Here at SA4X4 we have completed our fair share of off-road driving over the years, not without complication. What we have learnt is that making mistakes when traversing tough terrains can lead to getting stuck, punctures and even complete vehicle rollover, the latter of which we have not yet accomplished, touch wood. All you avid 4×4 drivers reading this will no doubt have encountered similar unfortunate occurrences in your off-road endeavors and you are probably nodding your heads in agreement. Such is the exciting life of an off-road enthusiast.
In this article we look at the worst first which is vehicle rollover, and this should be avoided at all costs. We then move on to rocky terrain driving, gravel driving, hill ascents and descents.
Vehicle rollovers
On a recent trip to Marcuskraal 4×4, we managed to get our vehicle rocking back and forth as the adjacent wheels of our test Suzuki Jimny sat atop two large sandy mounds on a steep downhill sand obstacle. The video can be viewed later in this article. Luckily our angle of descent was basically straight down the sand obstacle so the chance of rollover was negated. If we had come down the obstacle at a more pronounced angle, the vehicle would have been more prone to rollover. Sandy slopes should be negotiated straight up and down to minimize the chance of rollover.
Avoid weight packed on top of the vehicles roof rack as this will exacerbate sideways sway by heightening the vehicle’s centre of gravity and increase the possibility of rollover. Luggage should also be strapped down inside the vehicle to stop it moving around and increasing vehicle roll.
In the video below you can clearly see the vehicle rocking as it straddles two sandy mounds.
Remember, soft sandy conditions underfoot equate to an increased vehicle angle as the front wheels sink in and this needs to be factored in when looking at the obstacle. If the obstacle looks problematic, it probably is. Find another route.
Rocky terrains
Deflating tyres is a must on rocky terrains right down to less than 1 bar. This allows the tyre much more give when encountering sharp or jagged rocks that would normally puncture a fully inflated tyre.
Good ground clearance is also vital when negotiating rocky terrains so that boulders and rocks don’t come in contact with the softer underbelly of the vehicle such as the oil sump.
Underbody vehicle protection is also advisable if you often negotiate rocky obstacles. Go slow! Rocky terrains should be traversed slowly and carefully to avoid damage to your vehicle. If you’re unsure of the way ahead, get out of the vehicle to walk the track to visualise the obstacles ahead. Click here for the SA4X4 product pages.
Steep ascents
Steep ascents are usually achieved in gears 1, 2 or 3 low range, depending on the severity of the ascent. You’ll quickly realise that a gear change is needed when the vehicle quickly loses momentum. If you don’t manage the gear change in time, the next option is to reverse back in the direction you came from and try again. 4×4 ascents will generally be undertaken in a single gear to maintain momentum.
Steep descents
When descending sandy terrains, the vehicle should be in low range with hill descent on (if your vehicle has this function) and braking should be kept to a bare minimum to avoid uncontrolled vehicle slides. Simply, finding the correct gear is imperative and the braking will then be accomplished by the torque of the engine. Apply brakes gently only if the vehicle is gaining too much momentum.
Gravel roads
Don’t be fooled by the ease of which your 4×4 drives on gravel roads as it’s is very easy to get into an uncontrolled skid. Modern vehicles are made to be comfortable and this generates a false sense of security for the driver. How often have you felt your 4×4 drift or the rear of the vehicle jump out on a gravel road? Add road corrugations to the mix and it’s quite easy to find yourself struggling to keep the vehicle on the road. I see you nodding in agreement again.
Remember, it is more difficult to regain control on a gravel road when travelling at high speeds. Lower speeds are always suggested on gravel. Remember, at lower speeds it’s safer and you’ll get to see so much more of the countryside.
Wrapping up
Off-roading is a passion that many South Africans enjoy, and with the correct equipment and understanding the best methods of 4×4 travel, coupled with an innate knowledge of how best to handle different terrains, success off-road will be achieved. Happy off-roading!
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