Are You Really Ready To Be A 4×4 Owner?
Owning a 4×4 isn’t like owning any other vehicle. They’re bigger, heavier, and more dangerous in certain situations, for one. But they also require a certain enthusiasm and dedication to own. Especially if you want to take it off-roading, as almost every 4×4 driver will want to do at some point. Here are a few ways to make sure you’re really ready to take responsibility for that machine.
Learn how to drive it
If you’ve never handled a 4WD vehicle before, it’s a good idea to take it aside for some practice before you unleash it on the roads. It handles differently, especially with slick or snowy conditions. They can be much safer and afford more control with adverse weather conditions, but only if they have a driver equally as capable. Using an off-road instructor can be a great way to not only learn how the car copes with all different kinds of conditions but to have some real fun with it, too. There are plenty of 4×4 owner clubs too that can help you get in some practice.
Be ready for some upkeep
They’re bigger vehicles with more parts, so they’re going to need a lot more love and care. If you want to keep your truck running, you have to be more on point with maintenance than the regular driver. Oil changes, tire rotation, wheel balancing, and more. To save yourself some money, learn how to take on these tasks yourself rather than having to constantly pay your garage.
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ff-roading can be even more demanding.
If you want to go off-roading, then you need to invest in a pressure water. When it’s not cleaned of mud, grime, and dust properly, your truck can suffer serious issues. Suspension and transmission systems can develop faults that will seriously endanger you. Beyond cleaning it, you need to check the transmission and differential for any leaks that might have sprung, make sure shocks aren’t damaged, and more. Again, your local 4×4 club will have plenty of experienced mudding drivers who can tell you how to give your beast the proper aftercare.
Can you handle the power?
Even when you’re just driving through the street or even parking the vehicle, it is a considerable risk. It can do a lot more damage than the average car on impact. If you park on uneven terrain, you need wheel stops, for one. 4×4 brakes aren’t reliable if they’re not fully taken care of and you want to make sure you completely get rid of the risk it will go rolling down the road into your neighbour’s dainty little Mini. You also need to learn how to drive in relation to other vehicles on the road. A bigger vehicle has more blind spots, especially where cyclists and motorcycles are concerned. A 4×4 needs a defensive driver.
Making it your own
As much fun as it is to off-road, the 4×4 really shines when it comes to making it your multipurpose tool. To that end, choosing some modifications can really improve just what it can do. Winches, air compressors, and flip kits can make it handle itself much better whether it’s towing a car in the suburbs or righting itself out in the wild.
It’s a bigger beast, so it requires a good deal more consideration than your average vehicle. There’s nothing to stop you loving your 4×4 and enjoying pushing it to its limits or just using it casually as the highly practical tool it can be. You just need to make sure you’re fit to take care of it.
