Basic Technique- Offroad Driving

Many of 4x4 owner are really good in understanding their vehicle capability and most of them are well prepared before going off road. However, you are also need to know the basics of your four wheel drive vehicle. To know the basic is will lead you to understand more of your 4x4.

Before proceed with off road activities, first we must know the characteristic of our 4WD including how the 4WD system operating, driving character, your vehicle size, angle and height.Every 4WD have their own advantages and disadvantages. Know your own 4WD and your capability will reduce the risk of your 4WD being in severe damage and most important your safety.

Setting your 4 wheel Gear

First rule is to set your 4 wheel gear. It depend on type of your 4WD either full time 4 wheel or half time 4 wheel gear. For half time 4 wheel normally the hub key located on your front wheel. After locking the hub key, set the gear to either 4 Low (4L) or 4 High (4H) depends on the trek grade.

Setting a suitable gear for different type of obstacles require competence and experience.

Just remember,

Don't change gear in the middle of obstacle, river crossing or descending hill.

If not sure which gear to choose, set at the lowest (1st gear 4L Mode)

Vehicle Angle

Know your vehicle angle is one of the important factor to determine the ability of your 4WD to go through the obstacle when go off-roading.

There 4 type of vehicle angle to know

1. Approach Angle - angle to be consider for climbing

2. Ramp Break Over Angle - angle to measure vehicle height or ground clearance

3. Departure Angle

4. Side Tilt Angle

For safety purpose, do check the route or obstacles before decided to go through it.