If you’re new to off-road driving, you should know the basics before you go off the beaten trail. Try trail-riding on weekends before you go rock-crawling in more difficult terrain, and bring a friend in another vehicle to tow you out if you get stuck. Here are some more useful tips for off-roading like a pro.
1. Choose the Right Vehicle
Smaller, lighter four-wheel-drive vehicles like Jeeps use less power and have better traction and flotation. For the best performance and stability, choose a vehicle with a wheelbase of 90 to 100 inches. Make sure you can modify the vehicle by looking up the number of available suspension, drivetrain, and recovery parts in a four-wheel-drive parts or hardware catalog. Lifting the rig, improving its traction, buying new tires, changing the gearing, and installing recovery equipment will increase your vehicle’s off-road performance.
2. Prepare for Your Off-Road Adventure
Before you go off-roading, make sure you have a full gas tank, a tow rope that’s strong enough for your vehicle, a spare tire and the tools needed to change it, a portable air compressor, and a first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to bring a GPS or a compass, your cell phone, a vehicle-mounted winch, a shovel, and water for your radiator. Two-way radios make communicating with off-road companions easy, even if you’re in a place with no cell service, and an old floor mat or welcome mat can help you add traction.
3. Learn to Navigate the Terrain
Ride with a friend before you try driving off-road, and use lower gears to produce more torque and climb steep hills. Follow routes that provide traction and clearance over obstacles, and keep your vehicle as level as possible to make the load on your tires even. When you drive uphill, more weight shifts to your rear tires; and when you drive on a side hill, the weight shifts to the tires on your downhill side.
Vehicles don’t need as much traction when they’re already moving, so you should keep your momentum high on difficult trails. Seeing the terrain from the driver’s seat is hard, so you should get out and look around when needed. For really tough off-road driving, ask a friend to stand outside your vehicle and give you directions.
When you drive on sand dunes, make sure that vehicles are allowed on the beach and deflate your tires to between 15 and 20 psi. This lets your tires tread spread out more and grip the surface better. Remember to reinflate your tires before you drive on pavement. If your vehicle starts to get stuck, turn the wheel left and right several times to let the tires grip fresh terrain.
At Sea View Auto, we can help you customize your vehicle for an excellent off-road performance. We offer new and used vehicles, leases with low payments, and experienced service department, and easy financing. Explore our interactive website and stop by the dealership for a test drive and more useful off-roading tips.
Image by Trenten Kelley is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0
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