Some people learn through mistakes! They break things, hurt themselves, and eventually learn what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes there is glory in going through all of this, but it can be an expensive and painful way to learn your lesson. And, we’re here to help you avoid certain financial losses and also spare you some bruises.
Here, we will try to make you aware of what to expect in the off-road tracks.
- Take Preparation Seriously
Preparation is vital for an adventure. Before you are off, you must check out your vehicle thoroughly.
When on the trail, you need to be able to rely on your equipment. Make sure your oil level is right, and it’s not dirty.
Some vehicles burn oil, and if you see that it’s already time for you to change oil, you better do that before heading out.
Check radiator levels. You need to make sure to have proper coolant levels for your engine.
Follow your car manufacturer’s recommendation in regards to the mixture of your coolant. Make sure to have your windshield wiper blades in good shape. Check windshield washer fluids and top off.
You need to see to it that your tires are in good shape. If you have to drive to your location, check if your sway bar works properly.
Make sure headlights and taillights are functional and also adjusted in proper height.
All safety related stuff should be checked as well. Seats, seat belts, restraints, and other safety devices must be checked beforehand.
If you take your doors off, make sure everyone is belted. While driving without doors or roof, make sure everyone in the vehicle has proper wind, eye, and ear protection.
- Never Drive Alone
An adventure can’t be enjoyed as much as it is supposed to be if you are doing it alone as simple as that. But if you go out with an experienced buddy of yours, then he can be of all sorts of help as well.
Furthermore, it will also provide you peace of mind to know that an experienced guy is around in case of emergency. An additional pair of hands can make a world’s difference if there ever occurs an emergency.
- Stay in Your Comfort Zone
Make sure you don’t do something you are not very comfortable with.
No matter how good or new your truck, jeep or any other off-road vehicle is, it is, in fact, as reliable as the person behind the wheel is.
Don’t expect miracles from your vehicle. Off-road trails are very difficult to drive in.
- Have a CO-pilot
Your co-pilot is your all-around general helper. He is your spotter, navigator, drinks or snacks getter.
He will get out in the tough spots and find your line to have the safest route. He will check the map for you and will also make sure everyone in and around the vehicle is safe.
This should help you stay focused on the road.
- Look Out for Different Terrains
Terrains differ from one place to the other. For that reason, you need to get tires according to the kind of terrain you intend to ride on.
You will only need good tires and knowledge of the road when you are driving on the dry grounds.
If you intend to ride on mud trails, you better get tires meant to tackle slick situations. You should not gun the throttle while in mud as it will only worsen the situation.
To get unstuck, you have to reduce the tire pressure to 20 psi which will allow more traction. Turn off traction control, and put the car in 4×4 high.
If you can, choose a higher gear.
However, in sand dunes, you need to shift to 4×4 low. But if you get stuck, change it into 4×4 just like in the mud. The game is to maximize horsepower.
Otherwise, you should keep your momentum going.
- Get Yourself a Winch
As you know terrains in the off-road driving can be full of obstacles. It is very common that you might find your truck stuck in mud, boulder or a trunk.
And for pulling your way through mud bogs, trunks or boulders, you must have a strong enough pulling power you can rely on. Well, that’s where a winch comes in rescue.
If you get a sturdy winch installed, it will give you strength to overcome any obstacles. Nevertheless, to get the best out of it, you must learn to use it properly.
Otherwise, you might end up hurting yourself or some innocent bystander, or you might find your jeep or truck stuck in mud.
Another most important thing about winch is, choosing the right one for your truck and for you. There are many factors you need to contemplate while buying your winch, like the weight of your truck, rated line pull of the winch, and what kind of tasks you will need it for.
- Hold Your Steering Wheel the Right Way
You must not hold your thumbs on the inside of the steering wheel while driving off-road.
Most likely there are going to be a lot of twists and turns in any off-road terrain you choose. And if you keep steering wheel with your thumbs inside the wheel all this time, you may very well end up breaking it.
- Install Communication Devices
Call service may not be at its best when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere, so dialing 911 may not be an option sometimes.
Additionally, if you’re leading a convoy, being able to radio back to the rest of the convoy about finding another route or something like that saves a lot of time and frustration.
So, in that case, you can have a CB, HAM or race radio.
- Have a Trail Plan
You shouldn’t just google search the most hard-core trail and hit it without much consideration.
Instead, you better familiarize yourself with the aerial map. Or you can do a ride-along with someone who is familiar with the trail.
In this case, you will know beforehand what are the obstacles you might face or how long the trip will take and other important things like that.
Because you know where you are heading, in case things don’t go as expected, someone can always notify a search squad.
- Be Flexible
Being flexible is one of the most (if not the most important) traits you must attain for your off-road adventures.
Your things may break, weather may change, routes or trails might be closed, and many unplanned things like that may happen.
So you must be flexible to change plans. Make sure you are not pushing yourself to do something you shouldn’t do.
To conclude, whether your off-road driving passion is to explore out old mining trails, historical sites, seeing the summit of great mountains or whether it is just mudding or wheeling or just tearing up a farm.
Either way, surely, these tips will benefit you in doing what you love!!
