© Copyright Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd. 062016
9-7
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Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing
rusting and premature failure. It may also enter the transmission
and transfer case, reducing the oil's lubricating qualities. If these
are submerged in water, the lubricants should be replaced as
required.
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Water entering the transmission will cause deterioration in shift
quality, locking up of your transmission accompanied by vibration,
and ultimately damaging the transmission.
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Sand, mud/sludge that has accumulated in brake drums and
around brake discs may affect braking efficiency. This may also
damage brake system components. Wet brakes cannot stop the
vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by
driving the vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the
brake pedal.
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When driving through water, traction or brake capability may be
limited.
Flowing Water
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If the water is swift flowing and rising (as in storm run-off) avoid
crossing until the water level recedes and/or the flow rate is
reduced.
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The flowing water can erode the streambed causing your vehicle
to sink into deeper water.
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Determine the exit point (s) that are downstream of your entry
point to compensate for drifting.
Off-road/Water driving puts more stress on your vehicle than on-
road driving. Always perform a maintenance inspection after each
day of off-road driving that has taken you through rough terrain,
sand, mud, or water.
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Check for accumulations of plants or bushes. These could be a
fire hazard. They might also hide damage to fuel lines, brake
tubes/hoses, etc.
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Inspect all the tubes/hoses and check for any fluid leakages.
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Get heat exchangers (radiator and condenser) cleaned.
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Check threaded fasteners for looseness, particularly on the
chassis, drive train components, steering, suspension and
brakes. Retighten them to the required torque if required.
If you have been operating the vehicle in off-road conditions, get
the brakes checked and cleaned as necessary. Abrasive
material in any part of the brakes may cause excessive wear or
unpredictable braking. You might not have full braking power
when needed leading to accidents.
After driving through deep water, inspect your vehicle fluids and
lubricants (engine oil, transmission/transfer case/axle oils) to
ensure the fluids have not been contaminated.
STARTING AND DRIVING THE VEHICLE
