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OUR BLOG

10/15/2022
An off-road adventure can push your vehicle to the limit; thus, preparing it with a pre-trip inspection routine is essential. Keep reading this post by Tarheel Synthetics in Sanford for more information.

Are you ready for your next off-road adventure? Leaving the road behind to explore gravel, mud, or rocky trails is undoubtedly fun. Still, traversing uneven and slippery surfaces can strain your tires and engine. That's why it's important to prepare your vehicle by following a routine of pre-trip checks a few days before each adventure. If you are interested in this topic and want to know what to check before you go off-road, keep reading this post by Tarheel Synthetics.

Enjoy safer and smoother off-road trips by feeding your vehicle with the top synthetic oil in Sanford. Contact Tarheel Synthetics at (800) 781-8840 ext 1, and ask for the best formulas and products for your engine routine maintenance. Don't forget to stop by AMSOIL's online shop to become familiar with their full range of products.

What to Inspect in Your Vehicle Before an Off-Road Adventure

Oil Levels

For starters, check your off-roader's oil levels. Doing so is essential to detect leaks and poor oil levels before heading out on muddy or rocky roads. Remember that oil is the most important fluid for your vehicle. Without proper lubrication, the engine's moving parts would overheat and wear out in a matter of minutes. If you've never checked your vehicle's oil levels, refer to the steps outlined in the owner's manual to do so. For improved accuracy of the reading, park your car on level ground. Also, it is best to check the oil when the engine is warm, about five minutes after turning the vehicle off. If your oil reading is too low, refill the reservoir with the amount of fluid specified in your manual. Otherwise, call your mechanic if the oil exceeds its max level.

Fluids

Next, look at the levels of other important fluids for your engine. Remember, while oil is the lifeblood of the machine, your engine needs other lubricants and fluids to perform at its best. Here are the fluids you should check before every off-road trip:
  • Brake fluid
  • Coolant
  • Power steering fluid
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • Fuel

Air Filter

The air filter works to purify the air that enters your engine. Without this device, your engine would "breathe" animal hair, dust, pollen, and even bugs. Yet, after trapping a large number of impurities, the air filter can get clogged over time. That's why you must check it before every off-road adventure. If you notice that your filter is worn or very dirty, look for information on how to wash or replace it in your owner's manual.

Did you last change your oil more than a year ago? If so, call Tarheel Synthetics at (800) 781-8840 ext 1 to get the most effective synthetic oil change in Sanford. If you want the best formulas and products delivered to your doorstep, place your order on AMSOIL's website.

Battery

You should also ensure your battery is in good condition before every trip. After all, the battery supplies power to the starting system, stereo, horn, headlights, dashboard lights, and other essential components during an off-road adventure. Before checking your battery, remember to wear gloves and eye protection. Also, consult your owner's manual to locate the terminals. What matters the most is to verify that the battery has no signs of corrosion and that its terminals are not loose.

Tire Pressure

There's no denying that your off-road tires play a crucial role in every one of your adventures. Besides providing traction, tires carry the vehicle's weight through flat or steep roads. Of course, these elements must maintain proper inflation to work as expected. That's why measuring your tire pressure before each trip is essential. To that end, take your tire gauge and check the inflation of the tires. While doing so, verify that each element has the pounds per square inch (PSI) specified in your owner's manual. If one of the tires has low pressure, fill it in with a tire inflator before setting off.

Lights

Finally, check your lights before starting your off-road expedition. Remember that, even if the trip takes place in broad daylight, you may enter dusty roads where it becomes challenging to see or be seen. Likewise, you may face rain or sudden fog. Whatever the case, you must check your lights to ensure the best visibility conditions during your trip. To do so, turn your vehicle's lights on and off before leaving. Call your mechanic to check and resolve the issue before heading off-road if you notice one of the lights flickers or emits a weak light.

Cover thousands of miles safely and smoothly by feeding your vehicle with AMSOIL's XL 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, a formula that delivers superior protection against friction and overheating. To place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Sanford, call Tarheel Synthetics at (800) 781-8840 ext 1, or browse AMSOIL's online store.