Powertrain and Drivetrain Maintenance
Engine Maintenance:
Frequent heavy loads and hill climbing place a high load on the engine; therefore, the oil change interval should be shortened (3,000–5,000 km for conventional oil; 7,000–10,000 km for fully synthetic oil). Inspect the oil filter and air filter regularly (in mountainous areas or at construction sites where dust levels are high, it is recommended to clean the air filter every 2,000–3,000 km and replace it promptly if severely clogged).
Periodically clean the throttle body and fuel injectors (especially for diesel vehicles) to prevent carbon buildup, which can lead to power loss and increased fuel consumption. Check the radiator and coolant levels to prevent overheating and boiling over (engines are prone to overheating during hill climbs).
Transmission Maintenance:
For manual transmissions, check the gear oil level and condition. For automatic transmissions, regularly replace the transmission fluid and filter (following the manufacturer's recommended interval, typically 20,000–40,000 km) to avoid jerky shifting or gear sticking.
Vehicle Body and Detail Maintenance
Cleaning and Rust Prevention:
After driving in muddy or saline-alkali areas (such as mining sites), thoroughly wash the undercarriage and wheel arches to remove mud, silt, and corrosive substances. Regularly apply rust-preventive coating to the undercarriage, paying special attention to areas prone to corrosion, such as weld seams and bolts.
Keep the cab interior dry to prevent rainwater seepage from causing electrical short circuits (e.g., promptly clear any accumulated water under the floor mats).
Electrical Systems and Components:
Check battery terminals for oxidation (if oxidation occurs, rinse with hot water and apply petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion) and ensure the battery is sufficiently charged (especially in winter to avoid starting failures due to power depletion).
Regularly test the functionality of electrical components such as the 4WD selector switch and lights (e.g., fog lights, turn signals). Promptly repair any poor connections to prevent breakdowns caused by electrical faults when driving in challenging conditions.
