The great sport of off-roading is a
rough, rugged way to spend some vacation time. The only things you need are an
off-road vehicle and a sense of adventure! Both experienced drivers and
beginners can enjoy this sport, and it can make a great addition to a camping
trip or other outdoor activity.
But getting into off-roading may be a
bit intimidating to those who have never tried it before. There are some simple
tips that you can follow to make sure that your first off-roading trip is a
roaring success.
The first step is to know your
vehicle. Knowing your vehicle helps you determine how far to push it, what to
do if you get stuck, what width you can fit through, and other details. If you
are comfortable driving on the road, you will be comfortable off it.
Part of knowing you vehicle is
knowing what gear to use and when. Four-wheel drive is good for when one or
more tires may come off the ground. All-wheel drive is good for trails made of
rock, sand, gravel, or ice. AWD provides the handling and flexibility perfect
for those conditions.
The next step is to remember to
remain aware of your speed and momentum. One of the most important things to do
is to keep moving, as stopping can rut you in sand or other places. Controlling
your momentum can get you safely from start to finish.
Keep the driver’s side closer to any
obstacles you come across. This gives you a better view of the situation,
allowing you more maneuverability to get out.
If you are really a beginner, find an
easy trail. The road you pick should be bumpier than a flat dirt road, but
challenging enough to get you used to the experience of off-roading. This way,
you can build up gradually to rougher and harder trails, giving you a new
adventure each time.
One important step that may not occur
to all drivers is to pack and be prepared for anything! Have a first-aid kit
available, along with healthy and protein-packed foods. It’s always better to
have too much and not need it, than to need something and not have it.
Never attempt anything that you as a
driver do not feel comfortable doing. Anything beyond your skill level can
cause serious damage to your vehicle and put an end to any future off-roading
trips.
If you want to get into off-roading,
there are plenty of great cars you can get, like a Rocky Ridge truck for sale. Talk to your local dealer to find the best
fit for you, and get out off that road!