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Preparation and maintenance of your 4WD vehicle is very important, on or off the road, even more so the latter, as it’s off-road you’ll find no call-boxes or AAA tow trucks.  Being able to get home again could very well save your life!  Remember the western bound pioneers?  How long did it take them to travel ten miles? Are you prepared to walk out if need be? Ten miles? Think about it. We see a number of poorly maintained 4WD’s annually in our shop, even those serviced by so called “trained professionals”.  The bottom line seems to center on cost, some owners are unwilling to spend the money required, or as already stated, their chosen shop isn’t worth the time and money spent.  Cost aside, you must maintain your vehicle, whatever the cost.  A poorly maintained vehicle can be a problem waiting to happen, most likely when you can least afford it, and we don’t mean money either. You should never overlook the maintenance of your vehicle. Preventive maintenance is usually the order of the day.

Putting Your 4WD on a Maintenance Schedule

Vehicles of yesterday normally had a service schedule of every 5000 miles, which was a respectable amount of mileage for the average vehicle. Today however, the EPA mandates that this service interval be increased to 7500 miles, their regulations stipulate that the average vehicle shouldn’t consume more than one quart of motor oil with in this amount of mileage. Most manufacturers of today’s 4WD vehicles supply a maintenance schedule with the vehicle, such as Land Rovers “Passport to Service”, which details what should be done and when. Though the EPA mandates the 7500 interval, vehicles used in extreme conditions such as dusty or wet climates should cut this interval in two, or even into quarters when conditions warrant, thus you’d service your 4WD at either one of the following mileage figures: 7500, 3750, or 1875 miles.  Though some no doubt cringe at the thought of spending such time and money on servicing, think of it this way... Oil is cheap insurance. Protect your investment.

When vehicles were on a 5000 mile service schedule, which is an easy number to remember and multiply, servicing was fairly straight forward. Today we have 7500 as a base, which entails remembering an all together different set of numbers, such as: 7500, 15000, 22500, 30000, etc., then confusion sets in.   Let us do this, if you have a vehicle that came with a service schedule, and you stick by it, continue to do so.  If not, try the 5000 mile routine, its easier.

Note: All Belts and Hoses should be replaced at 50,000 miles regardless of present condition.

Something else to consider is the Air Filter. In extremely dusty conditions it should be changed as required, don’t wait. Like the air filter, if you’ve been out in dusty conditions, or wading through water, all filters and fluids should be changed as soon as possible!  Water and dirt can do some pretty evil things inside engines, gearboxes, transfercases, axles, and to your brakes & brake fluid.

If you are planning on wading in water, it is suggested that you fit you “Wading Plug” in your bellhousing prior to heading out (not all 4x4’s have these!). Remember to keep your air filter intake out of the water. Just to be on the safe side, always maintain your 4x4 by the book, or go one step further, and do preventive and early maintenance.  It never hurts, it will only reward you.