Taking your 4WD for a driving adventure is fun and exciting, but you’re likely to tour with confidence if you know your vehicle is safe and roadworthy. From checking your vehicle to packing properly, you’ll be able to travel long distances worry-free. So don’t overlook any detail, including the condition of your DPF back exhaust. After all, your car’s diesel engine will perform better with a reliable exhaust flow.
Get Your Vehicle Checked
Given the demands your car will be subjected to over rough terrains and conditions, every inch must be checked for optimal performance.
- Seek the expertise of a qualified mechanic to give your car a thorough look-over.
- Schedule a full service or inspection three weeks or a month before the date of your outdoor adventure.
- Any issues or replacement needs are easier dealt with if you leave enough time to get them done.
- Make sure your vehicle is road legal. You don’t want to be reported as a smoky vehicle because your exhaust lacks maintenance.
Improve Touring Setup
Driving for days requires a different setup than if you’re driving for five hours or more. You might need to bring camping equipment and other gear that can increase weight and impact fuel efficiency.
- Prepare everything you need to bring along and plan for storage. You may need to install a drawer system.
- If you’ll bring lights or power fridges, you should have a dual-battery system that will serve as a power source. No need to drain your starter battery unnecessarily.
- Think efficiency if you plan to use custom cargo barriers or roof racks. You should be able to set up and pack down smoothly every time.
Check Leaks and Fluid Quantity
Driving far with engine or brake fluids at a low level is a disaster waiting to happen.
- Check that all fluid levels are correct for the brake, clutch, differential, engine, power steering, radiator, and transmission. Top them up if lacking.
- Inspect for leaks to ensure none of these fluids drains quickly during long-distance touring.
Install Bull Bars
Adding bull bars may impact weight distribution, but they also increase your vehicle’s safety and utility. Given the unknown terrain you’ll likely encounter, you need every protective tool available.
- Understand how the added weight at the front can shift a car’s centre of gravity and affect braking, stopping power, fuel economy, weight shifts, and the like. This will give you a better idea of adjusting how hard you stomp on the brake to better control stopping power and distance.
- Appreciate how bull bars protect you against various obstacles, such as animals suddenly crossing and fallen trees along the trail. When equipped with winches and lights, night driving won’t be a hassle.
- Take advantage of how they can help clear the path for you and simplify setting up camp.
Taking your 4WD to explore the wild and trails less-travelled is easier and worry-free with proper preparation. By having it thoroughly inspected, fully serviced, and equipped with the essentials and add-ons like bull bars, you can tour any trail with confidence. If you’re thinking of adding a new exhaust system or throttle controllers, Torqit is the company to call.
