4x4s and off-roading go hand in hand, they’re synonymous with each other, and there are hundreds of Mitsubishi off-roading clubs all around the world.
The truth is though, it’s a passion and a hobby, and not exactly the truth of day-to-day driving for many. Commuting down the motorway, dropping the kids off at school, or towing a trailer to the tip, you’ve probably done one of those more recently than hitting the green lanes.
Whether you’re a mud fanatic, or purely a functional 4×4 driver though, it’s actually very important that you do not neglect the 4WD setting on your vehicle.
We often see owners who are using their 4x4s for everyday life, and therefore don’t tend to use the 4WD system as often as they should. Whilst this may be understandable, it could actually be shortening the lifespan of your vehicle.
The morning you wake up to snow and think “No problem I have a 4×4”, you start the car, engage the 4×4, and off you go no problem, some time later you try to dis-engage the 4×4 and your dash is lit up with flashing lights. This means your 4×4 has not disengaged and you are inflicting excess wear and tear on your drive train. If not corrected this could cause serious damage and have a financial impact on your bank account.
One of the biggest problems we see in our workshop is the replacement of transfer box switches located on top of the transfer box. These switches can become sticky internally due to a lack of use, which can cause problems when engaging or disengaging 4WD. This can be frustrating for owners and can lead to costly repairs.
To avoid this issue, we recommend that owners put their Mitsubishi 4×4 into 4WD at least 2 or 3 times a month for a short period (say ½ mile when the vehicle is warm), even if they don’t plan on going off-road. This will help keep all of the transfer box components free and lubricated, ensuring that the switches don’t become sticky or difficult to use.
In conclusion, while it’s understandable that not everyone takes their Mitsubishi 4×4 off-road, it’s important to remember that regular use of your 4WD system can help prevent issues from developing over time. By engaging your 4WD system at least 2 or 3 times a month, you can help keep your transfer box switches free and lubricated, ensuring that your Mitsubishi 4×4 runs smoothly for years to come.
Having trouble with your 4WD system? We stock a wide range of 4×4 parts here at Mitzy Bitz, including 4wd control units, selector switches, and more. Click here and enter your reg to see our full range of parts for your vehicle.
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