When you're finished playing in the mud, or
simply taking your vehicle on back roads, a little care will go a long way
in keeping your 4x4 happy.
Besides obvious, like washing off your winch and reconnecting your swaybar
disconnects, there are a few basic things you should do as soon as possible
to avoid future problems:
- Hose the engine off. If possible, use a
high-pressure hose, like those available at your local do-it-yourself
carwash. Engine parts such as belts, flywheels, the inside of the
alternator, etc. - which don't like being coated with dried mud and
dirt.
- Hose the wheels out. Dried mud and dirt
accumulate inside the wheel housing which not only puts extra stress on
your brakes, but, may also cause heavy vibration at highway speeds.
- Make sure your engine has been running
long enough to recharge the battery, especially if you've been using
overhead lights, a winch, or other devices which put a heavy burden on
the battery.
HEAT INCREASES SALT
CORROSION
A 1992 Cornell University study shows that most rust action is the result of
road salt, and it is 20 to 30 times greater in Spring than in Winter. The
primary reason being that rising temperatures, like humidity, trigger salt
induced oxidation. Cornell researchers also recommend keeping vehicles out
of heated garages during the Winter, because heat increases salt corrosion.
If you live in the Salt Belt, you should wash your car at least once every
week during salt-use periods (even if your car is rust protected). What
counts the most is washing the underside, especially under fender wells and
other enclosed areas such as doors. Paint doesn't rust, but the metal behind
it does. If you use a commercial car wash, ask if the facility uses fresh or
recycled water. The Cornell team found that recycled water often contains
significant amounts of road salt.
Another reason to wash the underside weekly is to avoid salt corrosion on
the electrical wiring and connections of your vehicle. If salt gets into the
wiring via cracked insulation or a bad electrical plug, corrosion inhibits
the electrical flow and causes a component or circuit to malfunction.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Even infrequent off-road driving can take its toll on your vehicle and
regular maintenance is a must. Muddy or dusty conditions warrant more
frequent oil and oil filter changes, even if you use synthetic oil. Check
the air filter, the PCV valve, your brake linings, and other
"consumables" more frequently. Crawl under your vehicle and look
for signs of damage on the chassis and undercarriage, and check for lose
bolts and connections. TJ's have skid
plates protecting the fuel tank and transfer case, but mud can easily
build up on top of the skid plate.
DON'T FORGET THE LITTLE
THINGS
Armor-All or silicone protectant will keep the bumpers, fender flares, and
anything else that's black plastic or vinyl from fading and cracking. The
fender flares will almost turn white with enough sunlight and too little
Armor-All. We also suggest Westley's Silicone Tire Spray (sprayed lightly
and rubbed in with a cloth) on the soft top to keep it pliable and UV-safe.
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