We've all been there: Stranded. Your truck let you down. Sometimes the problem is obvious, such as a growing puddle under the engine or a driveshaft that's 100 yards behind you. Other times it's not. If you've ever been stranded at the side of the road or on the trail, you know it's not a pleasant place to be. That's why performing preventative maintenance and a safety inspection from time to time are so important--it's awfully lonely out on the highway, and especially so if you happen to be halfway up a trail that's miles from nowhere.
For some sound advice on what you should check on your 4x4 to avoid a long walk, we traveled to Off Road Unlimited and followed along as one of the company's technicians performed a safety inspection on a 4x4. Virtually all the points apply to any truck, and the check list is also handy for examining a prospective purchase. If you don't feel like spending an hour or so underneath your truck, Off Road Unlimited and other shops across the country can perform a similar safety inspection for a nominal fee. Just remember, a little bit of time spent now can help you avoid wasting a lot of time later.