5 important things to know about off-road

Oh, those off-road feelings! If you have done this, you know that there is nothing better than to demonstrate your experience and skill. However, if you haven't, there are five important things you need to know before leaving the road behind.

Know your car

To be honest, just about any vehicle can handle dirt road or even beach traffic if you know what you're doing. Obviously, you might not want to take the smallest subcompact on wet sand, but in most cases it's possible in dry conditions if you keep your speed and straight line of attack. Conversely, your small four-cylinder engine won't be able to get through deep, mud-filled ruts, especially if you have low ground clearance.

4WD vs XNUMXWD

There will always be those who use these terms interchangeably, but the reality is that they are different. All-wheel drive (4WD) or 4x4 if you prefer can be switched on when you need it for tough conditions or extra traction. All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is always on and improves handling and traction in almost all conditions. If you're planning on extreme off-roading, all-wheel drive is your best bet. If you want something to handle most terrain, all-wheel drive will work, albeit with less fuel economy.

Understanding Low Ranges

When driving in hazardous conditions with steep climbs and descents, low range on your XNUMXWD vehicle will make a huge difference in maintaining traction. It will also help when overcoming higher obstacles or rocks.

Stability and traction control

While stability and traction control are good on normal roads, they don't provide much of an advantage when you're off-road. The stability control system works by braking individual wheels to prevent slipping or spinning, while traction control limits the power delivered to the spinning wheels. In off-road conditions, it is best to disable both of these systems - refer to the owner's manual to find out how to do this.

Don't forget the shovel

Whether you think your vehicle can handle off-road or not, always carry a shovel with you when off-road. That way, if that little muddy puddle is actually a deep hole that will swallow half your tires, you should be able to get out - eventually. Otherwise, you will be stuck (literally) and go for help and the nearest tow truck.

Off-road is a thrill, especially when you know how to do it right. If you want to make sure your vehicle is up to the task, contact AvtoTachki for a check or for more information on how to properly use your vehicle's various systems when driving off-road.