Off-roading is fun and a great way to spend a day. Whether you go with friends or a significant other, there is no better way to spend time in your car. If you are new to off-roading and want to prepare for your first adventure, HotCars has some tips for you, and some mistakes to avoid.
Car Tips
Before you get on a trail, lower the tire pressure. The less air in your tires the less you will bounce and have a rougher ride. The low air pressure also absorbs more of the impact, allows for more surface air to grip, and better the distribution of the vehicle’s weight.
You also want to use the lowest gear possible. Due to inclines, big rocks, or other reasons for reduced traction, the lowest gear is recommended. If your vehicle is not equipped with a dual-range transfer case, the lowest gear is recommended.
Tips for People
Some big tips for people when it comes to off-roading are there to make sure you stay safe. Never go off-roading alone. Always go with at least one other person for safety. When off-roading, use a spotter. When navigating dangerous and unfamiliar terrain, a spotter–that has the experience, can help you navigate safer.
Similarly, you should follow the rules of the trial. The rules are in place to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Finally, be flexible. Nature constantly shifts and changes and a spot in the trail is no longer accessible or your vehicle cannot handle it. When these situations occur, be flexible and turn around and take a different route.
Tips for Preparation
The first step to preparing is reading your owner’s manual. The owner’s manual holds everything you need to know about your car. You should also know how to use a four-wheel drive since the terrain is rocky, slippery, and dangerous.
You should prepare by knowing ground clearances and approach angles. Knowing clearance and angles will allow for the underside of your vehicle to not get scrapped. Finally, you need to prepare your vehicle for off-roading. Before you head off to the trail, make sure that if your vehicle is due for an oil change you get one. Next, make sure that windshield wiper fluid and coolant are at their top levels. Make sure your tire pressure matches the recommended pressure of the trail and inflate them before you head back home.
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Mistakes to Avoid
Mistakes will be made by anyone who is doing something for the first time. However, some mistakes can have huge consequences. Here are some mistakes to avoid before you off-road. Not being prepared for emergencies, overpacking, refusing to turn around, being aggressive, not scoping the route out, not testing water depth, buying low-quality gear, and not attending a training course. All of these mistakes can lead to you or someone else getting hurt. Make sure to avoid all of these for your and everyone else’s safety.
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