You may kind of get your fix by scheduling some 4WD maintenance and checks if you have a hankering for some off-roading but are unable to get out onto the tracks. The electric winch is our first target for simple at-home maintenance because it is frequently misused and neglected despite being constantly exposed to the elements.

Winching is a difficult profession. Even if a winch may not be used frequently year-round, when you absolutely need it, it is your best buddy in the entire world. It also doesn’t benefit from all the time spent outside in the weather.

Unfurling and cleaning your winch cable is one simple task you can complete at home without additional equipment or training.

Your winch will have either synthetic rope or steel wire, which is a significant distinction in this situation. These days, the latter is the norm. It is considerably lighter, safer, and easier to manage than it ever was, and it is less expensive now. Whatever you have, a quick birthday celebration in the driveway is beneficial to both.

Unroll

The wire of 4×4 winches must first be rolled off the drums, which is a simple task. Even though you can shift into neutral and draw the wire out by yourself, it’s worth it to start the winch and run the line out while it’s powered. It’s a nice chance to check that the winch is functioning properly and to get the oil going on those gears.

The rope is now loose, and you may begin checking it for signs of damage. For synthetic rope, slight fraying is acceptable, but broken strands or significant kinks in the line warrant replacement. Large kinks in steel wire, together with corrosion and fraying, are terrible news.

Synthetic rope clean-up

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which is frequently produced and sold under the “Dyneema” name, is the main adversary of synthetic rope. In other words, it’s a really unique plastic that was designed to have an incredibly high tensile strength when pushed in a straight line.

Despite its strength, individual fibres can be broken by being run over rocks and uneven ground while under tension or by just getting dirty and soiled from everyday life. In order to prevent long-term damage, you should wash any dirt or other possibly harsh particles out of the rope.

Tidying up steel wire

Steel wire cleaning is a different matter. If your cable is very dirty, get the wire brush out and start cleaning. Try to remove as much as you can. For this task, compressed air is also useful. When washing it with soapy water, make sure to let it dry fully before rolling back on.

When it comes to greasing and lubricating steel wire, there are 2 type of thinking. Some do it to prevent corrosion, but others don’t because it might cause the cable to draw and retain an excessive amount of dirt and grime. If you do decide to do it, be sure to choose a material that dries hard and isn’t sticky. Also, avoid going too far.