ADVICE – Mud Driving

Driving through mud can be both exciting and intimidating. But like most other types of off-road driving, knowing what you’re doing makes all the difference between successfully negotiating a muddy trail and calling on a mate to winch you out.

With the Isuzu D-Max, its dual range four-wheel-drive system can master the mud, aided by a rear diff lock, electronically assisted steering and good ground clearance.

The level of capability in most 4x4s like the D-Max means the vehicle does a lot of the work for you these days, but skill, caution and an appropriate set of tyres are still required to conquer muddy terrain.

Successfully tackling mud in your 4x4 requires knowledge of several techniques, some of which are similar to what you’d need for water crossings. Unlike rivers, muddy puddles provide no indication of depth, so it’s always best to decamp from the vehicle and walk the path ahead, using a stick to gauge the depth of the water.

Walking the track is a good rule for any muddy, heavily rutted trail, as it can give an indication of how slippery the base is, along with how deep the ruts are. Straddling ruts is usually the better option, but on tracks where following the ruts is the only path ahead, you don’t want to belly out, so check the rut depth to assess if it’s greater than your vehicle’s ground clearance.

Lowering tyre pressures can help negotiate mud, but it’s not always the best option. And of course, you need to have a way of reinflating your tyres to normal pressures once you’re through the mud.

Maintaining momentum is the most important thing to remember, followed by steering control. Drive too fast and you risk losing control; too slow and you risk coming to a halt altogether, making it much harder to get out. Steering movement should be minimal as it can stop momentum, but if you feel the vehicle bogging down when in ruts, gently moving the wheel from side to side can help tyres grip the firmer edges of those ruts to maintain traction.

While driving through mud can be great fun, getting stuck isn’t. If the mud looks too deep or too daunting, it may be a better option to seek another path. This doesn’t mean pushing your own track around the ruts, which causes damage to the environment and creates a new set of ruts as other 4x4s follow your path.

So, with all that in mind, if the path looks navigable and you think your vehicle is up to it, here are Isuzu’s tips for conquering the mud.

1. Pack for the Mud: Before heading out, pack a recovery kit with essentials like a tow strap, shovel, recovery boards, gloves and an air compressor for tyre pressure adjustments.
2. Check Your Tyres: Opt for all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres to improve grip. Mud tyres with larger, self-cleaning treads are ideal for dispersing mud and maintaining traction.
3. Engage 4WD Mode: Switch to 4H or 4L depending on the depth of the mud. 4H is suited for general muddy conditions, while 4L offers more torque for deeper or thicker mud.
4. Maintain Steady Momentum: Keep a consistent speed without sudden acceleration or braking. A smooth, steady pace helps avoid wheelspin and sinking.
5. Keep Your Wheels Straight: Keep your wheels pointed straight ahead as much as possible. Turning in thick mud increases resistance and the risk of getting bogged.
6. Use the Rear Differential Lock: Activate the rear diff lock when facing deep mud or inclines. This ensures both rear wheels move together, improving traction and helping you power through.
7. Avoid Over-Revving: Spinning the wheels too fast in mud will dig them in deeper. If you feel a loss of traction, ease off the accelerator to let the tyres regain grip.
8. Recovery from Stuck: If you get bogged down, don’t panic. Gently rock the vehicle back and forth by alternating between forward and reverse gears. Using traction boards or shovelling mud away from the tyres can also help.
9. Post-Mud Cleanup: After the adventure, clean your vehicle thoroughly, focussing on the undercarriage, wheel wells and brakes to remove all traces of mud and prevent potential long-term damage.
10. Inspect for Damage: With the vehicle clean, check for damage to the tyres, suspension and undercarriage. Ensure everything looks in top nick, paying particular attention to steering and braking systems.

While the Isuzu D-Max is well equipped to tackle muddy terrain in factory spec, accessories can enhance its capabilities, with uses that are not just limited to muddy trails.

Recommended add-ons for mud driving include a snorkel for water crossings, a winch for recovery, a suspension lift kit to increase ground clearance, and auxiliary lights to illuminate trails at night and improve visibility in low-light conditions. If mud driving is going to be a regular part of your 4x4 adventures, a set of seat covers and rubber floor mats that are removable and easy to clean can also be a smart investment.

Some of these items can be found in the Isuzu factory accessories catalogue. Contact your Isuzu UTE dealer to find out more, or click HERE to see the range of available accessories for the D-Max, some of which are also suitable for the MU-X SUV.