Taking your 4×4 off the road is an epic adventure, whether you’re a beginner or a green-laning pro. Wherever your off-road adventure takes you, you’ll want to adapt your driving skills to the terrain.
Driving on mud and sand is very different to driving in water and snow, but with the following tips and a bit of know-how about your destination, you’ll be able to conquer any terrain.
Driving in mud
The autumn season is well known for its muddy terrain. As well as being fun to drive in, mud presents a long list of challenges for 4×4 drivers.
Wheel spinning and loss of momentum are common issues when driving in mud, whilst the wider problem of environmental damage can also be minimised with the right driving technique. In deeper mud, momentum can be maintained by using the second or third gear. Letting your 4×4 tyres do the hard work is recommended when finding the traction you need to stay anchored to the firm ground underneath.
If wheel spinning does occur, ease up off the throttle to slow your tyres and improve grip. Sticking to ruts – i.e. the long, deep tracks usually found on muddy 4×4 trails – will help to minimise environmental impact on your chosen route.
Driving in sand
Following the sun and escaping the UK in search of the perfect off-road destination is what many 4×4 drivers do come autumn. There are countless sandy trails just waiting to be explored, from dune-heavy deserts to long stretches of beach.
With sand, slow and steady always wins the race. As well as helping you maintain control of your vehicle, slow speeds – in low gear – enable you to spot any hidden dangers that may be lurking underneath the sandy terrain.
Keeping a beady eye on your dashboard is also recommended as Bridgestone explains:
“From time to time, make sure you check the indications on your vehicle’s instrument panel. The fuel gauge, oil pressure light, tyre pressure warning light, engine temperature warning, battery alert, traction control malfunction and anti-lock brake (ABS) warning light are of special importance. Running out of fuel in the middle of nowhere or an overheated engine would be frustrating punctuation in your adventure.”
Driving in water
If your 4×4 tour takes you in or even through water, you’ll need to concentrate on building that momentum to get over this obstacle. Start by driving very slowly as you enter the water and build up speed from there. To improve control whilst in the water, avoid riding the clutch. Reduce your acceleration when exiting the water.
Before taking on any watery terrain, be sure to do your research. Exploring on foot is a great way to gauge the depth of the water. Alternatively, you can watch another vehicle take it on and go one better.
Driving in snow
Reading the terrain is even more essential in snow. Driving on newly fallen snow differs from taking on packed or slushy snow. Identify what type of snow you’ll be facing to determine how your vehicle should be handled.
Your brakes should be used with caution when driving in snow. Most anti-lock braking systems don’t work with inconsistent traction. Apply your brakes gently to minimise anti-lock issues and prevent swerving. If you do find yourself turning sharply, lean into the swerve rather than against it.
Driving on rocks and gravel
Rocky verges and gravel trails are real thrills to drive on. Again, it helps to assess the terrain beforehand to gauge the right driving style for you and your vehicle.
Uneven, rocky terrain demands a slow speed in a low-range first gear. Due to its constantly changing state, gravel surfaces should be handled in the same manner. When driving in a group, make sure you leave plenty of space between you and other drivers. This will help to reduce the risk of damage caused by flying gravel and ensure good visibility even with the presence of dust clouds.
Now you’ve got the driving tips you need to tackle your terrain, it’s time to prepare your vehicle for your big adventure. Shop our 4×4 upgrades today!
