9 Things You Need To Know About Land Rover Repair & Maintenance
Land Rovers are known for their capability and ruggedness, but even the most robust vehicles require maintenance and repair from time to time. Keeping your Land Rover in top shape is crucial for ensuring its reliability and longevity.
Whether a seasoned off-roader or a city driver, proper maintenance and repair can help you avoid costly breakdowns and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
This guide discusses practical repair and maintenance tips for your Land Rover, from simple preventative measures to essential parts that need attention.
1. Read The Owner’s Manual
Many basic and preventative maintenance rules exist, but first, read the owner’s manual for your Land Rover’s make and model. It goes without saying that a 202 Range Rover will have vastly different needs from a 2015 Discovery Sport.
If you bought a used Land Rover which didn’t come with a manual, you might need to look it up online. The owner’s manual teaches you all the vehicle’s basics.
If you’re driving a much older Land Rover model and can’t find the manual anywhere else you look, give us a call, and we’ll happily point you in the right direction.
2. Regularly Service The Vehicle
Different Land Rover models will have varying scheduled service requirements. For instance, a Land Rover Discovery Sport SUV should receive its first scheduled service after 25,000 km or after 12 months have passed (whichever comes first).
But the scheduled maintenance for a Range Rover Evoque should occur every 19,000 km or after 12 months.
Regular service is the best way to keep your Land Rover in tip-top condition, and it will cost a bit of money upfront, but it’s worth doing your due diligence when maintaining your car.
By approaching a Land Rover specialist, you can be sure they have the latest diagnostic systems and genuine parts to keep your Land Rover fully functional. They can also catch minor problems before they escalate into serious ones.
Here’s what you need to take note of when servicing your Land Rover once it clocks in a specific mileage:
Every 12,000 km | Oil change
Filter change Visual assessment of brakes, belts, and hoses Identify fluid leaks Address any recalls |
Every 24,000 km | Routine maintenance
Oil change Tyre rotation Replacement of cabin air filter (if needed) Identify fluid leaks Brake pad replacement (if needed) Safety inspection |
Every 36,000 km | Tyre replacement
Brake pad replacement (if needed) Rotor change Cabin filter replacement |
Every 48,000 km | Engine coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid replacement
Spark plug and fuel filter replacement |
Every 60,000 km | Automatic transmission service
Drive belt replacement |
Every 72,000 km | Tyre rotation
Safety inspection Inspection of brakes, belts, and hoses Oil change Address any recalls |
3. Take The Vehicle For An Oil Change
An oil change is one of the most basic yet crucial maintenance tasks for a Land Rover. The oil in your vehicle acts as a lubricant for the engine, helping to reduce friction and wear between moving parts.
Over time, oil becomes contaminated with dirt, debris, and metal particles from the engine, which can reduce its effectiveness and potentially cause damage to the engine.
This is why regular oil changes are so important. Approach a reputable Land Rover specialist in Singapore that can provide your vehicle with high-quality oils to help maximise engine performance.
4. Fill It Up With Gas
Topping up the gas in your Land Rover is vital for several reasons:
- Avoid running out of gas: The most obvious reason to keep your gas tank topped up is to avoid running out of gas on the road. This can be especially problematic in remote areas, where a refill may be far away. Keeping your tank at least half full will ensure you have enough fuel to reach your destination and avoid potential breakdowns.
- Maintain fuel efficiency: A full or nearly full gas tank can help maintain optimal fuel efficiency. This is because the fuel pump in your vehicle works more efficiently when it has a full tank of gas to draw from. Keeping your tank full can help reduce fuel consumption and improve your vehicle’s fuel economy.
- Reduce condensation: Keeping your gas tank full can help reduce condensation inside the tank. When the gas level in the tank drops, the air is drawn in, resulting in condensation that can lead to water contamination of your fuel.
Maintain engine performance: A full gas tank can help maintain optimal engine performance. Running your vehicle with a low fuel level can cause the fuel pump to work harder and generate more heat, impacting engine performance and efficiency.
5. Check The Battery
The battery in your Land Rover (or any vehicle, for that matter) powers its many electrical systems and accessories. You wouldn’t want to end up with a discharged battery, especially in an emergency. This will prevent you from starting the engine and leave you stranded on the side of the road.
Don’t wait for the dashboard warning light to turn on. Use a car battery tester to see if the battery has enough voltage to run the car.
