3 ways to increase the cross-country ability of any car
Tips for motorists

3 ways to increase the cross-country ability of any car

28.06.2022 /

Any motorist has to drive over rough terrain. Depending on the time of year, as well as on weather conditions, some sections of the route are difficult to overcome even on an SUV, so every driver should be aware of the main ways to increase the cross-country ability of his car - the ability of the car to overcome various obstacles that arise in its path.

Sand tracks

3 ways to increase the cross-country ability of any car

Already the translation of the term "sand truck" itself - a sandy path - speaks of the type of off-road where this device is used. However, "traps" help to overcome not only sand, but also other loose soils: muddy clay, peat or snow.

This is achieved due to the fact that:

  • tracks do not allow the wheel to burrow into loose ground;
  • distribute the weight of the machine on a large bearing surface;
  • can be used as miniature bridges to overcome small obstacles (grooves and stones).

The simplest analogue of a truck is a wooden board, which the driver puts under the wheel to get rid of slipping.

Now on sale there is a large selection of sand-trucks, different both in design and in material. Iron, aluminium, plastic or composites are commonly used to make these devices.

Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Metal ones are very strong, but much heavier than plastic ones. Plastic tracks recover their shape after bending, but become brittle at low temperatures. The use of composite materials greatly increases the cost of the product.

According to the design of the tracks are:

  • lamellar - the most reliable and functional (length from 1 to 2 m, surface with ridges and perforations for better grip with the wheel);
  • folding - durable, convenient for transportation, but at the wrong time they can fold under the weight of the car;
  • flexible - roll up, when placed under the tires will help to avoid slipping;
  • inflatable - when not inflated due to the corrugated surface, they can be used as anti-slip mats, and filled with air will help to overcome small ditches;
  • canister trucks - can be additionally used to store fuel, but when used as a "trapik" they are short-lived.

Wheel chains

3 ways to increase the cross-country ability of any car

The main function of snow chains is to increase the grip between the wheels and the roadway. They can be useful on sections of the road covered with mud, snow or ice crust.

Each snow chain consists of outer and inner radial chains or cables that run around the circumference of the wheel and link them with cross members.

Depending on what material the cross hooks are made of, wheel chains are divided into:

  • rigid - crossbars in the form of metal chains;
  • soft - transverse hooks made of reinforced rubber or plastic.

Also, these devices differ:

  • by size - depending on the width and diameter of the car wheel;
  • the pattern of the connection of the crossbars - ladder, diagonal, rhombuses, honeycombs;
  • by material - steel, aluminum, plastic, titanium;
  • by the size and shape of the link itself (chain element or lugs).

Wheel chains are selected depending on the route that the driver travels more often.

If the car is driven most of the time on the highway, and a small section is driven on heavy off-road, it is better to use stiff chains. At the same time, the motorist will still not be able to exceed the speed of more than 40 km / h, and rubber wear will be less.

In case the route consists of often alternating sections of the roadway and light off-road, it is better to put the wheels in soft chains. At the same time, the driver will be able to reach speeds of up to 80 km / h, and the rubber will wear out less.

Emergency clamps

3 ways to increase the cross-country ability of any car

Anti-slip car clamps (bracelets) are a great alternative to wheel chains.

Their main advantage is the ease of installation on the wheel, even if it has already fallen into an off-road trap. The bracelets increase the traction of the wheel with the road surface and are suitable for both mud and ice.

Clamps also differ in design, material of manufacture and size.

It is up to the motorist to decide whether to buy and use devices to increase cross-country ability or to get by with studded tires. But, going on a long trip along an unfamiliar route, in addition to a shovel and a towing cable, it is advisable to take with you, if not sand trucks, then at least anti-skid chains or clamps.

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