Off-Road Driving: Navigating Sand and Dunes

For off-roading enthusiasts such as Razi Salih, engaging in the sport means being adaptable to the different terrains that an off-road trail will present. While muddy, rocky and wet terrains are common for many enthusiasts, few experiences measure up to driving on sand and dunes, whether it's on a beach or in a real desert.

To enjoy the experience, consider the following basics:

Have Good Tyres

A good set of tyres can make a world of difference while driving on sand and dunes. Navigating this terrain on thin or old tyres is a recipe for a short drive, so consider getting an upgrade. What's more, reducing tyre pressure by half, or even two-thirds, will allow an off-road vehicle to glide over the surface effortlessly. The reasoning goes that the lower the pressure, the larger the tyre's footprint. Once the experience is completed, re-inflating the tyres should enable the car to turn and brake normally on solid surfaces such as asphalt.

Automatic versus Manual Transmission

The benefit of having an automatic off-road vehicle is that shifting gears is usually faster and smoother, making it easier to drive on the sand. However, as the driver has no control over the transmission, a gear change could happen at a moment they're unprepared for, which could impact their driving ability. On the other hand, manual transmission systems give the driver full control over how fast or slow they want to drive.

Driver Awareness

As a driver, driving safely on sand requires an awareness of the environment, especially if there are other vehicles or less visible motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles. In many sandy locations, having a trail flag on the front bumper is encouraged for visibility purposes.

Sandy terrain is constantly changing, so it's vital to know what's on the other side of a dune, for example. Rather than taking any risks, take a walk to see the route and understand the types of obstacles that lie ahead. Also, it's much safer to drive within the tracks created by other vehicles.

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Driving Up A Dune

Driving up a sand dune isn't easy and requires some momentum to get to the top. Engaging all-wheel drive on this part of the experience can make it relatively more comfortable. However, once at the top, resist any temptation to brake and consider easing off the accelerator instead to maintain momentum.

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