You smile to yourself when you hear someone talking about how hard the miles are on their car, as though the roads around Richmond are really that bad. In fact, with a flurry of road construction the last few years, the roads around here aren’t bad. But, you have a different perspective. When you talk about a rough ride you’re talking about taking your 4X4 off-road where no one expects smooth coats of asphalt or concrete.

In fact, if you found a blanket of asphalt waiting off-road, that would defeat the purpose. You go off-road because you’re looking for the challenge where the road ends. You want to challenge your 4X4, and your driving ability, to overcome the non-roads that nature has laid out for your driving pleasure.

All the same, there is some truth to that asphalt driver’s concern about how hard the miles are on their car. The point is that, if that’s hard on their car, what are your off-road experiences to your 4X4?

The thrill of taking your high-stepping 4X4 off-road gets your adrenaline pumping like only a few otherworldly experiences. But, it does take a toll on your ride. That 4X4 is tough but parts are parts and wear is wear.

So, what can you do to get the most out of your 4X4 without shying away from the pleasure of the off-road experience? Post-trail vehicle maintenance is a critical step to extending the life of your 4X4. Here are some post-trail maintenance ideas:

Clean up after your fun. Cleaning will expose any rocks that are jammed into areas where they could do damage. Sure, it’s cool driving a mud-soaked 4X4 among the street cars but, at some point, you still want to clean up as part of the maintenance process.

Give your 4X4 a thorough visual inspection. Get down and look at the transmission, the differential, the oil pan, the tires, the exhaust. Of course, a good cleaning makes this step far more effective.

Check your meats. Those rubbers on the corners are the parts that make occasional contact with off-road surfaces – rocks, logs, mud, water, sand, and gravel. Make sure the air pressure is right. Look for any cracks or damage. Tighten up the lug nuts.

Look at the shocks, steering, suspension, and axles. Are there any dents in the shocks or struts? Are there any leaks. What about the bushings and mounts? Take a good look and avoid surprises. How does the 4X4 handle after you return to a flat surface? Look over all the components for any sign of damage.

Check the frame. Did you come down hard on a boulder? It could do damage to their frame.

Check the brakes. How do they feel? Inspect the drums, rotors, and calipers for mud, rocks. Make sure the brake lines have that essential integrity. More than not leaking, make sure the brake lines aren’t damaged where a good bounce could start them leaking.

Check the engine. Clean up around the engine and pay good attention to the heart of your 4X4 there under the hood. How’s it running?

With proper maintenance, your 4X4 will have you cruising down, and off, Johnsburg-area roads for years to come. And, off-road 4X4 vehicle maintenance includes that critical post-trail 4X4 maintenance.