Common sense safety tips for 4x4 Off-Roading
Common sense safety tips for 4x4 Off-Roading
It doesn't matter whether you are an expert off roader or are going off on your first off roading adventure, your main priority should be knowing how to keep yourself, your passenger and your vehicle safe at all times. Following these helpful common sense tips before you leave on your adventure will make your experience fun and not fearful.
Be sure you know your vehicle well.
Understand how your vehicle drives. Know it's limits and how not to exceed them. Also be familiar with the following:
the exact location of your spare tyre and jack, and how to use them correctly.
The height, width, length, approach and departure angles, and ramp angle of your vehicle, so you know which tight spots you can squeeze through, and which you can't. You'll also want to know where the lowest point of clearance is, and how much clearance you have.
Find out if your 4x4 has an electronic stability control system and learn when, why and how it works.
Practice using the low ratio gearbox. Know the location of your truck engine's air intake and computer, so you'll know the maximum depth of any water you can cross.
Be prepared
Severe weather conditions or an unforeseen break-down can put a real dampener on an off-road trip, so be sure to pack emergency relevant supplies, including energy bars and water, a first aid kit is a must, and either extra clothing or blankets, or both.
Contact Counts
Always make sure someone at home knows where you're going and how to get in touch with you, and be sure you have their contact number as well. Also, bring along the phone numbers for the local police, and your insurance company. It's also a good idea, at least on your first few trips, to check in with your emergency contact at a pre-arranged time, just in case.
Maintenance Matters
Always ensure your 4x4 is in good condition before you take it off-road, even if you have checked it over and over again. This includes making sure the tyres are in good condition and adequately inflated, that all seat belts are intact, and fluids topped up, and that your brakes and steering are in good, working condition.
Lighten the Load
While it is important to have necessary emergency supplies with you, don't go crazy and over-pack on supplies. Ensure when you are loading your 4x4 that the load is even all round. If you're using a roof-rack, be sure to account for the additional height of any items packed in it.
Location, Location, Location.
Be familiar with your location that you are heading to. Be aware that a trip that looks short on a map may be a long drive in a 4x4. Keep maps with you going off-road doesn't mean ignoring usual safety conventions.
For many of us off-roading in a 4x4 is thrilling and exciting and overall it is an adventure. If you did not have an emergency whilst in the middle of no-where then you would never have any fun. Ensure your 4x4 is maximised for performance and reliability. However, always take safety precautions before you leave home and you won't have to spend your time fixing.
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