4x4 Driving Tips - Part One
1. Select the correct gear before tackling any slope covered with loose rock. Too low a gear will cause traction loss. Best choice is usually second or third low range.
2. Never be afraid to admit that the obstacle in front of you is too tough, or that you are not comfortable in tackling it. It is better to retreat than be sorry!
3. Always obey fire restrictions when touring and camping.
4. If you need to traverse private land or land where you need a permit, apply and get permission before undertaking the trip.
5. Different States have different laws regarding where you can and cannot drive. Make yourself aware of any regulations before going bush.
6. When going bush be a responsible, environmentally conscious driver. Never deliberately 'bugger the bush' with inappropriate driving.
7. When modifying your 4x4, do so sensibly, as extreme modifications will generally make your 4x4 unroadworthy for normal road use.
8. Know your limits when four-wheel driving. Your vehicle is not unstoppable and you should only drive within your own skill base.
9. Before leaving home make sure you know where your vehicle's jack is located, and how to operate it.
10. Campsite rubbish should always be taken out with you. Remember the rule: you bring it in, you take it out.
11. If you are new to four-wheel driving, join a 4WD Club for best advice on touring, accessories and participating in 4x4 trips.
12. Familiarise yourself with the winch's operation before you need to use it. Always carry spare manufacturer-recommended shear pins.
13. Never winch with less than 5 wraps of the cable on the drum.
14. Always winch in as straight a line as possible; keeping vehicle and tow point in a straight line.
15. When not in use keep the winch disengaged. When the cable is slack use the switch to intermittently bring the cable back under tension.
16. When faced with an unknown creek/river crossing, it may be necessary to walk through before hand to determine dangers such as deep holes or obstacles.
17. Beware of fast flowing streams. These place enormous pressure on vehicles if crossing diagonally to the direction of flow.
18. An electric winch requires plenty of current. Firstly fit an auxiliary battery for accessories, and keep the engine running a while after winching to prevent flattening the battery.
19. Be aware of the capacity of your winch and don't overload it.
20. Use a snatch block to double the pulling capacity of your winch.
21. Always use a winch cable blanket to stop cable from flying in the event of the cable breaking.
22. After using your winch, rewind the cable onto the drum under tension, making regular wraps from end to end of the drum.
23. Whenever using a winch, ensure you protect yourself with good quality gloves. Wire barbs can cut you badly!
24. It is always common sense when four wheel driving to travel with another vehicle. It's a safeguard if things go wrong!
25. When planning for an extended 4x4 trip, plan accordingly, with adequate supplies of food and water, fuel and appropriate spare parts.
26. When driving deep snow, select low range, usually second gear. For light snow maintain high range 4x4.
27. At snow resorts extend the wipers of the windscreen when parked overnight. Also, do not apply the handbrake - both can freeze solid.
28. Keep fuel tanks as full as possible in freezing conditions to minimise water condensation.
29. Down change gears on icy alpine roads and avoid using the brakes where you can to minimise the risk of skidding. When accelerating avoid high revs, as this will cause wheelspin.
30. One of the most effective and cheapest recover tools is a long handled shovel. It can be used to dig you out of a sand bog or clear wheel arches in mud.
31. Wheel chains should only be used for snow driving.
32. When driving with chains they generate additional shock loading throughout the drivetrain. Do not use full steering lock, drive slowly and remove them when you don't need them.
33. Loosely fitted chains can fly off and damage brake line and mudguards. Ensure they are fitted securely. Check after driving a short distance.
34. If you have one set of wheel chains they should be fitted to the front wheels with four-wheel drive engaged. They will assist traction and steering.