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It’s finally here, your new, maybe even first off-road vehicle. Your fingers are itchy – you actually want to sit down right away, drive and run across the country on the trail. But be careful: nature is unpredictable. And so reckless off-road driving can quickly become dangerous.
In general, if you want to be able to move safely off-road with an SUV, you should be well prepared. Theoretical off-road driving knowledge is not enough and our tips here are in no way a substitute for practical off-road training. But they do help in preparation.
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Turn on all-wheel drive in your head too
First of all: when your car is off-road, so is your head. Always check your wheels for safety before setting off. Take another deep breath and review your checklist: Is your car tuned correctly? Do you have the necessary equipment with you? Have you fastened your seat belts and your passengers too? Did you check the environment with the track? Don’t go out into the countryside until you’re sure. And: never drive alone off-road.
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know the equipment
Technology and equipment are half the battle. Each type of off-road vehicle has its own all-wheel drive system, different sizes and different driving modes. Learn how to use it, move it and what terrain it is used on. What you need to know about it: The right tires for your vehicle’s starting and ramp angles and wading depth, terrain, terrain reduction, differential lock and electronic aids such as ESP and traction control.
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It’s a matter of attitude
On terrain, as on asphalt, you need to have a safe sitting position. Tie and straighten your seat a little higher so you can safely operate the pedals, steering wheel and shifter. Arms and hands have no place outside the vehicle – otherwise serious accidents can result. Do not put your thumb on the inside of the steering wheel, as you could injure yourself if you tear the steering wheel off-road. Therefore, keep the steering wheel loose and do not tighten.
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slowly and surely
When driving off-road, especially for novices, the motto applies: slow and safe. Ride evenly: Because if you drive through a muddy puddle and spin your wheels while trying to hold on and take your foot off the gas, you run the risk of getting stuck. The differential lock helps here for faster engagement. Drive with foresight: Walking the route ahead of time also helps. Ditches should be crossed and uneven puddles should be pre-checked with a stick.
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Uphill, downhill, through the water
Going uphill requires acceleration. For this, sufficient torque must be created in low gear. You should aim the gradient as straight as possible and not shift gears or use the center clutch – otherwise you could stall. If it rises, it will eventually fall again. To drive down a steep slope, terrain reduction should be on and the route should be aimed as straight as possible. The engine helps you slow down and the car doesn’t suddenly go too fast.
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Sand and mud, rocks and potholes
It is important to know which support is required for which support. Basically the following applies: On soft surfaces such as mud, sand or snow, you should reduce the tire pressure slightly for a larger contact area. But be careful: with reduced air pressure, steering and driving behavior change. It often runs over troughs and rocks in an inclined position. The best way to maneuver here is by feel: a side tilt of about 20 degrees is really uncomfortable for the body. In any case, you should drive evenly and slowly, downshifting and in first gear. If you want to go out again, then always go down into the valley, never towards the mountain.
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Stuck – what to do?
Admit it. Often, by continuing to try recklessly, you make the uncomfortable situation worse and you get stuck even deeper. Depending on the situation, you can swing back and forth alternately or get yourself out of a tight spot. If that doesn’t help, get help. Search for stuck spots together and then decide if you can free the car with a rope winch, rescue belts or other tools. If it’s free, see if you really need to go through that point or if there is another more convenient way.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
