Coolant. Water is great as a coolant. However, the disadvantages are it causes corrosion and evaporates easily when hot. … [Read more...]
Why You Should Care Which Handbrake System Your 4wd Has
There are two common types of handbrake systems fitted to 4wd vehicles: A handbrake which works on the rear brake shoes. A transmission brake that is fitted to the rear output of the transfer box. … [Read more...]
Raised Air Intakes – Are They Really Necessary?
It's hot, it's dusty and it's dry - so why should you consider fitting a raised air intake? … [Read more...]
Are Bilstein Shocks Worth It?
Over the last 15 years we have tried various types /makes of suspension. The only shock absorber that we have found to deal with the rigours of off road and security training and just driving around on East African roads are Bilstein. … [Read more...]
There are Tools and then there are Tools
I was trying to remove a drop-arm from a Landrover Defender steering box. … [Read more...]
Is your battery clamped down and secure?
An unsecured battery is a major cause of why vehicles burn to the ground. … [Read more...]
What to Check on Your 4wd (Vehicle Check Over)
I am often astounded at how few people, attending our training, know how to open their vehicle bonnet (hood), let alone carry out a basic /routine inspection. So, although I have previously written about vehicle checks, I thought this time, I would cover in more detail the what, how to and why's of an inspection. A routine vehicle inspection is broken down into three parts. … [Read more...]
Keeping 4wds Simple for Harsh Environments
Electronically Challenged During my apprentice days, I came across the KISS principle. You found out what this meant as soon as you tried to offer up a complicated solution to a problem and met with the answer, "K(eep) I(t) S(imple) S(tupid)!" … [Read more...]
A Daily Morning Vehicle Checklist
Here are a few points of what to check, what to look for and why it needs checking. Also, when checking levels make sure the vehicle is on flat, level ground. … [Read more...]
Free Wheeling Hubs: Why Have Them?
What they do and don't do Free wheeling hubs then; first let me dispel a few myths; They do not engage 4wd - this is done in the transfer case; They do not lock the front differential. … [Read more...]