MOTORING NEWS - Taking a 4x4 off-road for the first time is loads of fun, as long as you have some basic background. However, if you’re a first timer, it is wise to be cautious. Here are seven tips for a new 4x4 driver from Suzuki.
• Drive with a buddy. There’s safety in numbers - especially if you’re new to driving off road. Having a second vehicle with you will ensure that you’ll be able to get out of any sticky situations (yes, we mean literally getting stuck in the mud). Plus it adds to the fun to share the adventure.
• Have a rope handy. If taking your new 4x4 off the beaten track, then a strong tow rope should be your new best friend. Do keep in mind that your tow rope is useless if you don’t have a buddy to tow you - so again, emphasis on the need for travelling with a minimum of two vehicles.
You might also want to invest in a couple of other off road tools: a bush knife to cut away any branches that get in your way and maybe some sort of multi-tool.
• Don’t drive with a “death grip”. A lot of first timers learn this lesson the hard way - so don't be one of them. There are two reasons why you shouldn’t drive with a tight grip - the first one being that you might break a thumb. When your thumbs are folded tightly around the inside of your steering wheel, any sharp movements can strain, dislocate or even break a thumb.
The second reason not to drive with a “death grip” is that you need to allow your wheels to centre themselves - otherwise they could be headed off in slightly different directions. Gripping onto the steering and fighting the terrain will only slow you down. Loosen that grip and stick to gentle movements.
• Learn to understand the terrain. There are four main hazardous terrains out there; mud, rocks, sand and water. Be sure to understand these terrains and how to drive through them before setting off on your adventure.
• Momentum vs acceleration: know the difference. Tyre manufacturer Bridgestone says momentum is “the speed that the vehicle has already built up that allows you to go through that muddy patch or sand.” Acceleration is what you do to gain this speed. Essentially you don’t want to accelerate when you should just be leveraging your momentum.
Driving through mud is a good case in point - if you accelerate rapidly in the mud, you’re going to begin digging yourself into a hole and end up stuck. Accelerate before you enter the mud and then glide through using the momentum you’ve built up.
• Always stay straight on slopes. If trying to take a hill diagonally you are running a higher risk of rolling the vehicle. Try to keep as straight as possible when going downhill. If you feel the start of a sideways slip, slow down.
• Clear obstacles one wheel at a time. When encountering an obstacle, approach it at an angle that allows the vehicle to climb over it one wheel at a time. The other three wheels give the traction needed to lift that wheel over the obstacle. Be careful when doing this especially if there’s a possibility that the obstacle might shift, as it can cause damage to the undercarriage.
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