Off-Road Vehicle Maintenance Guide

Every car needs maintenance, but their needs vary depending on how and where they’re driven. If you often explore the rugged terrain around Greenville in your Chevy Blazer or Chevy Colorado, you need specialized off-road vehicle maintenance. This guide from Phelps Chevrolet goes over what this should entail.

Have Things Checked Out

Before setting out, you have to be sure that your car's essentials function properly, so schedule an inspection at an authorized service center. We’ll inspect your windshield wipers, lights, and all fluids, providing replacements from our Chevy parts department if anything is lacking. We’ll also check the braking system, which is crucial for keeping you safe.

Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

The more you take your vehicle off-road, the more likely the chance of things coming loose, and the suspension, in particular, can take a beating. If you hear something rattling, don’t ignore it. Have the systems looked at to ensure everything is tightened correctly and that critical components are well-lubricated. 

Get Your Tires Ready

First things first: all-season tires won’t cut it off-road, so if you’re going far off the beaten path, invest in all-terrain tires. If you have those installed, when was the last time you rotated them? If you can’t remember, they are probably due for a rotation. It’s also crucial that you check their air levels to ensure they are correctly inflated, which could depend on the terrain you plan to tackle. In addition, if treads are getting low or there are some bald patches, you should strongly consider getting new tires.

Be Prepared

Even if your vehicle seems like it’s in great shape, there is always the chance of something going wrong. This is why you should think about bringing parts that could come in handy. These include a power pack that can jumpstart your battery, a first-aid kit, and a full-size spare tire. You may also want to bring spare belts and hoses if you know your way around a vehicle. 

Bring it Full Circle

Once the trip is over, it’s worth re-inspecting your vehicle. Stray rocks and bits of debris, dust, mud, and other trail-related schmutz can damage your finish, undercarriage, engine, and tires. If something doesn’t feel right post-trip, pay us a visit.

Get Your Vehicle Off-Road Ready in Greenville, NC

You don’t want to hit the trails with a less-than-capable vehicle. Contact the service center at our Chevrolet dealership in Greenville, NC, to schedule a maintenance appointment. And don’t forget to check out our latest Chevy service specials.