| Off-roading can be a great deal of fun as long as | | | | · Keep your hoses, belts and filters well |
| you are organized before you go. It's a great | | | | maintained and remember to top up all your fluids. |
| way to see out-of-the-way beauty spots and an | | | | · Be sure to pack emergency supplies as you |
| interesting way to plan a family picnic, as long as | | | | never know whether you will find yourself stuck |
| you are prepared. | | | | without help. |
| The type of off-road experience you can expect | | | | · Try not to go it alone, try to travel with at |
| depends largely on both the size and toughness of | | | | least one other vehicle, the more the merrier, and |
| your vehicle. If your 4x4 is a fairly new model it | | | | have at least one other passenger with you. |
| may not be up to serious off-roading; many new | | | | · Make all the necessary checks on your vehicle, |
| models are more into off road appearance rather | | | | check tires for correct pressure including the |
| than capability. If you are really serious about this | | | | spare, check underneath for leaks and check |
| challenging hobby, buy an older model and keep it | | | | steering and brakes. |
| strictly for that purpose; you need a chassis | | | | · When you pack distribute the weight evenly |
| frame built to withstand all the punishment of the | | | | and if you have added a roof rack make sure |
| off-road obstacles that you will certainly | | | | you take into consideration the extra height. |
| encounter. Prepare your vehicle and yourself so | | | | · Make sure you know where you are at all |
| this experience is one you'll look forward to again | | | | times and be aware that what may look like a |
| and again. | | | | small journey on a map could take hours in a Four |
| Before leaving home think carefully about the | | | | Wheel Drive - allow plenty of time for safe travel. |
| following: | | | | · Never try a maneuver that you have any |
| · How well do you know your vehicle? You need | | | | misgivings about, backing off early is the wise |
| to know both its limits and yours. | | | | thing to do and that accepting that a maneuver is |
| · You must know how to use ALL the controls | | | | impossible will probably prevent damage to your |
| and know how the system works. | | | | vehicle and more important still, personal injury. |
| · Know where the jack and the spare tire are | | | | · Get a weather forecast for the area you |
| and how to use them. | | | | intend to go to and be sure to carry some |
| · Know the approximate size and dimensions of | | | | means of communication. A CB radio equipped |
| your vehicle so that you can get through tight | | | | with the weather service is ideal |
| areas with ease. | | | | Finally, always let someone know where you are |
| · Know where the lowest point of clearance is, | | | | going and arrange a time to contact them. Take |
| probably the differential casing. | | | | the Sheriffs number in case of an emergency, |
| · Practice using the low ratio gearbox and if it is | | | | and if you do find yourself in this situation DO |
| equipped with manual locking hubs, try them out | | | | NOT make the pre-arranged phone call as they |
| also. | | | | might not send out the emergency teams, |
| · It is wise to know where your engine's | | | | thinking you no longer need them. |
| computer and air intake are so that you will know | | | | As long as you make the right preparations, you'll |
| the maximum depth of water you can get | | | | find off-roading is an enjoyable hobby as well as |
| across. | | | | something you can share with the whole family. |