Economic collapse, a nuclear attack and a Category 5 hurricane threaten your family. When these SHTF situations arise, you need a reliable vehicle to make your getaway as smooth as possible, considering the circumstances. The last thing you’ll want is a blown tire or a dead battery!
Whether your rig is a year old or 20, it’s worth paying attention to the small details that pay big dividends when you need your bugout vehicle the most. Here are 13 simple ways to extend the life of your bugout vehicle.
1. Inflate the Tires
One of the most straightforward measures you can take is to start with the tires. Check the pounds per square inch (PSI) levels periodically and ensure they stay at the manufacturer’s recommendations. Most vehicles require between 32 and 35 PSI when the tires are cold. The pressures will increase as they heat up, so stay within the manufacturer’s recommendations. Proper inflation is essential because you’ll extend the life of your tires by letting them wear evenly.
In SHTF situations, you’ll want the tires to have proper inflation because you never know how long you’ll be driving. Regularly checking your PSI ensures you’ll be ready to hit the road running when needed.
Another benefit of inflated tires is fuel economy. Proper inflation improves fuel mileage by 0.6% and up to 3% for some. Conversely, underinflated tires reduce fuel economy by 0.2% for every PSI lost. The difference seems small, but the savings add up over time.
2. Change the Oil
Your vehicle’s oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It lubricates the systems and keeps everything running as it should. Of all the fluids, it’s the most integral to your car’s longevity. Most people know they should change their oil after a particular mile marker, but it’s worth a reminder that doing so significantly affects your bugout vehicle’s life. This task only takes half an hour, so make time for it even if you use your car sparingly.
Regular oil changes give your vehicle better fuel mileage and a more efficient engine by keeping the motor clean. It also protects other parts of your motor, like the crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons and more. Consider switching to synthetic oil when changing it. This blend has fewer impurities than standard oil and reduces the frequency of changes, considering it can last up to 10,000 miles.
[Editor’s note: I recently switched to AMS oil to reduce the number of oil changes, which with regards to preparedness, also means my vehicles are always just a bit more “ready to go should” the need arise.]
3. Check Fluid Levels
Oil may be the most obvious fluid to check in your car, but there are others to examine periodically. For example, you should examine the brake fluid level every month. It’s a critical component of your car, and you’ll need the brakes in tip-top condition in a SHTF scenario. Over time, water and metallic particles could contaminate your braking fluid and start eroding the system, leading to failing components. Other fluids you should monitor in your car are the transmission, radiator, power steering and air conditioning coolant. Examining all fluids keeps the system running as it should. Consider changing these fluids every couple of years. Though they seem minor, the windshield wipers also need monitoring.
[Editor’s note: I’m not a mechanic, but it’s my understanding that most other fluids–transmission, coolant, brakes–shouldn’t need changed unless there’s a problem. In fact, I’m told that changing the transmission fluid, for instance, can cause problems! Consult a mechanic just to be sure.]
4. Protect From Sunlight
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your car’s exterior and interior since UV rays can damage the air bags, seats, dash pad and other necessary features. It’s hard to avoid the sun, considering it rises and sets every day. However, there are ways to protect your bugout vehicle from sun damage.
The easiest way to avoid the sun is to park in the shade. Find a sturdy tree on your property to shade your car during the hot months. Consider constructing a carport or awning to protect your vehicle if no trees are available. When you’re not at home, use car shades to reduce the sun’s impact on your interior.
The sun also affects your car’s paint. Regular exposure leads to rusting body panels that make your vehicle unseemly. Aesthetics likely aren’t your first concern with a bugout vehicle, but protecting it from rusting out is essential to extending your vehicle’s life.
5. Use Stronger Materials
Manufacturers have made cars from steel since the Model T. It’s relatively inexpensive and strong. However, other options are starting to rise on the market. Aluminum is a good example, and other automakers like to use chrome. It’s worth paying attention to the materials it’s made out of if you’re looking out for the life of your bugout vehicle. Granted, most parts of a vehicle cannot be changed after the fact, but a few can.
For example, you’ll find yourself choosing between aluminum and steel if you’re selecting wheels or trailers for your bugout. Chrome wheels look nice and are easy to clean, but they’re not known for their durability. Steel rims are stronger than chrome and are more affordable. Aluminum provides strong protection despite its lightweight nature, making it easy to handle for car owners. Aluminum is also helpful because it’s highly resistant to corrosion, which makes it a top choice for trailers.
The point is this: if you’re thinking about modifying or adding parts to your bug out vehicles (such as trailers), there’s more consider than price alone.
6. Drive Smart
Driving your car smartly every time you use it is worthwhile. Hard braking now and then won’t kill your vehicle, but you may need to if others on the road drive as if they need to retake their license test. However, there are a few small things you can do to extend the life of your bugout vehicle.
For example, you should avoid short trips if possible. If you need to use your bugout vehicle, combine multiple errands in one trip. Quick trips don’t allow your machine to warm up to its optimal operating temperature and, thus, increases wear.
Though a Dale Earnhardt impression is tempting, don’t burn rubber on the road. Practice careful driving as much as possible. This includes observing speed limits, accelerating gradually and avoiding potholes in the street. SHTF situations might not bring out the best driver in you, but responsibly operating your bugout vehicle now will extend its life.
