7 Off Road Driving Tips

Now we’ll talk about what you should know when drive on roads of low quality in the country side and in the woods – in other words, about off road driving. Of course it is not possible to tell everything, besides theory can never replace real off road experience. While reading, remember that all the advice given in the article have one common leading-motive: SAFE off road driving. Safe, meaning proper and accurate driving, assures the biggest probability that you will reach your target fast and successfully and make as little damage to your vehicle as possible.

First Important off road driving tip: Drive slowly

When you participate in off road driving and the area is unknown, don’t drive fast. You can simply not notice a rock or a log in the grass. Besides you wil not see the beauty of the nature that surrounds you.

Second Important off road driving tip: Concentrate on the road

The deeper and complex is the off road you drive, the more serious attitude it requires. If you hold your cell phone in one hand and try to find the right radio station with other, your off road driving will end soon – your carelessness will not be forgiven. And you can consider yourself lucky if you are only “seated”, it’s much worse if you have “caught” a rock in the axle or some trunk has run through the cooler.

Third Important off road driving tip: Pay attention to the indications of your 4×4 SUV’s measurement devices

Don’t forget to check the indications of the measurement devices of your car from time to time. It is not very funny if during your adventure tour you run out of the fuel in the middle of the woods. It is even worse if you overheat the engine because of insufficient attention.

Fourth Important off road driving tip: Use low RPM

When driving in the off road area use low gear to drive with the optimal speed. Unless you have an obstacle to overcome, engine RPM must be low. A good off road driver knows when to push and when to let go the accelerator pedal.

Fifth Important off road driving tip: Don’t hold your thumbs on the inside of the steering wheel

Don’t hold your thumbs on the inside of the steering wheel during the off road driving tour, especially if your car doesn’t have a steering booster. If any of the front wheels gets stuck on an obstacle, there is a risk of “turning” your thumbs in a new direction in case you can’t hold the steering wheel.

Sixth Important off road driving tip: Get out of the vehicle before the obstacle

If you are not sure of how to overcome the obstacle that is in front of your road, get out from the car and make the decision after a walk. Swampy places often have well beaten roundabout routes.

Seventh Important off road driving tip: Don’t change the gear in the middle of the obstacle

In the off road driving it is important to estimate immediately what gear you should use to overcome the particular obstacle. For example, if you shift gears in the middle of the deep puddle, you would, first of all, at the moment you press the clutch pedal, loose even more of your already low speed. And secondly, after shifting the wheels would inevitably start to skid. Both these factors can make your car to stop.
For the cars with automatic transmission it would be important to put the gear stick from the position “D” to position “3” or “2”. So that the gearbox wouldn’t shift to higher gear when you overcome an obstacle and also so that it wouldn’t shift to lower gear when the load is higher – cars with automatic transmission can also loose part of the traction and the necessary power if you shift the gears.

 East Bay Motorsports
21756 Foothill Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94541
510-889-7900
East Bay Motorsports

Trail and Wheeling Tips

These simple off road driving tips may save your skin or make the difference between a miserable day at the trails and having a blast.

Buddy System

Drive with a buddy if you can. If you get stuck, you have some help, and if there is an emergency, you’re not out there all alone. By driving with a buddy, I don’t just mean a friend sitting in the car with you – that’s your co-pilot. I mean, drive with an entourage – it’s safer especially in mountain or desert excursions that you have multiple vehicles.  A buddy with a winch, tow strap or hi-jack is a great buddy to have, and if you have this equipment, you will be a great buddy to others.

Drive in your comfort zone

Don’t do something you’re not comfortable with. Your jeep, truck or off road vehicle no matter how new, fancy or decked out it is, is only as good as the person driving it. Get some experience under your belt and don’t expect your vehicle to be a magic trail machine. A buddy who has done the trails or can help you “spot” your line is invaluable in staying in your comfort zone.

