Going off-road driving can be a fun experience. Many of us older folk who lived in the country were able to go off-roading or four-wheeling as many called it, in our own vehicles that were equipped with four-wheel drive. If you?re one of those people who is looking to use four-wheel drive in your vehicle but hasn?t ever had this experience, then today you?ll be able to learn how with some tips in my beginners guide to four-wheel driving.
Beginners Guide to Four-Wheel Driving
Start with a Friend
The first time you go four-wheeling in your vehicle, you should bring along an experienced friend. This means someone who knows the ropes of four-wheeling trails and how to handle your vehicle in four-wheel drive mode.
Understand your Vehicle
You?ll need to understand how the four-wheel drive works in your vehicle. Just because you have a four-wheel drive vehicle doesn?t mean it will handle off-road trails as well as other vehicles. Read your owner?s manual to fully understand what your vehicle?s four-wheel drive is capable of.
Understand Drive Modes
Some four-wheel drive vehicles need to be in a standstill in order to switch drive modes, while others can be easily engaged into a new drive mode while in motion. Some vehicles may be equipped with their own smart drive modes that allow it to handle itself so to speak.
Know the Difference
You will find that you have both 4H and 4L as an option when four-wheel driving takes place. 4H is a drive mode that can handle harden terrains while 4L is a drive mode that handles easier terrains. Your owner?s manual will tell you whether you can switch these gears while driving or at a standstill.
Understand Terrain
When four-wheeling in your vehicle you?ll come across different types of terrain. It?s important to understand that softer terrain is easier to cross slowly at a steady speed while the tough terrain is best suited to drive over in a lower range while keeping an eye out of for rocks that may pop your tires.
Recovery Options
You should always bring along a tow strap and device to pull your four-wheel vehicle out of a situation where you got stuck. Water and muddy areas are famous for getting your vehicle stuck when out four-wheeling, this is why you should also have a second vehicle out four-wheeling with you.
There are other tips and steps to enjoying a four-wheel drive vehicle out in the woods, but these beginner tips should surely lead you in the right direction to enjoy a day out in the woods with family, friends and your four-wheel drive vehicle.
