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Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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12 Ways to Go Off Road without Damage
When off-roading, you don’t want your vehicle to incur more damage than off-roading already does. The experience should be as much fun as track or road driving.
Unfortunately, reckless driving techniques can turn off-roading into an expensive hobby.
The good news is that I’ll share the top tips I use when going off-road so I don’t damage my vehicle.
Key Takeaways
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- Slow Down: Off-roading requires deliberate, slow driving to minimize damage and ensure control over rough terrain.
- Air-Down Tires: Lower tire pressure improves traction but balances it to avoid bead issues, adjusting based on terrain and tire size.
- Carry Plywood: Useful for gaining traction when stuck, especially in muddy or slippery conditions.
- Know Your Vehicle’s Limits: Avoid risky maneuvers and understand what your vehicle can handle to prevent damage.
- Understand Terrain: Different terrains require specific driving techniques; adapt to avoid unnecessary vehicle strain.
- Know When to Stop: Recognize when an obstacle is too challenging to avoid vehicle damage.
- Equipment Preparation: Have essential gear like tire gauge, spare tire, jack, winch, shovel, fire extinguisher, and first aid kit.
- Evaluate Conditions: Assess terrain and conditions before proceeding; uncertainty can lead to vehicle damage.
- Use Experienced Support: Have a knowledgeable companion for recovery and guidance in challenging situations.
- Recovery Gear: Carry necessary equipment for self-recovery in remote areas to avoid being stranded.
- Enjoy the Experience: Focus on enjoying the adventure rather than worrying excessively about potential vehicle issues.
- Learn from Others: Learn from experienced off-roaders; observe their techniques and advice to improve your skills.
Read on!
1) Slow Down
I can’t overemphasize this. Slowing down while off-roading is the one bit I keep hammering into my buddies’ noggins when they go for off-roading trips.
Go slow and take deliberate actions. Off-roading is all about going as slow as possible and only as fast as necessary.
Ideally, you should ease into your driving and keep everything in moderation. Don’t be too hard on the gas pedals; this will save you lots of scrapes, broken stuff, and money. After all, off-roading is about the journey and not about the destination.
2) Air Down
Tip number two is that you should always have tires suited for your terrain and, more importantly, that the tires should be aired down.
Airing down your tires dramatically affects how you handle your vehicles. Aired-down tires have an extra grip and deliver a butter-smooth riding experience.
So, how much do you air down your tires?
This is usually a touchy subject. While airing down your tires will help with grip, it makes you more susceptible to blowing a bead.
I usually air my tires down to 10 to 12 PSI, which is the baseline for most off-roading enthusiasts. However, I’ve seen guys air the tire pressure down to 5 PSI with bead locks in the snow.
The size tire is essential and determines how low you can go. For example, I’ve gone as low as 1 PSI, but I had a 42″ tire, so I had plenty of sidewalls to play with.
3) Carry some plywood
Depending on the terrain and conditions you’re wheeling on, it helps to pack some plywood. It is handy when you’re stuck and need to regain traction on your tires.
4) Know your Vehicle’s Limits
I usually advise off-roaders not to mess around to impress people or try showing off, especially if they don’t know the limits of their vehicles.
My advice is only to do what you feel comfortable with. Remember, no one will come to your aid when you need to fix broken stuff they challenged you to do.
5) Understand your terrain
Next, it’s essential to understand your terrain and know how to maneuver it. Every obstacle and situation requires a different approach.
For example, I’m a lifelong manual Jeeper and can tell you the key to running a muddy course is wheel spin. Meanwhile, rocky terrain requires a slow and steady approach.
The main thing to remember is to know your terrain and the best driving techniques; it’ll save you from unnecessary damage.
6) Giving up is an option
Knowing when to give up is essential, especially when you’re stuck. Most damage to off-road vehicles usually comes from people who won’t stop until they’re entirely buried or wrecked.
I advise that you never give in to peer pressure. Friendly encouragement is okay, but stop if you don’t feel comfortable doing an obstacle.
7) Equipment is Key
Having the right equipment and knowing how to use them is crucial for preventing damage to your off-road vehicle.
Most of the things to bring are pretty cheap for the most part, and chances are you already have them. They include:
- Tire gauge
- Spare tire
- Jack
- Wench
- Shovel
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
Also, most guys are usually quick to push for mods. I suggest you put that money towards other important stuff like gas. Get out and see what your vehicle is capable of. If it’s not equipped for the type of trails you’ll go to, then the mods become apparent.
You must also inspect your vehicle before heading out. You don’t want something to break on its way.
8) Don’t Go if You’re Unsure
You must never head out if you’re unsure about the conditions ahead. For example, if you’re unsure how deep the waters are, consider dipping a stick to understand what you’re getting into and determine whether your vehicle can accommodate the depth.
If you’re in a group unsure of your rig’s handling ability, allow others to lead you and watch their lines closely. This will give you an idea of which way or how you’ll handle an obstacle or terrain, especially if you don’t want to damage your vehicle or have broken parts.
9) Have a Right-Hand Man
It is essential to have a right-hand man who knows what they’re doing to pull you out. They shouldn’t be the guys trying to show off and rip your rig or won’t stop even when you’re clear.
If you’re in doubt, look at the direction you’re getting pulled out. Many off-roaders have their vehicles broken when they get pulled over or through an obstacle when they should have been pulled the other way.
10) Have Recovery Gear
Have some recovery gear, especially if you’re eating alone.
11) Have Fun
It would be best to have fun and not get too nervous about the whole experience. Many people, especially beginners, worry more about what might break or go wrong with their vehicle than having fun.
12) Watch and Learn from Experienced Drivers
Like anything else, off-roading takes practice and experience. My best advice is to go out with fellow off-roaders several times, and you’ll quickly learn the dos and don’ts.
It’s best to head out with the experienced guys and watch what they do. Having a veteran in your passenger seat is a bonus. The good thing about the off-roading community is that most guys are more than willing to offer a helping hand.
Other Tips
- Constant revving will screw up your engine
- Never get pulled against the slope of a dune
- Don’t brake hard
- Keep your windows open and listen to your car and surroundings. Most times, you hear shit coming before you see it.
- If you are sliding down and going sideways, go with gravity. It wins all the time.
Wrap Up
Off-roading can be enjoyable and safe with the right approach and preparation. To minimize vehicle damage and ensure a positive experience, it’s crucial to drive slowly and deliberately, adjusting tire pressure for optimal traction without risking bead damage. Carrying plywood for traction and understanding your vehicle’s limits is essential to avoid unnecessary challenges and damage.
Knowing the terrain and adapting driving techniques accordingly can prevent vehicle strain. It’s important to recognize when to stop and seek alternative routes to avoid vehicle damage. Equipping yourself with the necessary gear and evaluating conditions before proceeding are key safety measures.
Having experienced support and carrying recovery gear further enhances safety in remote areas. Ultimately, focus on enjoying the adventure and learning from seasoned off-roaders to improve your skills and confidence on rugged terrain.
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