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It’s taken a little longer this year but it finally feels like summer is almost here. Longer, lighter days have now started to feel warmer, meaning that you can start thinking about getting out there in your 4x4 if you’ve been missing going off-road.
Many owners will have either resigned their 4x4 to the garage or kept to normal roads during winter months. To help you get the best from your drive this summer, we’ve got some tips on some essential maintenance to shake off the cobwebs and get you back out there.
Time for an oil change
Regardless of what make and model your 4x4 is, an oil change is always a good idea if you’re planning to get more use out of your vehicle. Off-roading is a much tougher type of drive for your 4x4, adding extra wear and stress to your engine. That’s why carrying out an oil change is always a sensible bit of summer maintenance.
Check the oil change schedule recommended by the manufacturer and give your engine a fresh start. This should provide a smoother, more powerful drive as you get back into the swing of things.
Tyre balancing and pressure checks
Keeping your tyres at the right pressure levels not only gives you the best performance while driving, but it can help save on fuel costs too. Obviously, you need the right tyres for the type of driving you intend to do, so weigh up whether you need to swap your tyres over as well.
A wheel balance will also help you to extend the life of your tyres and provide a more stable driving experience if you’re getting ready to do more miles. You can even rotate your front and back tyres to even out any impacts of wear, since front tyres will experience more braking and cornering force.
Check your brakes
You need your brakes to be in top condition so that they can do their job when called upon. Whether your 4x4 has been sitting in the garage all winter or not, it’s always worth giving the brakes an inspection. Do you see any rusting or damage? Are the pads worn? Now is the time to think about replacements to set you up for summer, especially if you’re hearing strange noises when braking.
Find everything from brake discs to master cylinders in our dedicated brakes category for your 4x4.
Tighten things up
Over time, the demands of off-roading in particular can mean that your 4x4 has some loose, frayed or damaged parts. This is especially the case when it comes to the undercarriage, since it’s not as visible. As part of your pre-summer checks, it’s worth tackling these aspects of your vehicle to avoid any larger problems when you start driving again.
Tighten any loose components and replace old parts that have seen better days to reduce the risk of your adventures coming to a sudden, unexpected halt.
Make your modifications
With drier and brighter weather on your side, pre-summer is the best point at which to spend some time upgrading and improving your 4x4. Modifications allow you to tailor your vehicle to suit your needs and your driving style, even if it’s just to get things looking the way you want them.
At Milner Off Road, we stock a wide range of parts for 4x4s to help you customise your drive, including:
Get a squeaky-clean finish
Finally, get that fresh feeling with a thorough clean of your 4x4. Salt and dirt residue left over from winter can eat away at the finish of your vehicle, so get the pressure hose out and give things a good wash. Don’t forget to clean all your windows and headlights, which need to be crystal clear to set your next big adventure.
No matter what you need for your 4x4, you’ll find it in our fantastic range of parts, tools and accessories in our online store. With rapid dispatch and worldwide delivery, we get you the parts you need, when you need them. Order online today or, if you need any advice from our specialists this summer, just give us a call.