Do you own a 4×4 vehicle? If you do, you’ll likely want to take it off-roading for a fun adventure once in a while. There’s nothing quite like a satisfying bash through the bush, on an off-road trail or elsewhere in the outback, what a rush. But you need to ensure that your 4×4 is prepared for its adventure. This helpful article will share exactly how you can prepare your vehicle for its off-roading, so read on to learn more.
Check Over Your Vehicle
The first step in preparing your rugged 4×4 to handle a long off-road adventure is to make sure it’s in excellent working condition. This means conducting a thorough inspection of your vehicle’s brakes, suspension, fluids, tyres, and battery. Make sure that you check the owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and adhere to it. You can also book it at your local mechanic, who can look after this for you.
Here’s a general 4×4 maintenance checklist for any off-road trip:
- Check that all screws, bolts, and nuts are tightened and secure
- Consider getting an automotive electrical check
- Clean all headlights, rear lights, windscreen, reflectors, and side mirrors
- Consider having a professional mechanical inspection and service
- Check the fan-belt tightness, radiator levels, battery levels, roof rack, brake fluid levels, door seals, power steering fluid, engine fluid levels, and coolant levels
- Make sure all gauges and dashboard functions are working.
Check Tyre Pressure and Health
The last thing you want on your 4×4 offroad adventure is a flat tyre or tyres that aren’t up to the demanding tasks of off-roading. One of the most important things that you need to check before leaving for your off-road adventure is your car’s tyre pressure. Make sure to inflate or deflate the tyre pressure according to the type of terrain you will be driving your 4×4 on. Here is a handy guide to tyre pressure.
Along with reducing fuel consumption, correct tyre pressure reduces the risk of punctures, makes for a smoother ride, and limits the wear and tear on your tyres. A lower tyre pressure can indeed provide better traction, but make sure not to go too low, as it can damage the tyres or vehicle, which is the last thing you want.
To prepare your tyres for an off-road trip:
- Inspect all four tyres before leaving for your trip
- Ensure that all the tyres have enough tread
- If a tyre is low on pressure, inflate it properly or swap it out with a spare to replace it
- Always bring extra tyres on off-road trips in case of puncture or damage
- Opt for tyres specifically fitted for a 4×4 to ensure it corners properly and has increased grip for the rough, rugged and unpredictable terrain of the outback or 4×4 trail.
Pack Recovery Gear
When off-roading in your 4×4 in the outback, you’ll want to ensure that you pack some basic recovery gear. This is essential. If you end up stuck in rough terrain and need to undergo a winch recovery, the right recovery gear will keep you safe and comfortable until you resolve the issue yourself or help arrives.
If you’re planning an off-road driving adventure trip in the outback, be sure to carry recovery gear such as these useful items:
- Recovery hooks
- A tow strap
- A winch
- A shovel
- Extension cords
- A screwdriver
- A flashlight
- A tyre iron
- A lug wrench
- An emergency kit (which contains jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, flares and bottled water)
- Consider buying and registering a PLB (Personal Locating Beacon)
If you’re struggling with space for everything, consider grabbing a car roof platform tray for additional storage room, as this will allow you to deal with larger items more effectively. Additionally, a car bonnet protector can keep your vehicle safe in rockier terrain where debris can get kicked up easily.
Have Navigation Equipment
The outback is not a part of Australia you want to get lost in. Along with unpredictable and poorly maintained roads and wild weather, mobile phone coverage in the outback is difficult to predict even with the best provider.
Be sure to bring along a map, compass, or reliable GPS to help you navigate
areas with poor mobile phone coverage. A two-way radio is also excellent for communicating with other drivers in your group. Even if your 4×4 has built-in GPS navigation, be sure to carry a spare map in case of a GPS malfunction or error.
Practise Your Driving in Varying Terrain
Off-roading requires certain special driving skills and experience. Navigating the rough roads and rugged terrain of the outback requires you to have awareness, precision, and the ability to manage your 4×4 vehicle with confidence and capability.
Before your off-road trip, ensure that you practise driving your 4×4 vehicle under controlled conditions. You could also search for and undergo a local 4×4 training class.
An Offroad Summary
This helpful article has shared how you can prepare your 4×4 vehicle for an offroad driving adventure, to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time.