Four-wheel-drive vehicles (4WDs) are more prone to wear and tear, especially when you often use them off the road or on rugged terrains. So, if you own a Mitsubishi Outlander, or any other 4WD the brand has, such as the Pajero or Triton, you should remember that it comes with a bigger responsibility to keep it maintained. Taking it for a Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD service required by the manufacturer will go a long way in ensuring it is in top condition and in extending its life.
Why Follow the Required Service Schedule for Your Outlander
Preventative maintenance and regular inspections are key components to preventing breakdowns while you are on or off the road with your vehicle. So, what benefits will you enjoy from following the Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD service required by the manufacturer, in particular?
1. It keeps your vehicle performing at its best.
Needless to say, a regularly maintained vehicle will be performing better than one that is not. It will have a smooth-running engine, offer stable steering, and provide better tyre traction. And, all of these make a huge difference in driving on rough terrains.
2. It ensures safety while on the road.
Aside from giving you a better driving experience, a well-maintained vehicle also keeps you safe while on the road. Make no mistake, breaking parts can cause problems that will not only lead to breakdowns but also cause accidents. Moreover, being stuck in the middle of nowhere also has its own set of dangers.
Like following the Mitsubishi Lancer service schedule, giving your Outlander regular maintenance will take away the risks that come with a malfunctioning vehicle.
3. It prevents engine failure and damage.
Regular maintenance always includes checking mechanical components that, when damaged, might compromise the integrity of the entire engine. Examples of these parts are the oil filter, air filter, and belts. Once they stop functioning properly, it could cause engine failure and, even, damage that will be beyond repair.
4. It keeps your vehicle fuel-efficient.
Some people who have ignored following the proper Mitsubishi Triton service schedule can attest to this scenario. They have skipped one or two of the service schedules stipulated in the manual and found out their unit’s fuel mileage was going down. This means that they had to fill up their gas tanks more often.
On the other hand, if you take good care of your Outlander, it will not waste a single drop of fuel. It will take you as far as it can for every litre of petrol. Not only that it gives you more savings, but it also makes your vehicle more environmentally sound.
5. It maintains the value of your vehicle.
Every service your vehicle receives will be recorded in its logbook. This allows you to place a higher price should you sell it in the future. And, as you may have already noticed, second-hand cars that are still in top condition command a higher price than those which are not.
Factors That Could Affect Your Vehicle’s Maintenance Schedule
More often than not, the service schedules stipulated by your vehicle’s manual will be enough to keep it in good condition. However, there are a couple of factors that would push these schedules earlier or necessitate your unit to have additional work.
Rough Driving
This is mostly the case with 4WDs that are often used for off-road driving. In a way, their components are put under greater strain than usual. The suspension system could develop problems sooner, and the tyres would wear out quicker. Or, oil changes would be more often.
Poor Maintenance by the Previous Owner
If you bought a second-hand vehicle, then it would be difficult, if not impossible, to exactly know how it was handled by its previous owner. If it was not cared for to a high standard, then you can expect issues to turn up sooner than later.
If these scenarios apply to you, then you should follow shorter intervals in giving your vehicle the maintenance that it needs to avoid serious problems from happening.
How Much Does a 4WD Service Cost
The price of a 4WD service could vary depending on a number of factors.
For example, it could depend on the model you have. Of course, the price that you have to pay for your Outlander would not be the same as Mitsubishi Pajero service costs.
Aside from this, the price would also depend on the mileage of your vehicle. Naturally, the first 3,000-mile service would require less work and replacement parts than a 10,000-mile service. Thus, it also costs less.
Moreover, every dealership and service centre is unique, so they might also have different quotes for the services your vehicle requires.
Regardless, you can always ask for a cost estimate from where you bought your vehicle. This way, you can set a timely budget when the service schedule comes.
Conclusion
All vehicles should be given the routine maintenance they need to ensure long life. And, this is even more important when you own a 4WD vehicle, like the Outlander, which typically experiences rougher usage compared to city cars.
With that in mind, you should not ignore what is stated in the manual to follow the schedules for the Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD service required by the manufacturer. While it can be a hassle sometimes, especially if you have a busy schedule, it offers you invaluable benefits for you and your vehicle in the long run. Not only does it keep your unit running at optimal condition, but it also saves you time and money that you could spend on repairing more serious problems due to a missed service schedule.
For more tips and information on vehicle ownership, browse our site!