4WD Checks Before a Trip Into East Gippsland

Why a pre-trip check matters out here

Once you leave the bitumen past Buchan, help can be a long way off and phone reception is patchy. A minor fault that is an inconvenience in town can end a trip on a remote track.

Most trip-ending problems — split hoses, flat batteries, worn tyres, loose suspension parts — give some warning. A check a week or two before you leave gives time to fix anything that turns up.

What to look at

Work through these before loading up:

• Engine oil, coolant, brake and power steering fluid levels, and any sign of leaks
• Radiator and heater hoses for cracks, swelling or soft spots
• Drive belts for cracking or glazing
• Battery terminals, hold-down and the age of the battery
• Tyre tread, sidewall damage and pressures — including the spare
• Wheel nuts, and that the jack and wheel brace are in the vehicle
• Suspension bushes, shock absorbers and steering components for wear
• Air filter condition, especially after dusty driving
• Lights, and that any recovery points are secure

When to hand it to a workshop

If the vehicle is due for a service, or you notice noises, leaks or warning lights, have it looked at before the trip rather than after. Tell the workshop where you are heading and what you will be carrying or towing so the checks suit the trip.