Owning and driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) is a distinct experience compared to owning a standard car. SUVs come with their own set of requirements and potential issues, and it takes a committed approach to truly understand and maintain such a vehicle—ensuring it stays safe and performs well as it should.
1. Familiarize Yourself with the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule and Adhere to It
SUVs are costly to own, operate, and repair—even more so than regular cars. Proper maintenance is vital to extending their lifespan. Modern SUVs are equipped with advanced monitoring systems that track everything from fluid levels and tire pressure to road conditions, heated seat functionality, and even smartphone syncing. However, if you ignore the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, your SUV will eventually wear out, break down, and likely cost you far more money than you planned.
The best strategy is preventive care. Instead of dealing with problems as they arise, we recommend preparing in advance—and that means following the preventive maintenance plan set by your SUV’s manufacturer. For most modern vehicles, this schedule is designed to help you get the most out of your SUV, regardless of its type, how often you drive it, or other variable factors. No matter your choice, AAMCO Colorado can help ensure your SUV is in top operating condition every time you hit the road.
2. Brake Earlier Than You Would in a Regular Car
SUVs weigh significantly more than standard vehicles—ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 pounds. They require more power to accelerate and far more effort to stop, meaning they need extra space to come to a complete halt. When driving in wet, snowy, or slippery conditions, you must factor in your ability to stop and keep control of the vehicle. A larger vehicle doesn’t stop faster or better because of its weight; in fact, the opposite is true. The added weight works against you, creating more inertia that keeps the vehicle moving forward. Even with four-wheel drive, you won’t get any safety advantages when stopping on ice or other slick surfaces. Check your owner’s manual or search online for specific braking guidelines for your particular SUV model.
3. Keep in Mind: Everything About an SUV Is Larger
Take time to learn your SUV’s key components—including those that regular cars don’t have. Some SUVs come with flatbeds, dual axles, or four-wheel hubs. Even common parts are different: tires, brakes, struts, shocks, and engines are all bigger. The spare tire is the same size as the other four, so be ready to haul that heavy tire out if you get a flat. The gas tank is also larger—make sure your budget can cover keeping it full. These are just a few of the changes you’ll notice when you upgrade to an SUV.
4. Learn to Use Your SUV Properly and Drive It Appropriately
Respect your SUV for what it is: a powerful vehicle with unique capabilities. It can carry heavy loads, transport more passengers, navigate rough terrain, handle tough weather, tow trailers, and more. But be careful not to abuse or overuse these features. Like any vehicle, your SUV has limits, and overworking it will lead to premature wear. How long it lasts largely depends on how hard you push it regularly. So, take the time to learn how to load it correctly, maximize fuel efficiency, and care for it properly.
Additionally, learn how to drive it—especially if you plan to take it off-road. Be aware of its ground clearance, shock and strut ratings, and tire specifications. Due to its size, weight distribution, and height, an SUV handles differently than a regular car in certain situations. Cornering, for example, will feel very different, so take it slow as you get used to the vehicle.
As mentioned earlier, the engine is significantly larger, so drive with care. Adjust your speed based on road conditions—you should almost never need to use your SUV’s full power. If you do, you’re either risking danger or trying to avoid it. In either case, be prepared for unexpected handling when that much horsepower kicks in.
5. Monitor Your Gas Gauge Closely
SUVs use far more fuel than regular cars. Their engines have larger cylinders, which require more gasoline to power the internal combustion process. Keep a close eye on the gas gauge to avoid running out of fuel and getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. Without gas, both you and your SUV are vulnerable, and you’ll be stuck until you can get more fuel.
