Basic Car Maintenance

China B · Post by **China B** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 1:46 pm

Hi Everyone,

Please forgive my very Newbie Question........... But in between trips to the dunes, what basic maintenance should I do to my car that is not a full service and where could I do it? Superlube only covers fluids obviously and I don't want to have to book in my car with a garage every two weeks. As part of this should I get the underside of my car cleaned, suspension, tracking, wheel balance checked, doors hinges greased?
I have just been up into the mountains in my Pajero and over some severe 'surprise' speed bumps. Now when reversing on full lock the steering is grinding and my brakes are spongy even after replacing the pads only 8 weeks ago. (is that normal?)

I just want to keep my car 'dune ready' with the minimum of fuss and expense..

scotchyl · Post by **scotchyl** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 1:55 pm

All great symptoms of an enjoyable weekend off roading.

I will only comment for myself, that i will go the the ADNOC every weekend and have the manual wash as they will give the underneath of the car a thorough clean and extra attention to certain areas if you ask them nicely.

For the tyres etc they recommend that you rotate every 5,000km to get a nice even ware on the treads, but I would probably think about alignment and balance every month just to avoid any uneven wear. also when they rotate the tyres, its good to take the tyres off the rims as often sand gets inside and can add to any vibrations.

give the engine a good clean with either pressurized air, or if its able to high pressure steam. also the air filter cleaned as this really does inhibit the power of the car.

If in Abu Dhabi
Manual Car wash (ADNOC on muroor at junction with 21st street or corner of 11th and Khaleej Al Arabi)
Tyres - Tyre Plus on salam street (i get rotate, align and balance for AED350 and they use the laser alignment and I have had no problems at all)

China B · Post by **China B** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 2:12 pm

Hi Scotchyl,

Thank you for this very sound advice. I am in Dubai but will look for a local big ENOC Prowash..

Bu Shahid · Post by **Bu Shahid** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 2:21 pm

scotchyl wrote: (ADNOC on muroor at junction with 21st street

small correction....Junction with 25th St.

BAHA · Post by **BAHA** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 4:09 pm

What maintenance ??

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Kalahari · Post by **Kalahari** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 8:00 pm

Hi China B
After each major drive with side cresting and side sloping, I go to the car wash on Al Khail near Hessa off ramp for a steam wash. If a newbie or intermediate , then a normal underbody wash does the trick.
When the vehicle is up on the hoist, have a close look at all steering components and bushes for damage.
Clean air filter after each trip, sometimes very little sand, sometimes a lot.
Service every 5000.
Carry spare fuse if you are pulling out a fuse for traction control
That's it for my JK.
Cheers Andrew

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Idaho · Post by **Idaho** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 8:07 pm

Wow... I don't do any of that.

Hmmmm....

Brian (Idaho) JK 0506154559 ****

Come to the Dark Side (we have cookies)...

Aidy · Post by **Aidy** » Sun Apr 19, 2015 8:19 pm

Hi Catherine, a good wash is probably all you're car needs. I normally go for steam wash every other weekend and ensure I do full maintenance regularly on due time. Other than that there should be no probs at all

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Bulldozer · Post by **Bulldozer** » Mon Apr 20, 2015 1:01 am

It seems Dxb boys did the explanations gave the direction for good cleaning jobs
Its not the right thing you having spongy brakes, but good underneath cleaning might sort it out, if you are using the brake alot in the sand you might expect more wear ration than normal.
good luck in sand

Dune_Phantom · Post by **Dune_Phantom** » Tue Apr 21, 2015 7:02 pm

Good practice is to clean the filter post every and pre every drive. This provides better hp on the engine. Post drive wash is essential especially post advance drives.