Although many road users use 4×4 vehicles like Range Rovers on normal roads, these powerful vehicles were initially manufactured for off-road driving. It is in every 4×4 driver’s own interest to take their sports utility vehicle for a trip out of the ordinary, and experience their vehicle dominating the off-road conditions it was specifically designed for. Prior to planning off-road driving, it is important to learn the basic off-road driving techniques.
Driving off the normal roads is an art that many cannot master instantly. The average driver will need to harness the essentials before they can finally conquer the toughest of terrain. As a company that specialises in Range Rover parts in Somerset, we at CWS 4×4 have rich experience in 4×4 vehicles, so we have put together a list of the basics that you need to learn before taking your 4×4 on an adventurous drive.
Know Your Vehicle
Prior to venturing into the countryside, it is important that you have in-depth knowledge about your car; particularly the underside. You need to have a good mental image of the location of all the fragile parts, like the fuel tank and gearbox, to avoid damaging these parts when driving over on-ground objects like rocks or uneven ground. In addition, it is advisable to check the vehicle’s manual guide, so that you are aware of any features that could possibly make the drive easier for you.
Take Extra Caution
When driving off-road is it fundamental to take every necessary precaution to ensure your vehicle completes the trip in a top condition and, more importantly, you make it home safe! For instance, when you are going over a hill you need to be sure of what is on the crest and beyond it. Test every unfamiliar surface before you drive over it. All water obstacles should be checked with a silt checking stick to avoid getting your vehicle stuck.
Driving the Vehicle
As mentioned earlier, driving off-road is not an easy task to tackle, and it will take some practise and patience before you are fully confident of defeating some of the roughest countryside roads. While driving, you need to stay in control. The rough roads can make the steering tough to manage, but you need to take control and make sure the car is moving smoothly. Avoid driving at high speed while you learn. Lastly, your vehicle steering needs to be accurate, and avoid constant breaking to keep the vehicle in a smooth motion.