4x4 OffRoad Driving Techniques
Off-roading at an advanced level requires mastery of your vehicle, a thorough understanding of the terrain and conditions, and an instinctive knowledge of what to do if things go wrong.
It takes years of practice to drive well on varied terrain, and there is always more to learn. From snow and ice, to sand dunes, to rugged woodland tracks – driving in varied conditions is one of the most rewarding and adventurous hobbies in the world.
- Drive as slowly as possible, and as fast as necessary.
- Always keep both hands on the wheel, even when reversing.
Don’t hook your thumbs inside the steering wheel. Kickback from rough terrain could sprain them. - Use progressive throttle, gentle steering and progressive braking.
- Use progressive throttle, gentle steering and progressive braking.
Never make harsh movements unless it’s vital to do so. Keep steering precise and braking to a minimum. - Check your wheels are straight
- Assess any potential risks ahead.
Where necessary, get out of your vehicle and check the terrain. - Avoid gear changes while negotiating tricky terrain.
Gear selection
To climb, always use the highest practical gear. To descend use the lowest, and/or engage Hill Descent Control if available.
If you have an automatic gearbox and Terrain Response, select [D] and the vehicle will cope with whatever conditions you throw at it.
When driving on icy, slippery or muddy surfaces in an automatic 4x4, move off in second gear as it reduces the risk of wheel spin.
If you’re in a manual vehicle without low range, use first gear.
The key is to find the right balance betweenctraction and momentum. If you have decent traction, use less momentum.
2WD H2
Two wheel drive
Use this for normal driving on dry, hard-surfaced roads.This position provides better economy, a quieter ride and the least wear.
4WD H4
Four wheel drive
Use this for normal driving on wet, icy or snow-covered roads.This position provides greater traction than two-wheel drive.
4WD L4
Four wheel drive
Use this for maximum power and traction. Use "L4" for climbing or descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in sand, mud or deep snow.
| SITUATION | GEAR SELECTION | CHECK POINTS TO JUDGE THE DRIVEABILITY |
|---|---|---|
Hill Climb | Gear which requires no shift change | Angle, Length, Surface (hardness,
solidity, gap, slipperiness) Drop or
curve at the top of slope. |
Down Hill | Use a lower gear to get the maximum engine brake | Angle, Length, Surface (hardness, solidity, gap, slipperiness) |
Ditch | Width, Depth of ditch, Angle, Surface (sand, stone,mud, solidity) | |
Slope | Angle,Width, Distance, Surface (hardness, solidity,gap,slipperiness) | |
Muddy Soil | Use a lower gear | Angle,Width, Distance, Surface (solidity, existence of track or gap) |
River | L3-L4 | Depth,Width, Distance, Speed of the flow, Bottom
(Stability, solidity, gap slipperiness) |
Sandy Soil | L4 | Gradient, Distance Surface
(solidity, gap) |
Rocky Surface | L3 - L4 | Gradient, Distance Surface
(solidity, gap, slipperiness) |
Snowy Surface | Use a higher gear when starting and a lower gear down hill | Gradient, Distance Surface (iced, gap, hidden object under snow) |