---
title: "Inspect the vehicle before the highway. — EV Backroads"
description: "Rough roads can loosen hardware, damage tires, and move cargo. Inspect the vehicle before and after the trail."
canonical_url: "https://www.evbackroads.com/trail-guides/ev-maintenance-tips-for-rugged-terrains"
last_updated: "2026-08-09"
---

![A rocky shelf road crossing Ophir Pass in Colorado](/media/photos-ai/27-ophir-pass.webp?v=20260808)

TRAIL GUIDE 04 · MECHANICAL CHECK

# Inspect the vehicle before the highway.

Rough roads can loosen hardware, damage tires, and move cargo. Inspect the vehicle before and after the trail.

04

EV BACKROADS TRAIL GUIDE

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Check the tires, the underside, and the cargo before you drive at highway speed.

## Before the trail

Look for tire damage, missing hardware, leaks, loose parts, and cargo that can move. Keep the spare and recovery gear easy to reach. Clean mud from cameras and sensors.

Use the vehicle manual for water crossings, lifting, towing, and recovery. High-voltage parts can change the safe procedure for your vehicle.

## Before the highway

Set the tires to the road pressure. Check the tires and wheels again. Listen for new vibration at low speed. Inspect the vehicle after a rock strike or deep water.

[See Ophir Pass](/stories/offroad-america#trail-27)[Open the Backroads Map →](/map)

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