If you own a truck or jeep, you’ve probably considered the pull of off-roading at some stage. Few driving styles are more exhilarating, after all. If you live rurally, perfecting off-road driving could also make your life easier, especially during extreme weather. But, did you know that off-roading well isn’t as simple as just getting behind the wheel and going?
While your vehicle might be technically set up with off-roading capabilities, driving well off-road actually means putting in a little legwork, especially for your first few times. Many drivers choose to follow a few cardinal golden rules to ensure their beginner off-roading safety. Keep on reading to find out what they are!
Rule # 1 – Get Stocked Up
Before you even begin off-roading, it’s worth making sure that your vehicle is fully equipped for the task. Predominantly, this will mean stocking your cab with everything from spare tires to literal recovery gear and a vital first-aid kit. This ensures that you’re well prepared for every eventuality, which you’ll need to be if you’re planning to drive in even slightly remote off-road areas.
It’s also worth getting your car stocked up with everything from tires designed specifically for off-roading to lift kits that can give you even more floor clearance and make your off-roading journey smoother. These may seem like steps that are keeping you from your off-roading dream, but trust us when we say that the smooth riding and peace of mind that these precautions can bring is more than worth the wait.
Rule # 2 – Don’t Go it Alone
You might be tempted to drive off into the sunset all by yourself, but even experienced off-roaders will probably tell you that you shouldn’t drive this way alone. Off-road driving is naturally more risky, and also more removed from passing help. Issues including rocky terrain and sudden dips off road are all common causes for accidents, and you don’t want to be alone if that happens.
As such, we recommend having at least one other person with you when you go off-road, both in the beginning and as you start to find your footing. That person can be either a passenger or a fellow traveler in another vehicle. You simply need to know that, if anything happens, you’ve got someone there to help out!
Rule # 3 – Start Small, Build Higher
In the same way that you won’t want to hit the freeway during your first driving lessons, you’ll also want to avoid trying to peak mountains or traverse extreme conditions during your first off-roading excursions.
Instead, build up this skill by starting small. Even just driving without a tarmacked road beneath you will take some getting used to! Once you’ve learnt to move with unexpected ruts and bumps, then you can begin progressing to more challenging or vertical terrain.
Off-roading could be the ride of your life, but you’ll need to implement these golden rules to make sure it really is a good time!
*Featured image Picture Credit: CC0 License
