A D VI C E
P R E -T R IP IN S P E C T IO N S
ABOVE: With your
pre-trip checks done
you can head off
with confidence.
RIGHT: Utilise an
experienced motor
mechanic for pretrip inspections.
TENSIONED
RIGHT
Before any big trip, it’s a good idea to run
over any major nuts and bolts with a socket
or spanner. While you’re there, why not
mark their position with a permanent
marker so you know if they’ve been
loosening up during your travels?
It costs next to nothing to do and it offers
great peace of mind knowing that you can
check your bolts are tight with a quick
glance. The truth is, it really doesn’t take
much for a bolt to rattle loose and cause all
sorts of dramas – ask me how I know that!
is allowed. Make it a part of your routine
maintenance to ensure your battery is secure. That
includes the battery tray and its mounts as well.
COUPLING NUT TENSION
If you’re running an old poly-block style coupling
like me, you’ll find the mounting nut has a nasty
habit of coming loose over harsh corrugations.
So, check there’s a spring washer in place and
the nut is nice and tight as part of your routine
maintenance.
WHEEL NUTS
With your wheels off, take 10 minutes to clean and
lube up the threads inside the wheel lugs and on
the wheel studs. Dirt and muck commonly gets
caught and is the number one cause of thread
90
ADVENTURES