OFF-ROADING WITH 4XPLOR. Plus, which Mahindra Scorpio-N parts take the most strain and how to check them.

Scorpio-N 4XPLOR is Mahindra's intelligent terrain response system. Fitted to the 4x4 diesel variants, it gives you four Scorpio-N terrain modes: Normal, Snow, Mud & Ruts and Sand. Each one changes how the vehicle delivers power and manages traction for the surface under the wheels.

Doing the heavy lifting for each mode are the mechanics of this robust adventure SUV: selectable, shift-on-the-fly high and low range four-wheel drive; a mechanical locking differential that splits power equally across the rear axle; a brake locking differential that brakes a spinning wheel and sends torque to wheels with grip. All of this, and it’s mounted on a sturdy body-on-frame platform built for the load and the off-road.

OFF-ROAD PRESSURE POINTS

The Mahindra Scorpio-N handles rough ground better than most SUVs in its price range. But that capability comes from its superior hardware, and hardware wears. Here’s what works hardest once you leave the tar, and how to check it is still doing its job.

Suspension. The double wishbone front and Pentalink rear suspension with Watt's linkage absorb every rut and rock. The specialised FDD and MTV-CL dampers work hardest of all, softening over corrugations and firming up under load.

Diffs and joints. The locking differential, propshaft and CV joints carry the twisting loads that four-wheel drive creates. Water crossings and dusty trails are their enemies.

Tyres. The sidewalls of your tyres take the worst of it on rock and gravel, and running lower pressures for sand increases the risk of pinch damage.

Brakes. Ventilated discs front and rear. Mud and grit turn brake dust into a grinding, damaging paste.

Underbody. Rutted tracks put the belly plate, exhaust and fuel tank at risk, and driving through thick bush adds scraping and snagging on top of that.

Air filter. Dust is the quiet threat and a blocked filter will cost you power and fuel long before it costs you an engine.

HOW TO CATCH THEM EARLY

Carry out this inspection after every trip, on a clean vehicle, in good light.

Suspension
Look for oil on the shock absorber. A light oil film is normal, but wet accumulation, drips or a thick coat of oil and grime means the seal has gone. Also bounce each corner of your Scorpio-N – more than one rebound is a problem.

Diffs and joints.
Run your hand around every CV boot and driveshaft boot feeling for cracks. Also look for grease flung onto surrounding components –often the first sign of a problem.

Tyres
Inspect tyre sidewalls for cuts, bulges and embedded stones. Running deflated in sand raises the risk of pinch damage, so inspect carefully afterwards. Then reset pressures and confirm on the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

Air filter
Remove the air filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see through it, replace it as soon as possible.

Underbody
Clear packed mud and sticks from behind the belly plate and anywhere else it’s gathered, and make sure that the belly plate bolts are still tight.

Keep an ear out on the drive home. New clicks, knocks or vibrations are worth further investigation.

WHY GENUINE PARTS MATTER HERE

Each of the above components was engineered as part of an integrated system. Mahindra genuine 4x4 parts are built to exacting specifications – copies are built to fit, not to perform. The gap between the two shows up under pressure, and on tough terrain that’s the last thing you want to find out.

As important as the part itself, is the way it’s fitted. Mahindra technicians are trained on the Scorpio-N specifically. They know the torque figures, the seal procedures and the fluids the 4XPLOR system requires. They also pick up the problems your driveway inspection may well have missed.

BOOK YOUR MAHINDRA SCORPIO-N IN BEFORE THE NEXT TRIP

A walkaround can catch a lot of problems early, but a trained eye is needed to catch the rest. So book your Scorpio-N in at your nearest Mahindra dealer before your next trip. It’ll cost you a lot less than getting towed back into town.

NB: Certain specifications are model-specific. E&OE. Ts and Cs apply