After Driving Your Vehicle Off-Road
 WARNING: After off-road use, before returning to the road, check the wheels and tires for damage. Off-road use may cause damage to your wheels and tires that can lead to tire failure, loss of vehicle control, serious injury or death. |
Driving off-road places more stress on your vehicle than most on-road driving. After driving off-road, check for damage to the wheels, chassis and underbody.
Inspect the underbody of your vehicle by checking tires, body structure, steering, suspension, and exhaust system for damage.
Inspect the tires for any cuts in the tread or sidewall area. Also inspect the sidewall for any bulge indicating damage to the tire.
Make sure the tires are inflated to proper tire pressure as indicated on the tire placard.
Check the radiator for mud and debris and clean as needed.
Check that the air filter is clean and dry.
Remove accumulations of plants or brush. These things could be a fire hazard or hide damage to the fuel lines, brake hoses and propeller shafts.
Make sure the grille and radiator are clear of any obstructions that may affect cooling.
After extended operation in mud, sand, water, or similar dirty conditions, inspect the wipers and washers to make sure they are working.
Note: Mud caked windows are hard to see through and can damage wiper blades or motor.
Check wipers for debris or anything that may scratch the windshield.
If you experience unusual vibration after driving in mud, slush or similar conditions, check the wheels for impacted material. Impacted material can cause vibrations when driving and wheel imbalance. Remove the material to reduce the vibration.
Note: If you have removed the impacted material from the wheels and your vehicle still has a vibration check your vehicle for damage or see an authorized dealer.
Inspect the exhaust system for damage or looseness.
Make sure that the brakes are in proper working order and free of any mud, stones and debris, which can become trapped around the brake rotor, backing plate and caliper.
Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks, or other damage.
Inspect undercarriage fasteners. If any are loose or damaged, tighten or replace ensuring that the proper torque specification is used.
Inspect for torn or punctured boots on ball joints, half shafts, steering gears.
Refit the front license plate if removed previously.
Cold Weather Precautions
The functional operation of some components and systems can be affected at temperatures below approximately -25 °C (-13 °F).
Breaking-In
Your vehicle requires a break-in period. For the first 1,600 km (1,000 mi), avoid driving at high speeds, heavy braking, aggressive shifting or using your vehicle to tow. During this time, your vehicle may exhibit some unusual driving characteristics.
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