Driving an off-road vehicle off the beaten path is an exciting experience for many. Razi Salih, himself an avid off-road enthusiast who enjoys taking his Jeep into some of nature’s most challenging locations, appreciates the importance of being equipped with the right off-roading skills. Gaining mastery of off-road driving requires a thorough understanding of the vehicle and the environment, and the instincts to know what to do when situations don’t go as planned.
Find Skilled Professionals
One way to ensure off-road safety and fun is to build confidence by learning the various tips and techniques of off-road driving. Taking formal lessons is encouraged, as is learning through real-life experience. The more an individual engages with an off-road vehicle in natural terrain, the better they will get at handling it and feeling comfortable with the environment.
Numerous courses cover different aspects of off-road driving, ranging from engaging four-wheel drive (4WD) to towing and defensive driving. When such courses are delivered by a qualified professional, an individual has a better chance of improving their skill level, making them a more-informed driver who has the necessary confidence to drive off-road.
Paced Learning
Many new and experienced off-road drivers often have the mental image of racing through the bush, seaside, or sandy dunes when they think about off-road driving. However, the reality is much different. As tyre pressure in off-road terrain is typically reduced, drivers must take a conservative approach.
While it doesn’t always mean driving at a crawling pace, this approach considers the type of terrain and a vehicle’s handling capability at all times. This gentler pace results in increased safety for the driver and passenger(s), while the vehicle bears less wear and tear.
Handling Slides
It is almost inevitable that an off-road enthusiast keen on experiencing different terrains will find themselves driving through a slippery environment at some point. Controlling a slide is a useful skill to master, and the rules of thumb when a vehicle starts to slide is to remain calm and avoid hitting the brakes or clutch.
If the sliding is experienced while driving up an incline, the chances are that the vehicle is slipping back even though the wheels turn forward. In most cases, the tyres will re-establish contact quickly so the car can keep moving forward. If the car continues to slide, using a combination of the brake and clutch to engage reverse gear can enable the driver to steer the vehicle back to the bottom of the slope, from where they can make a second attempt at climbing it.
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