An off-road trip is a thrilling rite of passage for any self-respecting 4×4 owner. Whether staying in the UK for your off-road adventure or venturing a little further afield, going off-road is the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors as well as put your driving skills and your 4×4 vehicle to the ultimate test.
Driving off-road is certain to be like nothing you’ve experienced before, and for those new to the scene, the rugged world of off-roading can be pretty frightening. With our off-road driving tips for first-timers however you can get ready for one hell of an adventure.
Get to know your 4×4
Understanding the strengths and limitations of your 4×4 vehicle is a great place to begin when planning your first off-road adventure. You should be familiar with the features of your 4×4, and if you’re not, now is a good time to start getting to know your vehicle on a much deeper level.
With greater understanding comes the potential to upgrade or modify your vehicle to your required standards. Your vehicle, for instance, may benefit from the addition of a winch or underbody protection ahead of your off-road trip. By preparing your vehicle the right way, you can unlock better performance, comfort and safety when driving off-road for the very first time.
Pick the perfect playground
Choosing a fitting location for your first foray into the world of off-roading is a must. Thankfully, there are many great locations for off-roading beginners, including the Graythwaite Estate in Cumbria and Rausch Creek in the USA.
When picking the perfect playground for your first off-road experience, ask other 4×4 enthusiasts for their recommendations to uncover the hidden trails that just have to be explored on wheels.
Adjust your driving to the terrain
Once you’ve found your dream location, you can delve deeper into the conditions you can expect on the course. With this, you can look further into how your driving style can be adjusted to complement the terrain you’ll encounter. Driving off-road in snow, gravel, sand, mud or water will require considerably different skills to those used on the road.
Elevated terrain, such as hills, offers a unique challenge, especially for those not seasoned in the art of off-road driving. Luckily, Land Rover has some great advice for taking your 4×4 to new heights:
“Remember your approach angle: Is the wheel or nose going to hit the ground first? Approach the hill straight on rather than diagonally to avoid a roll. Use the highest gear in which the vehicle will ‘pull’ comfortably. Never attempt to turn your 4×4 on a steep slope. Be prepared for a failed climb, it happens to the best drivers. Work out an escape route and take note of where the obstacles are.”
Practise your off-roading before you depart
Putting your off-road driving skills to the test before you depart for your debut destination is recommended. There are many off-road courses and lessons available throughout the UK. Joining one of these local off-roading clubs will also give you the chance to brush up your skills in the company of other off-roaders as well as exchange tips and advice on off-road driving, destinations, and upgrades.
Discover all the upgrades you need to conquer your very first off-road adventure right here.
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