Author : Art Gib
The idea of the stereotypical “Sunday driver” conjures up a clear picture in our minds: Grandma and Grandpa putt-putting along in a big old sedan, content to drive 20 miles per hour under the speed limit on nice, safe pavement Well, that might be ok for the masses, but there are those who like to drive for the thrill of it– to navigate off-road terrain where people seldom go, to use their vehicles for the purpose of exploration and excitement instead of just to get from one place to another
For those who want to really see and experience nature, nothing beats off-road driving This pastime has become a passion for many, and its popularity has exploded in the last 20 years Thanks in large part to the innovations in automotive technology that have allowed vehicles to handle very rough terrain, we are free to let our inner explorer loose; however, there are specific challenges to off-roading Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
– Never attempt any kind of rough terrain without a 4-wheel drive vehicle This may seem like basic advice, but there are still many who think their regular cars can handle it They can’t!
– Water is a common obstacle in certain places, and with a little common sense and know-how about how your vehicle operates, you should be able to handle it just fine For example, know where your vehicle’s air intake is and don’t allow water to enter You may have to spread a tarp over your hood in very deep water
Maintain good forward momentum and your computer system and other vital engine functions will have a good chance of staying dry Never, ever enter fast-moving deep water: you would be at great risk of being taken away by the current
– Did you know that deflating your vehicle’s tire pressure temporarily will help it get through sand, snow, and mud more easily? This technique creates better traction; just make sure you maintain a steady speed, and use higher gears
– For tough hills, hit them straight on using a high gear You may need to experiment a few times to see which gear will get you to the top Using an improper gear will either cause your tires to spin or will not give you enough power to summit A common mistake is to continue to power up while going over the top Don’t! Going too fast at this point may cause you to lose control of your vehicle Once you make it up, ease up on the throttle immediately and take it easy
No matter what part of the world you choose to explore, doing it in a great off-road vehicle that you can trust makes all the difference To have a safe experience, it’s also important to know the basics of driving under all sorts of conditions Happy trails!
For the most amazing, custom-built, state of the art global expedition vehicles, contact the experts at Global Xpedition Vehicles (http://www.globalexpeditionvehicles.com). Art Gib is a freelance writer.
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