19/07/2026
5 fluid checks before any serious trip. 15 minutes at home. Could save your trip.
Engine oil — level + colour. Gritty burnt oil needs changing before you head anywhere remote.
Coolant — check cold, never hot. Brown or rusty = your cooling system is corroding from the inside.
Brake fluid — the most skipped check on this list. Dark brown fluid on a loaded vehicle heading down descents is serious trouble waiting to happen.
Power steering — 30 seconds. Level + look for milky discolouration.
Diff + gearbox oil — front diff, rear diff, transfer case, gearbox. Low or water-contaminated = you won't know until something stops turning in the middle of nowhere.
Part of our weekly pre-trip series. Save this. Send it to your travel mate.
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