So, you’ve bought a 4WD? Congratulations, off-road driving adventures can be both exciting and addictive! 2020 has been a rough year for everyone, and with travel restrictions still in force what better time to get out and explore all that the great south east has to offer this summer.
Today’s 4WD vehicles are much more sophisticated than their predecessors and often come equipped with the comfort and luxury feel of a passenger car, blended with the tough capabilities of an off-road vehicle. Pull power, electronic assistance systems such as hill decent control and ABS mean that even if you don’t have a lot of experience or skill, you will be able to handle demanding terrain fairly simplistically.
Here are our top off-road driving tips for beginners:
Be prepared
While you may have all the right recovery gear in tow, there are a few more things you should consider when preparing for your off-road driving adventure. Check the weather, heavy rain can make for uncomfortable and sticky situations. Take a pair of old shoes or aqua shoes in case you might need to get in the water to check its depth before driving through. Your rescue equipment should consist of a winch, straps, and recovery tracks at the very least.
Beware of water
As mentioned above, you’re going to need a spare pair of shoes if you plan to cross through water. It’s better to be safe than sorry where water is concerned. If you are unsure of the depth, you’ll need to get wet and walk through the water to check its depth before you attempt to drive through it. When you’re ready to drive through, approach slowly and maintain a constant speed through the water.
Don’t go alone
For newbies, it pays to enlist the help of mates whom have experience driving off-road – at least the first few times until you build your confidence and get the hang of the controls and tech systems your vehicle comes equipped with.
Don’t Panic
It’s normal to feel a little flustered, pressured or out of your depth in the beginning, especially if you have on lookers or other motorists stacking up behind you. The key is not to let the pressure get to you, stay calm and remember slow is the go, breathe! Stay focused on the road and obstacles ahead and contemplate your next move. If your gut tells you it’s not a good idea, follow your instinct.
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