Off Highway Check List
Off highway driving is hard on your vehicle. Mostly, this is really just driving on gravel roads.
Gravel roads are found in parks as well as many rural areas. Cars and SUV's have no trouble negotiating these roads, but some precautions are advised just in case trouble does arise.
The gear you take will depend on your vehicle type; the type roads; the climate (rainy means mud, and arid means heat and dust); the time of year (hot or icy); and how far off the main highway you plan to go.
The further you go off the main highway, the more likely the rough road will give your vehicle a real shakedown. It also means the less likely someone else will drive by to help you out.
A little vehicle preparation can make your trip a smooth one.
Before the Trip
- Check/change Oil
- Check Coolant
- Check Brake Fluid
- Check Steering Fluid
- Check Belts
- Check Tire Condition
- Check Tire Pressure
- Check Headlamps
- Check Tail Lamps
- Fill Window Washer Fluid
- Repair(s) if needed
Carry in your Vehicle
- Tool Box
- Box Wrenches
- Ratchet Set
- Screw Driver Set
- Pliers
- Tin Shears
- Motor Oil
- Brake Fluid
- Steering Fluid
- Air Pump
- Tire Gauge
- Jack
- Hi-Lift Jack
- Extra Spare Tire
- Tow Strap
- Extraction Strap
- Lug Wrench
- Warning Reflectors
- Fuel Siphon
- Jumper Cables
- Flares
- Hose Clamps
- Tire Patch Kit
- Flash Light
- Rope
- Spare Wiper Blades
- Shovel
- Come-Along
- Washer Fluid
- Bucket
- Squeegee
- Toilet Paper
- Ice Scrapers
- Work Gloves
- Axe
- Folding Saw
- CB Radio
- Vehicle Registration
- Insurance ID Card
- Auto Club ID Card