For example, a healthy 12-volt battery should produce 12.6 volts when the car isn’t running. This figure should be between 13.5 – 15 volts when it’s running.
6. Be Mindful Of Fluid Levels
While you don’t necessarily need to top up the fluids, knowing how to check their levels will spare you a future headache.
Inspect for leaks if your fluids run out faster than usual. But if your search yields no results, call us, and we’ll be happy to provide 24-hour roadside assistance. Leaks should be dealt with immediately as part of preventive maintenance.
Be familiar with what your fluids look like. For example, engine oil that has become thick and sludge-like will reduce engine performance and fuel efficiency. This is a tell-tale sign to get an oil change.
Check your Land Rover’s coolant levels as well. Stick to the scheduled maintenance, and don’t wait for the high-temperature gauge on your dashboard to light up and tell you the engine has gotten too hot.
7. Maintain The Air Suspension
Suspension is critical in any vehicle, regardless of make and model. However, you should pay more attention to your Land Rover’s air suspension system because the vehicle is designed for on and off-road use.
Suspension issues are relatively common with Range Rover models. While its air suspension offers superb driving quality and smooth rides, a faulty one can affect other components like electrical control systems, regulators, and air pumps.
Fortunately, it’s easy to determine whether your Land Rover’s dealing with suspension issues. Check if the vehicle sits evenly in the front and rear. If it’s sagging at all to one side, there’s a problem with the suspension.
Another way to check is if the car does a “nose dive” when braking or coming to a stop. The front end dips down because of poor air struts and stopping force. This also means your Land Rover is taking much longer to stop than it should.
If you spot these issues, bring your vehicle to our servicing centre. We can expert-level diagnosis for all Land Rover models, including Discovery Sport, Classic Land Rover, Evoque, etc.
8. Replace The Air Filter
Your Land Rover engine depends on a constant fresh air flow for the best performance. This is why you should know when to change your engine air filter. The previous table above recommends replacing the air filter in your Land Rover every 24,000 km.
Keeping the air filter clean prevents debris, dirt, mud, bugs, and other small particles from entering the engine. It also ensures optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and vehicle lifespan.
9. Have The Drive Belt Replaced
Your Land Rover’s drive belt provides power to your engine and other components. Land Rovers tend to be much larger than other vehicles, so they always need an adequate power supply to run optimally.
The drive belt may fail for several reasons, like frequently driving short distances or factory defects. Constant exposure to harsh temperatures can also wear out the drive belt much faster.
Avoid these by following your Land Rover vehicle’s maintenance plan. It’s a good habit to ensure the drive belt stays in working order, especially if you use the vehicle frequently.
Conclusion About Land Rover Repair And Maintenance Tips
Proper repair and maintenance of your Land Rover vehicle are crucial in ensuring its longevity and performance on the road.
Regular check-ups, tire rotations, oil changes, and the replacement of worn-out parts are ways to keep your vehicle in top condition.
By following these tips, you can be sure that your Land Rover will continue to provide you with reliable and efficient service for years to come.
Kee Yong Auto provides professional Land Rover servicing in Singapore. Visit our car workshop in Sin Ming or request a quote. We also do professional car servicing for BMW, Porsche, Jaguar, Bentley, Mercedes-Benz, and other vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Land Rover Repair Tips
What Are The Most Common Problems With Land Rover Vehicles?
Here are some of the most common Land Rover problems:
- Air suspension
- Electrical issues
- Engine cooling system leakage
- Front differential unit failure
- Rotary gear shift selector knob failure
How Much Is Land Rover Maintenance In Singapore?
The typical cost of Land Rover maintenance will depend on factors like mileage, size, parts, make and model, etc. The price may range between $235 to $1,300 (SGD), depending on the scope of maintenance work needed. Contact Kee Yong Auto for our rates.
Is It Easy To Fix Old Land Rovers?
Yes. Land Rovers are sturdy vehicles, and a specialist with the right tools and technologies can easily fix older models.
Can A Land Rover Be Serviced Anywhere?
We recommend you visit our independent Land Rover workshop in Singapore. We use only manufacturer-approved and OEM parts and the latest diagnostic technologies to address issues with your vehicle. Your warranty will remain valid even if you take your vehicle out for scheduled maintenance and repair works.