Driving on different terrain can be a lot of fun, especially with a truck. However, it can also be quite dangerous. To stay safe the entire time, you must be aware of the do’s and don’ts of off-roading.
In this two-part article, we’ll enumerate some of the top tips to follow when going off-roading.
1. Be Familiar with Ground Clearance and Approach Angles
Before taking your truck off-road, you must know your truck’s limitations. The first thing you have to do is figure out how much clearance you have underneath your truck. On the side of the tire, it will say how much the tire can clear over an obstacle.
The second thing you have to do is check out your approach angles. Approach angles for the front and rear of your truck will allow you to see how steep of an angle you can climb. This will tell you if you can climb over an obstacle or not. Approach angles for all four tires should be more than 20 degrees to get over obstacles.
2. Make Sure Your Truck is Not Overweight
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is to overload their trucks. Overweight trucks are dangerous to drive and are a big reason many people get into accidents. Make sure that the weight you put in your truck will not exceed the weight that your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends.
3. Check Your Tires
If you plan on going off-road with your truck, you need to make sure that your tires are in good condition. You don’t want to go off-roading with worn-out tires that have minimal tread on them. Those types of tires will get stuck easily, and it will be hard to get your truck out of the mud.
4. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Before heading out off-road, you need to make sure you are prepared for emergencies. Such emergencies can include getting stuck, an accident, or water getting into your engine. Make sure that you have a cell phone, a tow strap, and tools in your truck just in case anything happens.
5. Use the Lowest Gear Possible
Before taking off off-road, you must get into low gear. This will give you the most torque and allow you to get through a variety of obstacles without getting stuck. Most off-road trucks are capable of getting into low gear. If yours isn’t, it is good to consider changing gears.
6. Never Go Alone
It is always a good idea to have at least one person with you when you are going off-road. Having someone with you will make it easier for you to spot obstacles, talk about the best way around an obstacle, and spot danger. It is a good idea to have someone with you who knows what to do and has experience off-roading.
7. Always Drive Safely
While off-roading, you need to drive safely. This is important because you are in unfamiliar territory, and you shouldn’t take any risks. You want to drive slowly and make sure that you have a good grip on the steering wheel.
Conclusion
Taking your truck off-road can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a dangerous thing to do. Follow these tips, and you’ll be able to have fun and stay safe the entire time.
If you need your vehicle repaired after going off-roading, you can go to Hoover Automotive, which offers car repair in Hoover, AL. We offer all kinds of car repair and maintenance services. Kindly get in touch with us to book an appointment!