There are several driving techniques for off-road travel. Whatever the type of terrain, you must always assure that your is always functioning well.
Below are more off-road driving tips:
On sand, snow and mud
1. Slightly deflate your tires when riding through deep sand, snow or mud - this is to increase tire's footprint and provide better traction. Though deflated tires decrease your ground clearance, remember to re-inflate your tires before going on-road.
2. A steady pace should carry you through. Maintain high speeds and use higher gears. Don't spin tires, and don't stop unless you're out of the deep sand. Ease off the throttle (if the wheels start to spin) just a bit and allow the tires to slow down and recover traction.
3. Turn the steering wheel quickly from side to side in short strokes to allow the front tire walls to find more grips. Do this if you lose traction and the vehicle is hardly moving.
4. Know where your front wheels are pointed at all times, if muddy conditions force you to drive in the trails. Even with wheels turned to the right or left, your Jeep will follow the range. If a dry spot with the wheels turned is encountered, then the front wheels can regain traction and suddenly throw the vehicle out of the trails, thereby resulting in a loss of control and potential damage.
On rocks, logs and ditches
1. it is best to be at an angle when approaching obstacles so that one tire enters the ditch at a time when crossing. So the other three tires are on solid ground to provide traction to get you across. An entire axle could be useless if you enter squarely.
2. Before driving over large rocks, know whether building a ramp in front of and behind any rock that has a steep approach and/or departure that could ground your vehicle is needed.
3. It is best to drive over an obstacle by placing one tire on it, then gently driving over it, instead of trying to take it down the center. This is necessary since the underside of your truck has several fragile and vital components.
On hills
1. While approaching to a hill, don't just rush into it. Look it over, and anticipate the road might make a sharp turn just when you can't see anything but your hood.
2. Use as high a gear as the vehicle will pull comfortably. The tires will spin if the selected gear is too low. On the other hand, you will not have enough power to climb the hill if it is too high. Lock front hubs, and lock differentials if fitted.
3. To have a straight approach at the hill, line up your Jeep. Keep the vehicle parallel with the slope of the hill, as much as possible.
4. Anticipate for a failed climb.
5. Turn off the engine when parking on a hill and leave it in gear with a manual transmission.
