When pushing your vehicle to the limit and tackling tough terrain, there is always a risk that some vehicle damage may occur. Being aware of the risks that your vehicle faces while off-roading is essential to ensuring that you have a safe off-roading trip. It will allow you to prep your vehicle properly and pack the necessary equipment to repair any issues that you are likely to experience out on the trails. Below, we address some of the most common car problems that off-roaders face.
Tire damage
One of the most common types of damage that vehicles obtain while off-roading is tire damage. When driving over sharp rocks or large obstacles, tires can often get punctured and become flat.
To avoid getting stranded with a flat tire out in the middle of nowhere, make sure to always bring a spare tire with you while off-roading. In addition, you should also invest in tires that are made specifically for off-roading as they will be thicker, more durable, and less likely to pop under pressure. Lastly, before you head out on the trails, check to make sure that your tires are properly inflated and free of damage.
Misalignment
Another common car problem that off-roaders face is vehicle misalignment. Driving over various uneven surfaces and large obstacles can cause your vehicle’s suspension components to become loose or worn down, thus affecting your vehicle’s alignment.
To prevent your vehicle from becoming misaligned while off-roading, make sure to get your car serviced regularly to replace deteriorated suspension components such as poor shocks or struts. Limiting your speed while off-roading—especially while driving over tough obstacles—can also help you avoid accidentally misaligning your vehicle out on the trails.
Undercarriage damage
As you drive across uneven terrain, rocks, twigs, branches, and other loose objects can be kicked up and scrape against the undercarriage of your vehicle. In some cases, your vehicle could even end up hollowing out on a boulder or log. Each of these common scenarios can end up causing significant damage to your vehicle’s undercarriage.
To help prevent such damage from occurring, it’s important to equip your vehicle with a skid plate. However, just because your vehicle has a skid plate doesn’t mean it is immune to damaging its undercarriage. As such, you should exercise caution when traversing extremely uneven or loose terrain and always check your undercarriage for dents or punctures after embarking on an off-roading adventure.