7. Store Your Vehicle Properly
Some survivalists have a separate machine they use as their bugout vehicle. They only use it in dire situations because it’s so important. Keeping your bugout vehicle in storage is an excellent idea, but there are some tips you should know for proper safekeeping. In storage, you should:
- Stabilize the fuel: Vehicles in storage still need fuel. You’ll need a reliable amount of gas in the tank if SHTF situations arise. However, be aware that gasoline has a shelf life of about three months. You can extend that time with a fuel stabilizer, adding a year or more to the fuel in your tank. [Editor’s note: I’ve used PRI-G or PRI-D for years and love it; I’m about to try AMS fuel stabilizer, so we’ll see how that goes.]
Consider the battery: Your battery is another critical part of long-term storage. A bugout vehicle sitting idle for weeks and months on end will start to lose battery charge. You can mitigate the problem by disconnecting and removing the battery and placing it on a charger. Or, simply disconnect the negative terminal.
Elevate the vehicle: Another worthy tip for storage is to elevate the machine. Taking your bugout vehicle off the ground reduces stress on the tires and makes them last longer, while also minimizing flat spots. There are multiple ways to do this, but standard methods include using a lift or jack stands.
8. Swap Fuel Seasonally
No matter the crisis, the weather will be one of the biggest roadblocks in your getaway. SHTF situations don’t care if it’s the middle of July or middle of Christmas. You need to be prepared even during extreme weather conditions. Temperatures high and low affect your bugout vehicle’s performance, so swap your fuel based on the season in addition to stabilizing it.
The two types of fuel you’ll find on the market are summer and winter blends. Gas is more prone to evaporation in summer, thus producing smog. Summer blends reduce your gas’s Reid vapor pressure (RVP) and provide slightly more energy than you’d find in a winter blend.
Conversely, winter blends have increased RVP. Evaporation is less of an issue when it’s cold out. The problem you’re more likely to face is a bugout vehicle that won’t start, and winter-blend gasoline helps your engine turn over when the temps are freezing.
Remember, too, that gasoline doesn’t last forever. If your vehicle is in long term storage, you’ll want to swap the gasoline regularly, at least yearly.
9. Preserve the Weatherstripping
When you think of weatherstripping, you probably imagine doors and windows in your home and garage. However, protecting your vehicle is also necessary, especially if you live in a climate with extreme temperatures and weather conditions. For example, your door is more likely to stick to the rubber seal in cold weather. Maintaining your weatherstripping reduces damage and can make a big difference.
The weatherstripping is especially useful if you have to keep your bugout vehicle outside. Moisture from rain and snow can seep in and lead to mold. Clean it with warm water and soap appropriate for cars. You should also inspect the lining to ensure no part of it has loosened. Refrain from using oil-based products because they’ll harm the rubber.
10. Wax the Exterior
Moisture can be a significant problem for vehicles because it can lead to rusting. The dreaded orange-brown color is a silent killer that can lead to substantial issues with your bugout vehicle if you don’t attend to it. The most noticeable effect of rust is on the paint job. However, it also negatively affects the internal components of your bugout vehicle and can be an obstacle when you need to make a getaway.
One of the best ways to prevent rust is by waxing. Aim to do this twice a year to protect your vehicle and extend its life. Waxing gives your paint an extra layer of protection from the elements, such as snow, salt on the street, UV rays and more. Treat any rust spots you see immediately with anti-rust spray so they don’t worsen.
11. Wash Often (including the undercarriage)
Waxing your bugout vehicle is an excellent way to extend its life, but consider the value of regularly washing it. The wax protects your paint job, but many mechanisms in the undercarriage need cleaning, too. A car wash will clean harder-to-access areas.
Car washes are especially crucial in a place with cold winters. Cities will often salt the roads to lower the freezing point and improve driving conditions. While helpful, the salt can build up in your vehicle’s undercarriage and start corrosion, which will only worsen when the snow melts.
Washing also applies to the interior. Like many survivalists, you probably have a load of supplies in your backseat or trunk. One accidental spill can be detrimental if you don’t clean the mess. The liquid could seep into the car’s carpet and hit metal, which is prone to rusting. Clean the interior thoroughly once in a while and check that nothing has leaked.
12. Be Mindful of Cargo Weight
I know we all want to take everything possible, but you should be conscious of the cargo you’re carrying. Your vehicle’s weight affects its performance, and you need every ounce of it when you’re making a getaway.
Your car’s manual will tell you a lot of great information, and one of the helpful pieces to know is the weight limits. You’ll see precisely how much your bugout vehicle can carry at a time and still function properly. You should also check the weight limit of any modifications to the car, such as a roof rack. Heavy loads increase the rolling resistance and require more energy.
Be mindful of what you pack because it’ll affect performance in ways you might not have anticipated, such as the ability to maneuver in tight spots, getting stuck in the mud, and even gas mileage.
13. Upgrade the Spark Plugs
Spark plugs may be a small part, but they’ll make a difference in your engine’s performance. An upgrade will make them last even longer. Most companies use spark plugs made from copper, but there are better options for your bugout vehicle. Platinum will last longer and can withstand higher temperatures than copper.
Another excellent option is iridium spark plugs, an even better upgrade than platinum. Iridium has a high melting point and can improve your engine’s performance because it requires less voltage to start and lasts a long time.
Ensure a Smooth Getaway
SHTF situations are more likely than most people think. The world experienced a pandemic and plenty of civil unrest in 2020. We are vulnerable to world war breaking out and technological disasters, too. In the long run, humans face global warming, droughts, food crises and plenty more.
In these events, you need a reliable bugout vehicle. It must be able to navigate any terrain and get you through all situations. Take special care of your bugout rig with these 13 simple ways to extend its life. Although some maintenance can be tedious, you’ll be happy you took the initiative if/when you need to hit the road.
[Note: This was a guest post.]
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