Trail-Proof Your Ride: How To Reduce Wear And Tear On Off-Road Adventures

If you have a 4×4 or other vehicle typically considered rugged, you might be surprised to discover that it wasn’t built for serious off-road use. Riding trails can cause early failure of parts that seem like they should be able to handle some bumps. This can leave you stranded in the middle of a forest, desert, or other remote area, and worse, you may be out of range of cell service. How can you beef up your ride so that it lives up to its promise?   

Reinforce Your Ride  

Most people who buy off-road vehicles will never actually take them off road. Automakers know this, so they make vehicles that look strong but can’t actually take the rigors of a tough outdoor adventure. The first thing you need to do is make your machine trail-worthy.   

1. Consider where you’ll be riding

If you’re heading over rocky terrain or into a forest, a bull bar, rock sliders, thick sidewall tires, and similar gear make perfect sense. However, if your destination is a sandy plain or a muddy path, it is smarter to invest in a lift kit and high-traction tires. When the intention is to drive through shallow creeks or deep mud, you may even want to customize your truck with a snorkel kit. These kits put your vehicle’s air intake up in the air so that it won’t suck in water while driving through a flooded area.  

2. Replace any weak parts with stronger ones

Modern cars and trucks are often outfitted with weak plastic bumpers, quarter panels, and other such parts. These parts look great until you hit something. They get cracked or dented, and the damage can’t simply be bumped out or filled in. Switch these parts for durable, easy to repair, metal ones. 

3. Use rugged interior accessories

Thick rubber mats and strong seat covers will hold up far better than the handsome, but weak, accessories that most vehicles come with.  

Perform All Standard Maintenance  

Much like a human body, your ride will be able to handle more challenges if it starts out with the basics in top shape. Make sure to inspect your brakes, shocks, tires (both air pressure and tread wear), and lubrication before heading out. Fix or replace anything that needs it.  

Drive Smart  

When you’re driving in a wild area with no cops for miles, it can be tempting to put the hammer down and let it rip. Refrain from this temptation. The laws of physics always apply, and they don’t need police. Don’t be shy to slow down on rough terrain or to use a lower gear to stay in control of your vehicle.  

Be Prepared to Get Yourself Out of Trouble  

Getting stuck, having your vehicle get disabled, and even running out of gas are all common hazards of trail riding. Compounding these problems is the fact that most true tails are in remote areas, out of range of cellular service. Therefore, it is essential to bring along equipment that will help you get out of these situations on your own or with the help of a fellow trail rider. Suggested items include:  

• Tow straps  
• A winch  
• A portable air compressor that will run on your car’s battery power  
• A tire repair kit  
• Recovery boards  
• A high-lift jack  
• Spare parts  
• A good tool kit  

Keep Your Ride’s Exterior Intact  

The idea of a truck that looks like it’s been through a war is enticing to some people because it proves that the truck really goes off-road. Unfortunately, every scrape is also an opening for rust to get started. Therefore, you should be sure to use tough coatings to repel dings and dirt, rinse off the truck right after you go mudding, and wash your ride once you get it home. Mud is surprisingly hard on vehicle paint because it holds water onto the exterior until it dries, which can take over a day if the mud is thick enough.  

With these tips, you can keep your off-road adventures both fun and safe. For upgrades or replacements tailored to your vehicle, your local auto parts seller can guide you to the right solutions.  

Author bio: Thomas Walden is the eCommerce Manager at Parts Via, a supplier of auto and RV parts. With nearly two decades of experience in the automotive industry, Walden has developed a focused strength in bridging the gap between automotive and RV brands and retail outlets, leveraging a unique ecommerce sales network to reach consumers. 

Sources:

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mzNSqnEireECML-CZ0ncwnGbbtQbE95t/view?usp=sharing
• https://www.4x4downunder.com.au/blogs/news/4×4-snorkels-do-you-need-one
• https://www.maloriesadventures.com/blog/protecting-your-vehicle-on-long-road-adventures