Hello, my name is Roy. For many years, I drove a 1976 Ford estate car around Sydney. The car had belonged to my grandpa. It was passed down to me when I had just passed my driving test at the age of 18. That was in 1986 and the car was already in a pretty bad condition then. Fast forward to 2006 and I was now aged 38 and still driving the same car around. Sometimes the car wouldn't start, white smoke came out of the exhaust and the gearbox made a terrible sound. I did my best to patch it up, but eventually, I had to scrap the car and buy a new one. I decided to start a blog to encourage others to service their cars.
A vehicle's 4 wheel drive transmission system is going to be put through plenty of stress when you go off-roading, so there are steps you need to take to ensure that everything runs smoothly and the transmission doesn't get damaged. To ensure that you can head out into the backcountry without putting your transmission in danger, just follow these simple tips.
Don't keep the clutch depressed
Many 4-wheel drive off-roading vehicles come with manual transmissions to ensure that drivers can precisely alter the gear ratio around the changing terrain often found on the trail. However, you need to know how to use that transmission if you're to prevent damage. It can be tempting to keep the clutch depressed in order to help control your speed and power output. Unfortunately, this can damage the transmission system over time since it will cause excess heat to develop. Additionally, the gear teeth could start to get worn down.
Never use the clutch instead of the brake
Even drivers who have never headed away from the smooth surface of street or highway will know that you can use your clutch to slow down. By rapidly dropping down the gear ratio, you can essentially use the transmission as a coasting mechanism. However, the transmission should only be engaged when necessary since the demands of the trail can put it under far more stress than is normal. Additionally, make sure you don't gun the engine in order to maintain momentum when you're climbing a sharp incline. Those additional RPMs will help wear out your transmission, so try to keep things low.
Don't keep your feet on both pedals
If you're using an automatic transmission, you still need to keep a few things in mind while handling your off-road vehicle. One crucial thing to remember is to only use one foot to control the pedals. Many drivers will prop a foot on each one; this is always incorrect, but it can be even more hazardous when driving off-road. Using both pedals at the same time can damage the transmission and cause the vehicle to falter when you require power the most.
Examine the transmission fluid after each adventure
Once you've returned to the road after handling the trail, it's a good idea to perform a quick check before heading off. You can examine the differential to see if you can notice any dents, and you should also check the transmission fluid. If water was able to seep into the system as you forded streams and rivers, the fluid will take on a milky white colour.
Share22 February 2017
