Caring for Your Off-Road Vehicle

It’s no secret that off-road vehicles are equipped to handle some of the most challenging conditions and terrain out there. This by no means suggests that these vehicles are impervious to damage caused by neglect. Proper maintenance is one of the best ways to avoid any complications with your off-road vehicle and extend its lifespan.

Virgil Naff’s in Lynchburg, VA, aims to help our customers get the most out of any products purchased from our dealership. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of general maintenance tips that will help you keep your vehicle in the best possible condition.

Wash Your Vehicle

This may not seem like such an important step, however, simply washing your vehicle is a great preventative measure to avoid damage. Firstly, it’s hard to conduct inspections and identify any underlying issues if your vehicle is caked with mud and dirt from hitting the trails. While dirt may give your vehicle a rugged aesthetic, washing after each use will allow you to pick up on any scratches, leaks, dents, or other things that require attention. Washing also preserves that glossy paint job that likely attracted you to your vehicle in the first place, so you can always hit the backwoods with pride!

Check Your Tires

On the topic of inspections, your off-road vehicle tires need to be checked regularly for any signs of wear or impairment. Driving with compromised tires places you right in harm's way and can lead to life-threatening accidents. It’s much harder for a driver to maneuver and operate their vehicle defensively if their tires aren’t in the best shape. Deteriorated treading also reduces your traction which is essential for tackling challenging terrain at high speeds. That’s why it’s best to check your tires for any leaks or punctures as well as extensive wear and tear. Also, make a habit of checking your pressure to avoid blowouts while driving.

Service Your Vehicle

It’s not uncommon for off-road vehicle users to think that doing some general upkeep is enough to keep their ride going. On the contrary, putting off visits to a professional technician can allow serious mechanical problems to develop over time. While the easier maintenance tasks are important, you’ll never regret getting an opinion from a professional, especially if you don’t have the time to invest in at-home maintenance. It’s best to establish a schedule or routine for servicing visits and mark them on your calendar so you don’t miss any important appointments. A major part of knowing when to service your vehicle is being aware of any performance changes or strange sounds coming from your vehicle during use. These changes normally indicate that some form of mechanical attention is needed sooner than later.