Vehicle Maintenance - Prep Your 4x4 - Moab Tech

Check pad wear and replace your brake pads if they are worn more than 75 percent. Replace both right-side and left-side pads at the same time. An easy way to replace pads without opening the bleed valve to get the piston to move back is to remove the caliper, use an old brake pad and a C-clamp and tighten the clamp until it pushes the piston back into the caliper... no mess and no chance of getting air in your brake lines. Reinstall the calipers and check the brake fluid filler for contaminants and level. If the brake fluid looks dirty, it would be a good time to replace the fluid by bleeding your brake system with new fluid.

Once the vehicle is inspected and all repairs have been done, be sure to restock your first-aid kit if you've used it in the past year.

A small amount of nonperishable food and plenty of water are always good items to keep in your vehicle in the event that your trip lasts longer than intended. A water purifier or iodine tablets take up very little space and can be welcome when your thirst overcomes your supplies.

Out on the trail, temperatures can range from extremely warm to freezing cold, so be sure to keep appropriate clothing and footwear in your vehicle no matter what you may think the weather might be like during your trip. Remember: There is no such thing as bad weather... only bad clothes.