4WD CHECKLIST – HOW TO DO A QUICK VEHICLE INSPECTION

Before heading out on your next adventure, it is important to ensure that your vehicle is in sound mechanical condition. 4wheeldrive.about.com have put together this handy checklist to help you determine whether your 4WD is ready to tackle any track thrown at you.

First, do a visual inspection – inside and out. Then, take a few minutes to do a closer inspection of the inner workings of your 4WD – make sure that the following parts are in good working condition and you don’t hear any strange noises coming from these areas:

• • Axles & Differentials – hubs, seals, vacuum lines, shift motors, vent lines, front u-joints

• • Battery – clean terminals, check for damaged or corroded wiring

• • Brakes – drums, rotors, pads/shoes, fluid, hoses, leaks, check e-brake, brake lights

• • Belts & Hoses – look for cracks or bulges

• • Body/Frame – look for cracks

• • Cooling/Heating system – look for leaks, fluid levels, clean and repair fins, check hoses, thermostat, radiator cap

• • Driveline/Transmission – inspect case and shifter, leaks, fluids, universal and cv joints, skid plates

• • Engine – carburetor, fuel injectors, spark plugs, wires, pcv valve, pumps, spark plugs, distributor and wires, belts; check for leaks and cracks

• • Exhaust – muffler, tailpipes

• • Fluids – oil, transmission, brake, radiator coolant, gear oils, wipers, power steering

• • Lights – headlights, brake lights, auxiliary lights; make sure they’re aimed properly

• • Nuts & Bolts – tighten axle u-bolts, lug bolts, nuts

• • Steering – check alignment, fluid level, belts and hoses, pump and reservoir for leaks

• • Suspension – springs, shocks, alignment, wheel bearings, steering linkage

• • Tyres – tighten lug nuts, air pressure, tread wear (including your full-size spare), look for cuts and missing chunks

• • Wipers – check for wear, fluid level

If after doing your check you find that you are in need of a new set of tyres, click here to see our entire range of Cooper tyres or call our team of tyre specialists on 1300 COOPER to discuss which tyre is best suited to your 4WDing needs.

SOURCE: www.4wheeldrive.about.com