Jun 14, 2024
It’s exciting to take your Ford off-road to traverse challenging terrain like riverbeds, sand, gravel, and mud. However, off-road driving can put a lot of stress on your vehicle, so it’s a good idea to schedule Ford maintenance at your Ford dealer before your next adventure.

Before any off-road adventure, you must make sure your Ford is prepared to tackle the trails. You should schedule a service appointment to check your tire air pressure, tighten your suspension system, change your spark plugs, top-up your motor oil, and lubricate your drive shaft to protect your steering system. Your Ford mechanic can also tighten the drive axle or check your trailer hitch system.

Even something as small as topping up your tire air pressure can ensure you get ideal performance from your powertrain during off-road driving. When your tire air pressure is too low, your tires won’t get enough traction on challenging terrain, which can make your engine work harder. Low tire air pressure can also cause your tire tread to wear down unevenly, and that might make your tires more susceptible to flats.

Should You Schedule Maintenance After Off-Roading?

While preparing your vehicle for off-road performance before your next trip is a good way to fortify your vehicle performance, it’s also a good idea to schedule maintenance after your trip. Post-adventure maintenance can ensure no parts of your undercarriage were damaged during your off-road driving, check on the health of your tires, and re-calibrate your Ford for suburban roads again.
Maintenance after off-roading is especially important if you want to prolong the life of your engine, suspension, and tires. Your suspension system can easily fall out of alignment during off-road driving if you travel over large rocks or holes in the path.

Should You Ask Your Ford Dealer About Off-Road Ford Maintenance Coverage?

If you frequently take your Ford out for off-road adventures, then it may be beneficial to purchase a Ford protection plan designed to address unique off-road vehicle maintenance. These plans can protect your wheels and tires, repair chips on the windshield, or correct damage to exterior body panels that occur during off-road driving.
To prepare your Ford for off-road driving, you should have essential performance components like the drive axle, wheels, and suspension checked. After your adventure, you can stop by your local dealership to verify your Ford is in good condition after rough driving. Schedule service at Chestatee Ford in Dahlonega, GA.