Owning a 4×4 is about more than just weekend adventures – it’s about being prepared for whatever terrain or conditions our vast country throws your way. Whether you’re conquering rocky tracks, sandy coastlines, or red dirt roads, your 4×4 works harder than the average vehicle – and that means it needs more frequent, tailored servicing to stay in peak condition.

In this guide, we’ll explore how often to service your 4×4 based on your driving habits, what needs to be checked regularly, and why a proactive approach to 4×4 maintenance can save you time, money, and breakdowns down the road.

Why Off-Roading Demands More Frequent Servicing

The issue:
4×4 vehicles are designed for rugged use – but that doesn’t make them immune to wear and tear. In fact, off-road driving actually exposes your vehicle to significantly more stress and risk than normal highway or city use.

Here’s why:

• Water crossings can lead to contamination of diff oils and wheel bearings
• Sand and dust can clog air filters and cause premature engine wear
• Corrugations and vibration accelerate suspension and steering component wear
• Heavy loads or towing increase stress on brakes, cooling systems and drivetrains
• Salt exposure from beach driving contributes to rust and corrosion

The result? A vehicle that might look fine on the outside but be under significant mechanical stress internally. That’s why regular servicing tailored to 4×4 use is essential.

Recommended Service Intervals for Off-Road Vehicles

For general 4×4 use, a logbook service every 10,000 km or 6 months (whichever comes first) is standard. But this interval shortens considerably with regular off-road use. If you frequently head off the beaten track, consider servicing:

• Every 5,000–7,000 km for heavy-duty or frequent off-roaders
• Before and after major off-road trips (especially beach or outback travel)
• Every 3–4 months if you tow regularly or use your 4×4 for work purposes

Even if you don’t rack up high kilometres, it’s important to service based on time, not just distance. Oil degrades over time, and seals or fluids can deteriorate even if your 4×4 is parked for long periods.

What Should Be Checked During a 4×4 Service?

At Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, we tailor every 4×4 service to suit your vehicle and how you use it. A typical off-road vehicle service will include:

Fluids and Filters

• Engine oil and filter
• Transmission and transfer case oil
• Front and rear differential oils
• Brake and clutch fluids
• Fuel and air filters
• Coolant condition and level

Underbody and Drivetrain

• Inspection of bash plates, mounts and guards
• Check for leaks or contamination in driveline components
• Greasing of universal joints, CV joints and suspension points
• Check for rust or corrosion on chassis and bodywork

Suspension and Steering

• Inspect shocks, springs, bushes and linkages for wear or leaks
• Check wheel alignment and tyre wear from uneven terrain
• Test steering components for play or binding

Brakes, Tyres and Wheels

• Inspect brake pads, rotors and drums for wear
• Tyre pressures, rotation and tread condition
• Check bead seals (especially after sand or rock driving)

Electrical and Battery

• Battery load test and terminal inspection
• Lighting system check – including spotties, trailer plugs and aftermarket gear
• Alternator and starter motor test

Body and Interior

• Windscreen washer and wiper condition
• Check seatbelt function and warning lights
• Cabin filter replacement (often clogged from dust driving)

Signs Your 4×4 Needs a Service Sooner

Even between scheduled services, keep an eye out for early warning signs that your 4×4 needs attention:

• Vibrations or clunks from underneath
• Spongy brakes or longer stopping distance
• Difficulty changing gears or rough shifting
• Oil spots in your driveway
• Unusual engine noises
• Overheating, especially when towing or climbing hills

If in doubt – don’t risk it. It’s cheaper to check and fix a small problem now than to wait for it to become a big (and expensive) repair.

Why Choose Hi-Mech Auto Solutions for Auto Electrical Repairs?

At Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, we combine the latest diagnostic technology with years of hands-on experience. Whether your vehicle has a complex electrical issue or just needs a battery replacement, we offer:

• Expert auto electricians
• State-of-the-art diagnostic tools
• Fast, accurate fault finding
• Honest advice and quality workmanship
• Servicing for all makes and models, including European and 4×4 vehicles

DIY Inspections Between Services

If you’re heading away on a trip, it’s smart to do a few quick checks yourself:

• Tyre pressures (including the spare)
• Engine oil level and colour
• Coolant level and condition
• Look under the vehicle for leaks
• Check lights, wipers and washers
• Test your 4×4 system (low range, lockers etc.) before you leave

Why Choose Hi-Mech Auto Solutions for Your 4×4?

We’re not just general mechanics – we’re passionate 4x4ers too. Our workshop is fully equipped to handle everything from basic logbook servicing to complex off-road modifications, upgrades and diagnostics. We understand how Queensland’s conditions affect your vehicle, and we tailor our services to suit.

We service all makes and models including Toyota LandCruiser, Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-MAX, Nissan Patrol, Mitsubishi Triton and more.

