SUV advisor
Your guide to everything off-road
Monsoons can be a trying time not only for the driver but also for vehicles as well. Even though SUVs have the advantage of high ground clearance, many a times small and basic precautions is what separates being on-the-move from being stranded on-the-road. No one likes car break downs in the middle of pouring rains, therefore our Monsoon Guide on SUV maintenance and tips is about just that and plenty more. It’s about being prepared for breakdowns, how-tos, and a handful of basic precautions that prevent the car from massive damage, also keeping you protected from unnecessary expenditure as a result.
WINCH
A winch is an invaluable piece of kit for those planning to indulge in serious off-roading where vehicles can, and do, get stuck more often than not. But it is important to choose the right winch. As a thumb rule buy one that can handle 11 or 12 times your SUV’s kerb weight. If your SUV has airbags ensure the sensors of the airbags aren’t being obstructed while mounting. Also, take good care of your winch; remember a rusty winch cable is likelier to snap. Always wear gloves while using the winch and ensure that the cable is not tangled when it’s being wound back onto the winch.
BODY ARMOUR
Taking your prized SUV off the beaten path also implies you will understandably encounter numerous obstacles, of which not all of them will be apparent. So a slush pool might actually hide a boulder with a sharp edge that could rip out the sump. What you need in a scenario like this is body armour. First up is the all important sump guard, followed by the fuel tank guard. Choose thick steel guards and mount them properly with strong clamps. Also, make sure there is a little gap between the guard and the sump or tank so that there is room enough for the guard to bend without actually touching or denting the tank or sump. You can also install a slide rail all around that will prevent the SUV’s body from touching tree trunks, etc. And then of course there are the myriad guards for all the lamps.
SUSPENSION
Although the ground clearance on any average SUV is more than enough to be able to tackle most of the stuff roads or graded paths can throw at you, you will need to increase it even further if you’re looking at serious off-roading. To do this, you need to replace the stock suspension on your SUV with a high lift kit. But before you go overboard, check that the high lift kit you just installed doesn’t foul with metal work.
AUXILIARY LIGHTS
Off road trails are never going to be lit. So having additional driving lights help. These lights can easily be installed on the bumpers or even on the roof rack. A custom made light rack is also possible. But don’t just give the lights power directly through the battery. Ensure you have appropriate wiring for them. Carry extra fuses as well.
SNORKEL
A snorkel system relocates your engine’s air intake point from the relatively low and vulnerable position under the hood to a much higher and safer location where a constant source of cool, clean, dry air is available. As each snorkel is designed for a specific vehicle you’ll have to find the model that fits your SUV. Installing a snorkel is quite straightforward and simple. The hardest part should be cutting into your fender, so if you’re not a mechanic you should leave the job to the pros to avoid any possibility of damage to the vehicle.
TYRES
Tyres are the only point of contact between your SUV and terra firma. So a right set is very important. Never venture out with an old set. Choose a set depending on the terrain you are going to face or get a set of All Terrain tyres if you want to play safe. Tyres should offer decent tread on the sidewall too, for tackling rocks.