Larges swathes of Africa can only be traversed by 4×4. You don’t have to be an off-road expert to make the most of the 4×4 trails in many of the game reserves and national parks of the still wild continent, but there are some basics that you should know. Here are some tips, gleaned from 4×4 fundis, to help you fully enjoy your trip:
According to Bridgestone, one of the first things you need to get to grips with is the difference between momentum and acceleration because there are instances when you’ll need to use one rather than the other. Obviously, you accelerate to build up speed. Momentum is the speed that you have already built. Momentum will get you through more trouble than acceleration, especially when you’re in mud or soft sand.
You also need to learn not to panic and fight your vehicle when things get tough. You will want to hold the steering wheel as though your life depends on it, this will only make things worse. The trick is to loosen your grip and use the steering wheel to guide your vehicle.
A very handy tip to remember is that lower tyre pressure will help you manage tough terrain. By lowering the pressure you increase your tyre’s footprint, which will spread the weight over a larger area and give you more traction. Just don’t forget to pump them back up when you’ve navigated that particular difficulty.
According to ToyotaOffRoad.com, it’s very important for beginners to travel slowly. Travelling slowly will help you maintain traction and enable you to better manage difficult conditions and avoid disaster. Hand-in-hand with this is to know your limits. Don’t try to be a show-off and don’t try overcome problems with acts of stupidity masquerading as courage.
Mud
In muddy terrain momentum is better than acceleration. When you see mud coming, it may be a good idea to stop your vehicle, get out and test the mud. See how deep it is and find out its consistency. Depending on what you find, you might want to lower your tyre pressure, for instance if the mud is deep and sticky. Build up momentum before you reach the mud and use it to get you across. Keep the vehicle in a low gear and don’t change gear because that will take away your momentum.
If you feel yourself getting stuck, move the steering gently from side to side to help your tyres get more traction. If that doesn’t work, and you can’t reverse out of the mire, you’ll have to dig your way out. Use traction aids, or rocks or branches to give you more traction and if that doesn’t work, it’s time to bring out the old tow rope.
Sand
Many of the principles of mud driving also apply to sand. For instance, you’ll need momentum and a low gear. Low tyre pressure will also help. Try not to use your breaks which will shift sand under your tyres. Don’t try to accelerate your way out, rather use traction aids, branches or even your floor mats for extra traction.
Water
It’s very important that you know high (or low) your air intake is, as this will determine the depth of water you can cross. Don’t risk water that is too deep as you could do untold damage to your electronic systems. Maintain a steady speed as you go across, use momentum and don’t change gears. If you get stuck you will need to be towed out.
Hills
Once again momentum comes into play. Gauge how much momentum you will need to carry you up the hill and then begin your ascent as straight as possible. Keep your speed steady. If you feel yourself slide backwards or sideways slow down until you regain control.
Three final points:
1) Never travel alone. You will need another vehicle to get you out of a tight spot and larger convoys are safer than lone vehicles in general.
2) Always carry spares.
3) Respect nature. Don’t drive off the trails and don’t litter.
The bottom line is not to panic, be logical and you’re sure to have a good time.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
