subject: Safety And Your 4x4 [print this page] There are many aspects of safety that need to be considered for your 4x4. If you are going to spend hard earned money on your 4x4, you need to ensure its safety.
The first thing you need to consider is your insurance. There are so many car insurance companies out there in the world; you simply need to choose one who will offer you the services you require. Luckily, 4x4s are deemed to be safer to drive, which helps you get a lower insurance premium. There is, however, specialised motor insurance just for 4x4s. You can do a search for these companies on the internet so that you can find the right insurance for your 4x4.
There are other ways of obtaining lower car insurance for your 4x4. Firstly, install a good security system on your bakkie. A lot of thieves like to steal these types of vehicles, so you have to increase security. This means putting in an alarm system, an immobiliser, a tracking system AND a gear lock on your car. Install special secured fittings onto your tires so that no one can steal them, as a lot of thieves know that 4x4 wheels are very valuable. In doing all this, you will pose yourself as a lower theft risk and will then get a lower insurance premium.
The next aspect of safety you need to consider is your driving. You need to be able to drive your vehicle safely so that you never have to claim from insurance. Naturally, if you cherish your vehicle, you will not want to do anything to damage it! Some people advise taking an advanced driver's course before driving a 4x4. Alternatively, it is more advisable to take a course on driving a larger vehicle, if you can find one in your area. Going from a normal sized motor car to a large 4x4 can be difficult to master. Should you already know how to drive your 4x4 well, then you will not need to worry about taking a course. You can still do other things to protect your 4x4. First of all, never put yourself in a driving situation that you are not one hundred percent sure your vehicle can handle. This means that you must read through the driver's manual on your 4x4. Find out what settings there are for off road terrains, and just how far you can actually push your vehicle.
Never forget to maintain your 4x4. Always keep to the service booklet, and take it for regular services. Missing a service could mean overlooking a small problem that when ignored, could become something much bigger. Have your tire pressure and oil and water levels checked each time you fill your vehicle up with fuel. Before embarking on an off road journey it is imperative that you have your vehicle checked over by a mechanic to make sure there are no faults which could lead to a bad situation when in the middle of nowhere.
Appreciate your 4x4 and look after it and you will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
