Welcome to Mangali 4WD Offroad Tours

We have marked important points for a longer tour with a *, anything without a * is adequate for a shorter journey.

Engine:

• Check service interval – if close or overdue, service vehicle before departing
• *It is always a good idea to give your vehicle a full service before embarking on any sort of long trip
• Check condition of drive belts, if in doubt, replace them
• *Replace drive belts, a good tip is to hold onto the old one’s for spares
• Check air cleaner, clean or replace if dirty
• *Replace air filters and hold onto old ones for spares on your trip
• Check oil levels and oil filter, replace if necessary, this is done on a regular service
• Check around engine for oil leaks, rectify problem immediately if needed. Leaks around the rear of the engine block and bell housing could mean a worn rear seal
• *Check engine block for evidence of coolant loss around welsh plugs
• *Check power steering reservoir level, bleed and refill if needed
• *Check tension on engine mount bolts and condition of mounts
• *Check fuel system for leaks, especially around the fuel pump on both petrol and diesel engines
• *Check fuel delivery lines for cracks and other damage
• *On older vehicles check under the oil filter cap for signs of water or sludge, this could mean trouble coming

Cooling System:

• Check condition of coolant by having it properly analysed, it may be the right colour, but could have deteriorated
• Check the condition of the radiator core, looking for damage or deterioration
• Check the water pump for leaks – this usually indicates impending failure
• Check for abnormal temperature variations – it could mean a faulty thermostat
• Check the header tank on the radiator for seepage, indicating a crack
• Check that the radiator overflow tank has not become brittle, it could crack and result in coolant loss
• Check condition of all hoses, including heater hoses and all clamps
• Check the operation of the fan clutch if fitted
• Check level in top header radiator tank, not just the overflow
• Check that there is adequate airflow to the cooling system and it is not blocked by accessories

Electrical:

• Check all exposed wiring for wear on the insulation where it’s vulnerable to rubbing
• Check overall condition of the battery, terminals should be clean and free of corrosion with properly fitted connections, fluid levels should cover internal plates
• Check the operation of battery isolator if dual battery is fitted
• Ensure the output on the alternator is up to specification
• Check starter motor for operation, make sure all wiring is connected
• Check the operation of brake, stop turn indicator lights
• Check headlight and driving light aim, if these lights dim at idle the alternator/battery could be faulty
• Check for cracks in lenses on headlights and accessory lighting
• Check fuses for condition, make sure spares are carried, if blown find out why – fuses blow for a reason
• Check wiring to tow bar and electrical braking system

Driveline:

• Check wheel bearings for condition and correct adjustment, wheel bearing problems can mean loss of a wheel and tyre at an inopportune moment
• Check fluid level of gearbox and transfer case, check for any external leaks, make sure it’s gearbox oil not engine oil blowing back while your driving
• Check front and rear diffs for correct levels and oil condition, if it has been contaminated by water, the water will often separate to the bottom, service interval on diffs and gearbox should be as per manual
• Check for leaks around both diffs, especially pinion seals
• Check breathers on diffs for blockage, this is often the cause of leakage when internal pressure builds up forcing oil past the seals
• Check drive shafts for excessive play in universal joints and sliders
• Check that drive shaft balance weight is in tact, drive shaft imbalance will usually not be apparent until up to highway speed
• Check for leaks around hubs that may indicate oil contamination into wheel bearings, on live axle vehicles check for leakage from around the swivel hub
• Check condition of gearbox mounts and tension bolts

Safety and Tyres:

• Check that windscreen washer reservoir is full and treated with bug remover
• Check windscreen for cracks, these will travel across the screen especially in rough terrain
• Check correct aiming of headlights and auxiliary lighting
• Check that hazard lights work
• Check condition of wiper blades
• Make sure heater/demister is working and vents are not blocked
• Check brake fluid reservoir, if it’s down it may mean the disc pads are worn. Don’t just fill it up without checking why it’s low!
• Check for leaks on brake lines, this could show up as a spongy pedal, that indicates possible loss of fluid, therefore loss of brakes
• Check brake pads for wear and condition of discs for excessive wear and/or scouring
• Check that disc brake callipers are not seized
• Check tyres for uneven wear indicating a need for rotation, wheel alignment and balance, rotate all 5 tyres if possible
• Check tread depth, if the wear bars are too close to the top then have new tyres fitted before the trip, worn tyres are a primary cause of failure in the bush
• Check rims for damage, particularly alloys for chips out of the bead area
• Check that jack and wheel brace are in working order and easily accessible, this includes lock nut or special socket if applicable
• Check that the spare tyre/s are in decent order and have not lost pressure
• Check all tyre pressures against vehicle placard with particular attention to pressure for loaded vehicle
• Check tension on wheel nuts, they should be reasonably easy to remove without resorting to a tension bar, and should only be done up with a wheel brace
• Check shock absorbers for leaks and worn bushes or other damage, also, check springs and suspension mounts for cracks and worn bushes or other damage.

Accessories:

• Check tension on roof-rack mounts, on modular racks make sure that all components are tight
• Check wheel-carrier bolts tension
• Check aim of driving lights after vehicle is loaded, make sure a spare globe/s are carried
• Check air-con sight glass for bubbles while running, it may need re-gassing
• Check the tailgate seal, unless you want a vehicle full of dust
• Check that the long-range tank (if fitted) works correctly and transfers fuel, if there’s an in-line filter, check it and change it if needed
• Check tension of seat mount bolts and operation of seat belts
• Make sure your tyre repair kit is complete and anything used on a previous trip is replaced
• Make sure your air compressor is working, and is compatible with the vehicle wiring
• If HF radio is fitted check all fittings and check operation is ok, all wires need to be checked for possible wear
• UHF radio, if fitted should work correctly with access to repeater channels, if the radio aerial is damaged have it replaced before you leave, otherwise it may not work properly
• Check that dual-battery system is operating correctly, and is isolating second battery correctly

Camping Gear:

• Test run the car fridge on both 12volt and 240volt to make sure it’s running well and functioning properly
• Check the hot wiring to the rear of the vehicle to make sure it’s carrying a current
• If using air mattresses, check them for leaks by inflating them and leaving overnight to see if they have lost pressure
• Check that correct air pump is included, high volume impeller type is ideal
• Make sure all tent pegs and poles are included and adequate for the job
• Check water containers for cleanliness and leaks
• Roll out swags and check bedding is clean and not filled with burrs, or spiders from the last trip
• Make sure the torch is in the vehicle and works
• Carry spare batteries and globe for torch
• Check condition and date of the gas bottle, when packing make sure nothing can rub up against the open/close valve therefore turning it on, fill it before you leave
• Camp Lighting – check fluoro bulbs and casing, check gas lantern glass not cracked and spare mantles included
• Gas stove clean and in good working order, also check it is not full of gunk from last trip
• Check all gas lines, fittings and 0 rings
• Check that you have adequate cooking gear
• Knifes, forks, spoons, cups, plates if needed

Tools and Spares:

• Spare radiator hoses
• Spare drive belts
• Spare fuel filter
• Basic tool kit, including combination spanners, screwdrivers, blade and Phillips head, plastic cable ties, fencing pliers, multigrips, side cutters
• Roll of electrical tape and duct tape
• Selection of hose clamps
• Radiator sealant
• Spare engine oil up to 5l
• 5l of engine coolant

Also remember to check your car for the standard tool kit as this often has tools specific to the vehicle

Please remember that Mangali 4WD Superstores do a pre-trip inspection. Just contact us on (07) 3892 4523 to find out more.