4x4 Driving Tips Part Three
- Despite plenty of opinion to the contrary, you do not need to purchase special tyres for mud or sand driving. Sensible driving in the right gear with the right tyre pressure will generally get you through.
- Check for scrub build up after driving through slush for long periods or spinifex grass if driving inland tracks. Remove regularly.
- When using a winch to a solid tow point, such as a tree, always use a tree trunk protector or special tree protection strap to minimise the likelihood of damaging the tree.
- When connecting a snatch stray between two vehicles ensure it is only connected to appropriate tow points that are attached to the vehicles with genuine rated bolts.
- Always lay a blanket over a snatch strap, so that in the event of it breaking it will fall harmlessly to the ground.
- Do not join snatch straps using D or bow shackles. Straps can be safely joined with a rolled up newspaper.
- After any water crossing check your brakes. If they are wet dry them out by accelerating slowly with the foot brake pedal depressed.
- On long outback trips consider fitting an insect screen across the radiator, as if it should get clogged with insects and debris it can affect the cooling process.
- When confronted with a difficult obstacle, get out of the car and explore to determine the best and safest method of approach.
- Always use tow ropes just for towing. They are not designed as recovery gear.
- Always carry a tyre gauge so that you accurately deflate and inflate tyres as you go.
- A 12-volt air compressor is a good investment for reinflating tyres and for use blowing up airbeds. Compressors can be fitted under the bonnet or kept as separate units.
- When crossing rocky or uneven terrain always know where the lowest parts of your 4x4 are and ensure minimal contact with obstacles.
- When crossing a short "V" gully, cross carefully diagonally, otherwise you may become either bogged or high centred.
- If you have an older style 4WD that is not a permanent four wheel drive, remember to disengage 4WD on hard surfaced roads and select 2WD in the transfer case.
- Tyres are vulnerable to damage, so check for any damage after four-wheel driving, especially on the inwards sidewall.
- When travelling to remote areas, not only is it good insurance to carry basic spares, but also carry a service manual that may be of assistance to a bush mechanic if called upon to try to rectify a problem with your vehicle.
- When travelling in any remote area, always carry adequate water, fuel, food, spares and clothing in case of a breakdown.
- If you should break down in a remote area, do not try walking out. Stay with your vehicle.
- Do not rely on mobile phone coverage when you go bush. For guaranteed communications you will need to buy or hire a satellite phone.
- GPS devices are all the rage, but don't depend solely on them. Always carry detailed maps of remote areas and learn how to use a compass to know exactly where you are.
- While the driver has the most fun when four wheel driving, be considerate to passengers. Drive sensibly and have plenty of stops to allow kids time to runaround.
- Remember that there are definite limits on where a 4WD can be driven. They depend both on the operator's ability and the vehicle's capability. If in doubt, ask yourself: do I have to go there, is the vehicle capable of going there, am I capable of driving the vehicle there? Unless the answer is 'yes' to all three, consider an alternative route.
- Always select a suitable gear before attempting an obstacle.
- When travelling with a second vehicle, the second vehicle should always stop, watch and wait while the first vehicle attempts any obstacles.
- When simple bush repairs are needed take appropriate safety precautions. Chock wheels, ensure a jacking plate is used and do not crawl under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack.
- If you need to jump start your vehicle, ensure jumper cables are attached negative to negative and positive to positive, ensuring that the two vehicles are not touching.
- Do not overload your 4x4. With all your camping gear and passengers you can soon exceed the vehicle's gross load safety limit. This is unsafe and can also nullify any insurance or warranty claim you may wish to make.
- Four-wheel drives make great towing vehicles. Ensure a properly rated tow bar and appropriate brakes are fitted.
- Many modern four-wheel drives drive and handle similarly to cars, but always remember that you have a much higher centre of gravity and a 4WD should not be driven like a car. The 4WD is heavier and takes longer to stop, and in the event of a collision is likely to cause significant damage to another vehicle.
- Consider Murphy's Law when four-wheel driving. If it can go wrong it will! Minimise this by having a properly prepared vehicle that you know how to drive, and whose capabilities you understand.
- Remember four-wheel drives make great recreational vehicles. Used sensibly, they will provide access to plenty of enjoyable family holidays and outdoor experiences. They are not called recreational vehicles for nothing!
- When it's time to upgrade your four-wheel drive remember that Just 4x4s is the best place to sell it.
