road shock, which improves safety and comfort. Shock absorbers should be replaced if they are leaking or broken, or at least every 10 years.
Driveshaft
The driveshaft is the component that transfers power from the transmission to the axles and is made of steel and hollow. It should be inspected for cracks and wear.
Driveshafts can be replaced by a mechanic, but it’s important to know what you’re looking for if you want your car to last longer.
Brakes
If you want to maximize the life of your 4WD, it’s important to maintain its brakes. Here are some tips for doing so:
- Disc brakes are better than drum brakes. Discs allow for smoother stopping and less wear on the wheel bearings.
- Check your brake pads monthly, and replace them when they’re worn down past 2mm thickness.
- Change your brake fluid every two years (or more frequently if you drive in very dusty conditions).
Cat converter
You should know the basics of your car’s exhaust system, including the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is a device that helps reduce harmful emissions by converting them into less harmful ones. It does this by using a catalyst made up of ceramic honeycomb and precious metals like platinum or palladium. If you have a problem with your cat, it could be as simple as a loose clump in the catalyst or something more serious like a leaky gasket issue (which could cause carbon monoxide poisoning). In order to check if there are any issues with your cat, you need to remove it from under your vehicle, then look for any cracks or holes in its housing—if you see any evidence that there is damage to this part of your engine, it would be wise to replace it right away.
Muffler
Mufflers are an exhaust system component. They help reduce the noise and vibration of an engine by absorbing it. Mufflers are made of steel, stainless steel, or ceramic. They can be damaged by rocks and other debris thrown up by tires on dirt roads.
If you notice that your muffler is damaged, replace it immediately to avoid further damage to your 4WD system and vehicle itself!
Conclusion
With these tips, you can keep your 4WD in good shape. Remember that the best way to ensure your vehicle lasts as long as possible is to keep it properly maintained.
About the Author
Monica is a passionate writer and content creator. Her interests include outdoor activities, fitness, technology, entrepreneurship and everything in between. Say hi to Monica on Twitter @monical_lee.
