Severin has an extensive background (over 40 years experience) with four-wheel drive vehicles, on and off road, in various conditions and countries. His company, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, offers 4WD training and 4WD tour service specializing in four-wheel-drive vehicles. The company has trained hundreds of students, including the Orange County (CA) Sheriff's Department, the Gas Company, the National Park Service, and the US Marine Corps.

For more information about Badlands Off-Road Adventures, visit 4x4training.com.

1. Air Up Your Tires

Don’t try to drive on pavement with your tires low on pressure. Not only will you have difficulty handling the vehicle, but you risk serious damage to tires and rims. Check your tire pressure the following morning. It can drop 2 to 5 PSI overnight. Remember that you aired up when the tires were hot.

2. Wash and Vacuum Your Vehicle



This will help prevent the spread of weed seeds to other areas, but it also makes it easier to spot any fluid leaks and damage that needs repairing. Invasive plants are a problem all over the U.S., caused in part by people driving in multiple areas—sometimes even in different states—without cleaning their vehicles between trips. As a result, they spread noxious weeds to new locations. Be a good sport and clean your vehicle after each off-road drive. 
 

3. Wash Your Engine

Drive to an appropriate facility, turn off the engine, and hose it down. With a clean engine, you can spot any leak that has developed, as well as a loose bolt, hose, clamp, or other part.

4. Check Fluid Levels, Fan or Serpentine Belt and Other Parts

If you do this frequently enough, you will become accustomed to your engine compartment, and it will be easier to spot a problem or potential problem when one occurs.

5. Examine the Differential and Transmission for Cracks and the Fluids for Water

Scrapes and scuffs on differential covers can be common when off-roading, but you need to make sure there’s no fluid leaking. Same goes for any potential transmission leaks – be sure to inspect both for any fluid leaks. Also, check the fluids to make sure no water has mixed with the transmission fluid, which similar to engine oil mixing with water will have a milky appearance.

6. Inspect and Clean Drum Brakes, if Applicable

Pull off the drums and clean out any mud or sand inside. That will wear down your brakes in a hurry. This is a good time to adjust your brakes or even replace the shoes, if need be.

7. Inspect CV boots, Struts and Shocks, and Other Underbody Parts

Any need replacing? Take a look at joints, bearings, and other parts that may need regreasing. What about the nuts and bolts that hold the axle and suspension together? The vehicle’s suspension system (track bar, control arm, shocks, and spring) are very susceptible to loosening and affect the drivability. Problems with any one of these items could cause damage to the drive train over time.

8. Push and Pull on the Suspension to See if Anything is Loose

Push on the side of the vehicle. Are the track bars loose? Have a friend rotate the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the tie rod ends. Make sure to tighten down any bolts or nuts that have wiggled loose on the trail.

9. Inspect Your Tools. Are They Clean, in Order, and Accessible?

10. Clean and Restock any Fluids or Gear

Not only do you need to check tools and recovery kits, be sure to restock things such as medical supplies, spare parts, and check the fire extinguisher level. Also, double check on items you used or that may have gotten damaged (such as recovery straps).

Create a list of repairs and other action items during the trip or on the way home while it is still fresh in your mind. Make sure you put back all the essential items and that your vehicle is tidy and prepared for your next trip.

I hope to see you on the trails!

Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com/
Make it Fun. Make it Safe.

Previous Trail Tips by Tom Severin:
Top 10 Must-Have Items for Your Off-Road Vehicle