TECHNICAL ARTICLE

Land Rover basic vehicle maintenance

Authorised dealers versus Land Rover specialists

There are fortunately several well respected specialist service providers in each major Capital city and some larger regional areas, where the level of expertise and availability of equipment is excellent and with the experience to identify anything known to cause problems on a vehicle of your particular model and age. Additionally, logbook servicing by these specialists not only complies with manufacturer warranty, it may actually exceed the basic requirements.

The old adage - “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is a somewhat foolish notion when considering around two tons of potential killing machine hurtling down a highway at over 100 KPH, Even if the vehicle never leaves the confines of the suburbs, the effects of a dud alternator or worn tyres will be bad enough, but a brake or transmission failure are too horrible to contemplate. The Fuzz are unlikely to give the benefit of the doubt if your vehicle causes some calamity due to poor maintenance.

At the very least, it is prudent to inspect the brakes, look for oil and coolant leaks, including the rear of the engine and anywhere seals and O-rings are fitted. Heater hoses that are hardening, or coolant hoses softening should be examined, along with a check for any worn bushes, shocks or seals in the engine and drive train. By identifying when components and systems are nearing the end of their effective life, they can be replaced as needed, thus eliminating many potential problems.

The logbook service and application of common sense

Many of the standard logbook service items are nor strictly necessary, but some discretion is needed. This especially applies to some of the more exotic maintenance elements where the cost of a repair not listed in the schedule may be far more important than one that might be deferred for a month or so. The reverse is also true. If a vehicle has a hard life, reducing the time between services only makes good sense. A “hard life” can apply arguably more to a vehicle that spends all of its time in city traffic than to one that cruises expressways at high speed. The frequent stops and starts that occur in the former case are highly detrimental to component life.

Being suspicious about odd noises

Any and every new noise, vibration or misfire is worth serious attention. Vibration could be tyre damage, a bearing or a cracked universal joint. A noise that has arisen suddenly, as distinct from one that has got worse over time may mean imminent failure, but neither should be ignored. Whatever is causing this will certainly fail, probably sooner rather than later and invariably when it will be least convenient and/or dangerous.

Land Rover upgrade advice

A reliable and reputable specialist will develop a personal relationship with each regular customer to understand how a particular vehicle is used. When appropriate, advice will be given on modifications that will improve performance, reduce fuel costs, improve the ride and handling and maximise vehicle safety. For most drivers, this might be nothing more than a change of tyre type or more frequent oil changes. However, some suspension upgrades will make the vehicle far safer for off-road work. It all comes down to trust in the selection of a service provider with skill and integrity.

Land Rover upgrade advice

Although it might be a natural reaction to be careful of suggestions to spend money on upgrades, a reliable and reputable specialist will develop a personal relationship with each regular customer to understand how a particular vehicle is used. When appropriate, advice will be given on modifications that will improve performance, reduce fuel costs, improve the ride and handling and maximise vehicle safety. For most drivers, this might be nothing more than a change of tyre type or more frequent oil changes. However, some suspension upgrades may make the vehicle far safer for off-road work. It all comes down to trust in the selection of a service provider with skill and integrity.

This article is one of many written by ASPAC Consulting,in collaboration with the technical experts at Graeme Cooper Automotive.

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