For some people, off-roading is a hobby for the weekends. For others, it is a way of life. Regardless, the environment can be dangerous and it is key that you have a good and well-maintained off-roader.
Toyota is the best brand for off-roading as it has a diverse range of purpose-built and potential off-roaders. It’s Land Cruiser tops the SUV class, and it offers other great trucks such as the Tacoma.
Let’s take a look at 5 important tips on how you can maintain your Toyota off-roader. These apply to all off-roaders but we’re keeping Toyota in mind.
How to Maintain Your Toyota Off-road Car?
Maintaining your Toyota off-roader is more than just replacing broken parts with genuine spares. Here are some tips:
#1 Off-road Maintenance Tip: Keep It Clean
No matter how good of a dirt eater your Toyota off-roader is, it needs to be squeaky clean after you’ve hit the trail. This protects its exterior from corrosion and makes it easier to spot if something’s wrong.
The undercarriage and the engine bay are the meat of the vehicle and they need to be hosed out when you return from the great outdoors. Dirt and mud are a nuisance and need to be washed out immediately.
#2 Off-road Maintenance Tip: Tune Your Engine
Most Toyota off-roaders, especially the Land Cruiser are built to last for hundreds of thousands of miles before needing an overhaul. That doesn’t mean that they will.
The owner needs to play their part and schedule oil and fluid changes with regular tune-ups. The radiators need to be kept clean and the air filters should be replaced on every tune-up.
Any unusual noises or racket from the engine needs to be examined before it can cause any permanent damage. The faulty parts need to be replaced by genuine Toyota parts, preferably from a reliable supplier.
#3 Off-road Maintenance Tip: Your Tires
If offroad tires weren’t important, there wouldn’t be a dedicated industry around them. These chunky rubber hoops are essential for moving your offroader through the toughest of trails.
You should always check if the tire pressure is up to par and if the tire isn’t damaged from any end. Always make sure that the tires have been fitted properly and the lug nuts aren’t loose.
It is also important to rotate your tires to ensure that they all wear out the same. All of the above applies to your spare tire as well. It is often the only chance of survival if one of your tires fails.
#4 Off-road Maintenance Tip: Look for Damage
Inspecting damage is tough due to the density of the components on your offroader. Yet spotting damage on your vehicle early on can save your life. The trails are anything but bumpy and this takes a toll on your vehicle.
The shocks, suspension, and axles are almost as important as the frame for holding up the car. They must be checked for any dents, bends, cracks, or any other signs of stress.
Performance-wise, your diff, transmission, and brakes need to be checked for irregularities. Mud and dirt get into these components and this can become hazardous when you’re driving.
#5 Off-road Maintenance Tip: Manage Your Gear
This doesn’t count as directly maintaining your Toyota truck, but it does when you talk about your overall ability to off-road. There’s an infinite number of accessories available that boost your off-road capabilities.
Winches, kits, air compressors, jacks, maxtrax, toolboxes, and more; all need to be sorted before you hit the trail.
These tips cover the essentials of all off-road vehicles maintenance.
