When done well, off-road driving can be a fun adventure. With adequate preparation and a firm grasp of the driving skills required, an off-road enthusiast can enjoy the thrill of driving over natural terrain. Having a capable vehicle, whether it's a Land Rover or a Jeep, for example, is an important factor to consider. A good (and well-maintained) car can make it easy to tackle almost any environment and make it back home without any major issues.
Each off-road driver has their preferred vehicle of choice for tackling rugged terrain. For Razi Salih, that vehicle is the Jeep. As a former member of a Jeep riding group, Mr Salih has grown to love the car and its ability to drive in different types of environments. Beyond the car, he also knows that enthusiasts have to keep in mind other considerations.
Know the Vehicle
Having robust knowledge of the vehicle is essential to enjoy off-roading. Before heading out, off-roaders are encouraged to have a mental picture of their car's underside, particularly noting the location of features such as the gearbox, engine sump, fuel tank and differentials. The purpose of doing so is to avoid driving on obstacles that could damage these features.
In addition to knowing the underside, off-roaders have to understand their vehicle's capabilities when it comes to towing capacity, angles (approach, break-over and departure), wading depth, ground clearance, height and width. Knowledge of the car's onboard technology features is also recommended.
Finding Traction
In many instances, driving off-road requires reduced tyre pressure to ensure maximum traction between the wheels and the surface. However, it's possible to spin and slide even with the increased grip, as many drivers respond by putting more pressure on the accelerator when traction reduces. Doing this loosens the tyres' grip even more, so the best solution to regain traction is to ease off the throttle and move the steering wheel back and forth. Using the steering wheel enables the biting edges on the tyres to find fresh patches of the surface to dig into and helps the vehicle push through.
It takes practice to master this technique, but it is invaluable to an off-roader looking to navigate out of a ditch or sandy surfaces expertly.
Golden Rules
As much as possible, stay within the marked tracks. Doing so minimises damage to the environment. Additionally, many regions have designated off-road areas for people to enjoy. Sticking to these areas is recommended as trespassing can lead to serious trouble. Lastly, always err on the side of caution. If there's ever any doubt, choose the safer option.
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