Things to check after mud offroading

Hey guys just thought you might appreciate some advice from a fellow offroader. I've seen things fail too many times because they aren't taken care off properly. I operate and maintain heavy machinery in my job and often it is the environment that take a hit on our gear. So here's a quick checklist I put together for when you come home after a muddy day:

Check:

- check your air intake and air filter, replace the filter paper if soaky wet
- check your radiator
- check your belts, pulleys and tensioners
- check the insides of your splash guards
- check underside of your flares, rock rails
- check your snorkel if you have one

Clean:

- clean out your filter box and replace your filter if it's wet
- soak your radiator with soap water and leave it for a few minutes before you pressure wash it
- use engine cleaner at the car wash, spray a thick layer and leave it for a few minutes before you rinse it off  with clear water
- rinse your splash guards, bull bar, rear bar and your flares, they often keep a lot of dry mud which eventually gets back into the engine
- rinse your frame rails, they often contain a lot of mud and can keep them in for years
- get some Chemtech CT18 or a similar truck wash to soak your car in, it is great to get off the mud

Check again all your belts and tensioners for traces of mud and sand after your 4WD has dried. You'll often need to do a second wash. This is a lot of work but it will make sure your 4WD will last you and won't give you troubles. It's good practice to spray a layer of WD40 on your underbody parts before you go wheeling. It shields off the sticky mud and it doesn't cost much.