Owning an SUV means a lot more freedom when it comes to the destinations that you want to travel to. However, it also brings with it unique maintenance challenges to keep it in good condition so it can get you to your destination safely and efficiently.

Basic SUV Maintenance Tips

To help get you started on the road...or track, to basic SUV maintenance, Bill Rigdon has put together a top list of SUV maintenance tips to keep you your SUV in good working order.

Keep It Clean

There's more to keeping your SUV clean than ensuring it looks good. When you drive your SUV through mud and dirt and who knows what else, debris can get caught up in your gear and accumulate on the exterior of your body. Over time, this accumulation can lead to the body of your SUV becoming rusted. After each adventure, take a couple of minutes to wash it down and give it a good clean. Pay attention to any roll bars or attachments you have where sticks and debris can become lodged.

Air Filter

How often you need to change your air filter depends on your driving environments.  For example, Ford recommends that you change this filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, however, they further advise that this should occur more frequently if you drive on rough roads. The best way to know if you need to change your air filter is to look at it. Your air filter is located within easy reach on the top of your engine, so before your planned journey, take it out and inspect it. If it is too dirty to clean, replace it. It's not worth starving your engine of clean air while you're trying to push the engine's performance limits during an off-road adventure. Given the amount of dust and dirt that is likely to make its way into your air intake, using a high-quality air filter is highly recommended. Speak with Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer at (503) 329-9004 and find out which air filter is best suited to your SUV.

Fluid Levels

Most drivers are aware of the benefits of engine lubricant, and many perform their own synthetic oil change at home without a visit to the mechanic. However, too many of these motorists forget that their engine relies on additional fluids to operate. During your regular self-maintenance, check the following fluids:

• Brake Fluid
• Transmission Oil
• Power Steering Fluid
• Coolant Levels
• Motor Oil

Each plays a vital role in the operation of your vehicle. If any of these levels are low, don't 'wait until next time', top them up before you head out. If you have any fluid left over, pack it in a small container and take it out with you as spare. If it doesn't help you, it could help a fellow adventurer who wasn't as mindful. If your motor oil is looking dirty, perform a synthetic oil change instead of topping it up.

Shocks and Suspension

It wouldn't be a true off-road adventure if it were a smooth ride, but that doesn't mean that it needs to be so bumpy that you risk damaging your undercarriage and chassis. If your chassis joints are a little dry, consider using a grease gun to provide lubrication where the tires connect with the steering mechanism.

Oil Filter

Given that the location of the oil filter is underneath the vehicle, many owners believe that replacing it is a task which requires a visit to the mechanic. However, if you are happy to get a little dirty, and if you own an SUV the chances are that you are, this is a task which you can do at home. Look at your owners manual or a video online which shows how to replace the oil filter in your model SUV and save yourself a visit to the mechanic and the money they will charge.

Use the Right Products for a Filter Change and Synthetic Oil Change in Clackamas

If you any of these maintenance tips seem overwhelming, remember that you can perform each one at home. If it's a new task for you, take your time, look online for instructions and take the opportunity to learn. It could save a lot of headaches if you need to replace something during your adventure where a mechanic isn't around. When performing any maintenance, it's important that you use the correct products. An air filter, oil filter, or synthetic oil change all require purpose designed products made for your vehicle. To get the right product for your needs, speak with Bill Rigdon AMSOIL Dealer at (503) 329-9004. With a range of high-quality AMSOIL products to choose from, rest assured you will get the best and correct products for your vehicle.