Serving All Makes & Models Since 1947

651-228-1316

982 Grand Ave • St. Paul, MN 55105
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Keeping your vehicle in the best condition possible is important. For people who live in areas that get lots of snow and ice, then having a vehicle that can get through the elements is important. But having a four wheel drive vehicle will also come with other requirements when it comes to routine maintenance and care, not matter what time of the year it is. The tires are usually different, because they are bigger, wider, and need to handle more of the road in order to maintain traction. The suspension will also be built differently in case your vehicle is the type to use four wheel drive if it goes off road for fun. No matter why you have four wheel drive, you need to take care of your vehicle and keep it tip top shape so it runs well on the road or off road.

Make sure the Tires are in the Best Condition Possible

Since the very nature of the beast is to be able to drive in adverse conditions, different tires are required on a four wheel drive than other types of vehicles. The tires will have thicker treads to be able to get more grip on the road in worse conditions. The more tread a tire has, the easier it can get through certain conditions safely. And since four wheel drive powers four tires, the grip is needed on wet roads, icy roads and in deep snow conditions. The tires on a four wheel drive vehicle are also usually taller than normal tires. This keeps the frame of the vehicle up and out of snow drifts and even water puddles. If the tires are not tall enough, then lift kits can be purchased for a vehicle and get the frame up off the axles even more. Even an inch or two on a frame can keep a truck from getting stuck or caught up in something. A shorter car might get hooked up on something and one inch or two can make the difference of being able to get by or not.

Inspect the Suspension System

Since many four wheel drive vehicles are used on roads that do not have the best of conditions on them, the suspension system is set up differently. The suspension is geared to absorb more bumps, since a lot of people with four wheel drive vehicles do take them off road. The suspension system, which includes struts and shocks, are thicker, longer and able to absorb more of the shock from bumps in the road. The more active you are in your four wheel drive, the more care it will require to keep safe. The tires, suspension, brakes and even the fluids should be checked often after heavy use. Four wheel drive takes a lot of work from the engine and all of the corresponding parts, so you should take care to monitor all of those parts so they remain working in good condition. If you do not know how to look after your four wheel drive, then take it to a professional who does. They can go over the struts and make sure there are no leaks or damages to them. They can also check tire treads and air pressure in your tires.