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This section is for those, who have yet to experience the
joys of off road 4WD driving. It may serve as a 'refresher for the more
experienced driver as well!
General
There is no great secret about being able to drive off road safely. Common sense
comes very high up the list of requirements, together with total confidence in
what you are doing!
We steer you in the right direction with a few basic hints, tips – or perhaps
reminders! Reminders are needed from time to time, for it is so easy to get
carried away once you are in control of a powerful motor that is capable of
transporting you over the roughest of terrain. So, let’s add self-discipline to
the list of requirements as well. |
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DO NOT attempt anything other than the basic muddy track, before you undergo
some basic training with some experienced instructors such as those at True
Grip.
A 4x4 vehicle is quite expensive. A life is precious!
First things first.
There are some basic checks to do with your 4x4 before attempting any off roads
venture – even a seemingly simple green lane trek.
• Check your battery is properly fastened, and that the filler caps are also
secure
• Basic things like water and fuel hoses need to be checked. They will undergo
extra strain, and in any case, a ruptured hose a few miles from anywhere is to
say the least, inconvenient!
• Following on from the hoses and pipes, even the best of them are pretty
useless if they have nothing running through them! Check that all fluid and fuel
levels are well topped up. Water, oils, brake/clutch fluid, fuel. In fact, every
substance that can run through a pipe or hose.
• Successful off road drives depends upon good grip, so check over the tyres –
including the spare. Incidentally, do you have a suitable Jack, and a base for
the jack that will be suitable of supporting it in muddy conditions? Might be as
well to make sure that you have the proper attachment for undoing ‘lock-nuts’ if
needs be.
• Two vehicles are always better than one – so try not to travel alone. You
can’t tow yourself!
Basic Driving Hints
As soon as you are off-road, slip into 4WD mode – preferably before you get
stuck! Some 4x4s don’t engage into 4WD once you are stuck. Now that can be
embarrassing. Keep a good lookout on all 4 corners of the vehicle – and at all
points between.
My personal MUST for the novice (and many experienced drivers) is to keep your
thumbs in the air – right off the steering wheel. Otherwise, if one of your
front wheels hits a snag – and it will do of course – your steering wheel will
rote at a heck of a lick, and if your thumb is in the way of a rotating spoke or
wheel strut, it hurts!
Keep your head in the cab – that’s what it is there for. SAFETY!
Read this also
And if you are going to get serious -
read this about offroad gear!
To be completed
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