Call Hi-Mech Auto Solutions today or book online for a thorough inspection of your 4×4 vehicle.

Modern vehicles are smarter and safer than ever, thanks to technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. These features fall under the umbrella of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) — and while they offer incredible safety benefits, they also rely on precise calibration to function properly.

If you’ve recently had a windscreen replaced, suspension adjusted, or been in a minor accident, your vehicle may need an ADAS calibration — even if everything seems fine. At Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, we’re fully equipped to handle ADAS calibration for a wide range of modern vehicles. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is ADAS?

ADAS stands for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems — the suite of technologies designed to improve driver awareness, reduce road accidents, and make driving easier. These systems use a mix of cameras, radar sensors, ultrasonic detectors, and LiDAR to monitor surroundings and assist with:

• Lane keeping and lane departure warnings
• Adaptive cruise control
• Forward collision warning
• Emergency braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Traffic sign recognition
• Parking assistance and more

For these features to work accurately, the sensors and cameras involved must be calibrated to millimetre precision. That’s where ADAS calibration comes in.

What is ADAS Calibration?

ADAS calibration is the process of adjusting and aligning the cameras and sensors used by your vehicle’s safety systems. These components are extremely sensitive and can be thrown off by even small changes to your car’s alignment, suspension height, or camera angle.

Calibration ensures these systems provide accurate data to your vehicle’s computer. Without proper calibration, your ADAS features may respond too early, too late, or not at all — putting you and other road users at risk.

When Does Your Car Need ADAS Calibration?

Many drivers don’t realise just how easy it is to knock ADAS sensors out of alignment. You may need ADAS calibration after:

Windscreen Replacement

Forward-facing cameras are often mounted behind the windscreen. Any replacement — even with an identical glass panel — will require recalibration to ensure accurate image capture and sensor alignment.

Suspension or Wheel Alignment Work

Adjustments to your vehicle’s suspension or ride height (especially common in 4WDs) can affect the angles at which your ADAS sensors operate. A professional calibration ensures your systems continue to detect the road correctly.

Accident Repairs

Even a minor front-end collision or bumper repair can affect radar sensors or disrupt the alignment of your front-facing cameras. Don’t assume that just because the car “looks fine”, your safety systems are still working properly.

Tyre or Wheel Changes

Changing to different-sized wheels or tyres can subtly alter your vehicle’s dynamics and ride height — both of which can affect ADAS sensor accuracy.

Dash Warnings or Fault Codes

If your dashboard shows any ADAS-related warnings (such as “front assist not available”), this could mean your system has detected a misalignment or sensor fault. It’s best to have it checked promptly.

Why ADAS Calibration Matters

Driving with misaligned ADAS sensors is not just a technical issue — it’s a serious safety risk. If your forward collision warning triggers too late, or your lane-keeping assist pulls the wheel incorrectly, you could be in real danger on the road.

Other reasons to prioritise calibration include:

• Ensuring full functionality of safety features
• Avoiding false alerts or unnecessary braking
• Maintaining insurance compliance after repairs
• Preserving manufacturer warranty
• Improving driver confidence and comfort

Static vs Dynamic ADAS Calibration

There are two main types of ADAS calibration, and the right one depends on your car’s make, model, and the systems involved:

Static Calibration

Forward-facing cameras are often mounted behind the windscreen. Any replacement — even with an identical glass panel — will require recalibration to ensure accurate image capture and sensor alignment.

Dynamic Calibration

This involves driving the vehicle on the road under specific conditions to allow the system to calibrate itself using live data. It’s often used for radar and lane-keeping systems.

At Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, we’re equipped to perform both static and dynamic ADAS calibrations in line with manufacturer specifications.

Why Choose Hi-Mech Auto Solutions?

ADAS calibration requires more than just the right tools — it demands a high level of expertise, attention to detail, and up-to-date knowledge of different vehicle systems. At Hi-Mech Auto Solutions, we offer:

• Certified technicians trained in ADAS technologies
• Industry-leading calibration tools and software
• Fast turnaround with accurate results
• Competitive pricing and honest advice
• Servicing across a wide range of European, Japanese, and Australian vehicles

We work with panel beaters, windscreen replacement services, and local drivers across the region to ensure vehicles leave our workshop with fully functional and accurately calibrated safety systems.

Why Choose Hi-Mech Auto Solutions?

If your vehicle has undergone recent repairs, replacements, or adjustments — or you’ve noticed your ADAS systems acting strangely — don’t wait until something goes wrong.

Book your ADAS calibration with Hi-Mech Auto Solutions and drive away with complete confidence in your vehicle’s safety features.

Call us today or book online — we’re here to keep your car’s advanced systems working exactly as they should.