The summer can be a good time to explore the great outdoors in your car. Despite the heat, there are at least fewer uncertainties about the elements to deal with during the next two months. Though, it can be a whole lot more fun going off-roading during the rains.

Unlike a regular road trip, going off-road can be much more exciting and challenging at the same time, and there are many more precautions to take before setting out on an expedition. An off-road adventure in your own car can be safe if you understand the terrain you are about to tackle, have the right gear to assist you and most importantly know your vehicle's limitations.

Basic precautions

An off-road trip is best attempted in a sports utility vehicle and with a navigator by your side. Don't try off-roading alone in a vehicle, it can be quite a misadventure if you are lost or stuck in the middle of nowhere. The ideal is two teams in two vehicles, so that if one of the vehicles is stuck the other can be used to pull it out or can be used to look for help.

Next, get a route map, if available, of the off-road area you plan to explore. Check if there are at least kutcha roads nearby that have been mapped and identifiable in a GPS. This might be handy if you need a back-up or bail-out plan if the terrain is too tough to handle. Most vehicles will consume an above average level of fuel during off-roading. So, make a note of the location of the nearest fuel pump and if it is too far flung, arrange to carry extra fuel on board.

Put together all the basic safety equipment, a tow cable (with the correct rating for your vehicle's weight), a fully inflated spare tyre, a flashlight, cell-phone charger, plenty of water and some munchies. Check your vehicle's other fluid levels too, especially radiator coolant and also measure or make a note of the ground clearance. You can find that number and some other technical details in the SUV's drivers manual.

The technical details in the manual to go over carefully are those that relate to the four-wheel drive capability of the vehicle. The type and quality of the differential is a crucial factor in deciding what level of difficulty in off-road terrain the vehicle can handle. Check if the vehicle has a differential lock and if it has a high and low 4X4 gear ratio (low ratio reduces speed, but delivers higher torque to enable the vehicle to cross hurdles and come unstuck).

The other numbers that could be of use is the vehicle's approach angle and departure angle, which is also a factor of the ground clearance, and are measured from the base of the tyres to the edge of the front and rear bumpers. Steeper these angles, the better for serious off-road conditions. One addition to your gear, especially if you are expecting to drive on regular roads and on muddy or sandy terrain, is an electrical air pump to inflate your tyres.

Once you have all the stuff in place and have made note of all the information, then you can head out. Here are a few tips, tricks and precautions to make sure you have a smooth off-roading experience while you tackle the bumpy off-road route.

Hilly and rocky

First a driving tip – always hold the steering wheel in the 9 hours and 15 minutes (by the clock) position, even while off-roading. However, don't slot your thumb in the position between the spokes, because there is a risk of the bone snapping if the kickback from the wheel is too strong. Holding the steering in the 9-3 position will help you know exactly which direction the front wheels are pointing towards under all circumstances.

While driving up hilly off-road terrain, it is important to remember that speed is essential at only right situations. When approaching a steep climb, speed is needed so a heavy foot on the throttle is essential, but you have to go easy on the gas as you begin to crest the mound, because a clear view of the other side can't be had from below. If the climb is too steep and there is a risk of the drop-off being too steep, it makes sense to walk up and check first, before attempting to climb.

On the way down, the right amount of braking is the key to a controlled descent. If your vehicle has tech like hill descent control, then your job is a bit easier and the right steering inputs will be the only thing you need to do.

Don't approach outcrops and other rocky terrain with your vehicle positioned straight. The risk of wheel slippage and loss of traction is lower if you let your vehicle take them on a bit sideways. This way at least one set of wheels will be in constant contact with the surface. If your vehicle has a low ratio selecting it will help if there is loose gravel or the surface is too uneven.

Also if you are taking a kutcha hill route that is narrow and has drop-offs on the side, as you look out for the edge of the road on the right, remember to simultaneously look out for ruts or furrows on the mountainside that might have been dug for channelling rain water. Sometimes these can be deep and if your wheels slide in, the vehicle could get dragged on to a rocky wall.

Look out for sharp rocky edges that can slash and cut into the tyre wall. When in doubt about the terrain, ask your navigator to step out and help direct your vehicle out of a situation.

Sandy and muddy

Sandy terrain can look disarmingly simple to drive in, but can be very frustrating to handle. Both for rocky, as well as sandy conditions, deflating the tyres a bit will make sure that there is more of the tyres' surface in contact with the terrain, providing you with more traction.

Giving the right amount of throttle is again important here. Give an even, steady throttle in flat sandy terrain. Look for small scrubs or dead creepers to go over and preserve traction if the sand is particularly loose. Approach sand dunes or mounds with the right speed at the base and stay on the throttle till you reach the top.

If your vehicle stalls, sinks into the sand or seems to loose traction, make sure that the risk of further wheel slippage is minimised, by quick turns of the steering wheel to the left and right as you stay on the gas. Resist the urge to floor the throttle if you detect wheel spin, you'll only dig yourself in further.

Wet terrain

If you are going to tackle slushy or wet surfaces, one of the first points to remember is to keep a steady hand on the steering. If you are following a furrowed track keeping the wheels straight is important to avoid the possibility of sliding out. Braking efficiency in slushy conditions is poor and it is best to approach the terrain at low speeds.

In case there is need to cross a deep puddle or a small stream, it will be a good idea to step out and check the depth of the water. Also remember the fording ability of the vehicle before driving through.

End notes

Remember that these are just general tips to start you on a journey of understanding about how to go off-road safely. Experience gained over many years of driving off-road is the only way you can tackle extremely tough conditions. Start out with small trips and relatively easy terrain before you attempt more serious off-roading. Go on enjoy the sun, but keep yourself and your vehicle from harm's way.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW