subject: Caring For Your Vehicle [print this page] For people who live in areas that have a lot of snow and ice, having a vehicle that can get through the weather is important. Having a four-wheel drive vehicle will also come with other requirements when it comes to routine maintenance and care. The tires are usually different, because they are bigger, wider, and need to handle more of the road in order to maintain traction. The suspension will also be built differently in case your vehicle is the type to use four-wheel drive if it goes off-roading for fun. Just remember that you need to take care of your vehicle and keep it in tip-top shape so that it runs well on the road or the dirt path.
Tires
Since the nature of the vehicle is to be able to drive in adverse conditions, different tires are required on a four-wheel drive than other types of vehicles. The tires will have thicker treads to be able to get more grip on the road in worse conditions. The more tread a tire has, the easier it can get through certain conditions safely. Since four-wheel drive powers four tires, the grip is needed on wet roads, icy roads, and in snowy conditions.
The tires on a four-wheel drive vehicle are usually taller than normal tires. This keeps the frame of the vehicle out of snow drifts, and even water puddles. If the tires aren't tall enough, then lift kits can be purchased for a vehicle. They will get the frame off the axles even more. Even an inch or two on a frame can keep a truck from getting stuck or caught in something.
Suspension System
Since many four-wheel drive vehicles are used on roads that don't have the best of conditions, the suspension system is set up differently. The suspension is geared to absorb more bumps. The suspension system, which includes struts and shocks, are thicker, longer, and are able to absorb more of the shock from bumps in the road.
The more active you are in your four-wheel drive vehicle, the more care it will require to keep you safe. The tires, suspension, brakes, and even the fluids should be checked often after heavy use. Four-wheel drive takes a lot of work from the engine and all of the corresponding parts, so you should make sure you monitor all of these parts so they remain working in a good condition.
If you don't know how to look after your four-wheel drive vehicle, then take it to a professional who does. They can go over the struts and make sure that there are no leaks or damages to them. They can also check tire treads and air pressure in your tires. Keeping the fluids topped off is another way to make sure the four-wheel drive engine stays in good working order, no matter what conditions you drive your vehicle in.