Have a co-pilot

Your co-pilot is your spotter, navigator, DJ, drink getter and all-around general superstar helper. This person is there to help you stay focused on the trail/road. They’re the ones who will get out in tough spots and help you drive up and line up – find your line to have the safest, best route. They’re also better at being the DJ, checking the map and taking photos letting you focus on the road and safety of everyone in the vehicle and everyone around you.

Find your line

Your line is an imaginary line that covers your wheels – where you want them to go and where they need to go and where your vehicle clearance needs to be. Your co-pilot is excellent at getting out and helping you see what can’t be seen. Simple hand signals and clear communications are great in staying on this line. Just remember, we’re all human, and you’re driving thousands of pounds on unmaintained roads (or volunteer maintained trails), and shit will happen. Stop, take a breath, re-assess, communicate and try again.  Don’t stick to a line at all costs; it’s better to back up, try something new and re-assess as needed.

Be Flexible

This one sort of wraps up everything from above. Be flexible. Know that things will break, the weather will change, routes may be closed, trails may be closed, and things may not go as planned – but be flexible to change your plans. The worst thing that can happen is you push yourself to do something you shouldn’t do.  If you’re in a rental Jeep driving the alpine loop, and you have to be back to turn the vehicle in or face a late fee – call in and let them know you will be late but you’re making your way back – Don’t end up rushing yourself and putting yourself or your party at risk.

If you find yourself getting stuck on the trail, having a hard time or just trying to brute force yourself across the trail, it may be time to re-think your plans and re-asses just how safe or smart it is to continue.  Take some time out, find a safe place to park and get yourself together. If you followed our advice of having a buddy and a co-pilot talk to them and get a consensus on moving forward, trying an alternate route or turning around. It’s better to be safe and flexible than and to stay within your comfort zone than to start making mistake after mistake and ruining your experience and your day – or much worse. In the end, you may just have to do that upgrade you always wanted before you can conquer that trail. That isn’t a bad thing to learn and its best to learn and know this before you make expensive mistakes that may prevent you from upgrading as you want and having to spend money to fix what you don’t want to fix.

East Bay Motorsports
21756 Foothill Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94541
510-889-7900
East Bay Motorsports

Motorsport Gear 101

For some people, this is what it’s all about – gearing up.  You know what I mean, putting on those 50″ light bars, swapping out from factory tires to those 35″ MTs and customizing your vehicle to make it yours. We love gearing up but don’t forget your 4×4 out of the factory is usually a very capable machine, unless you’re seeking extreme rock crawling or are heading out to difficult trails and crazy adventures I recommend getting to know your vehicle before you gear it up for the sake of gearing it up. Have some fun while you drool over your future possibilities.

Great 4×4 Upgrades

Light bars & addon lights – If you do lots of early mornings or late arrivals – that light bar may be a wise investment. Just remember they can be noisy if you use your vehicle on the road at highway speeds. These will help you illuminate the way and provide additional safety while out in the evening hours.

Mud Tires, All terrain tires,  hybrid tires – If you’re looking for some help on choosing the best offroad tires, check out our off road tire guide – its focused on Jeep but applies almost universally to any vehicle. Moving up to 33″ or larger tires can open up a world of opportunity for rock crawling or adventurous trail riding. The added clearance helps your vehicle climb over obstacles, and specific tire designs can help improve traction and control based on your mission.

Skid plates & body armor – If your adventure includes rock crawling or driving over extremely rough terrain, why don’t you check out our in-depth article on steel vs. aluminum skid plates Skid plates are protective armor installed to help protect critical components and help you keep you on the trails or climbing those rocks.

Gear yourself up

All of your focus may be on the trail or your vehicle, but don’t forget about yourself and your passengers. Wear comfortable shoes, at worst you may be hiking out, at best, you will be comfortable as can be. Dress for the weather and the occasion – if you’re heading up into alpine summits prepare for all seasons anytime of the year – it could be cold and rainy one second, snowing the next or blustery and dry.

East Bay Motorsports
21756 Foothill Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94541
510-889-7900
East Bay Motorsports

Preparing for Your Off-road Adventure!

Preparation is key to a successful adventure. Before heading out, give your vehicle a look over/inspection. Pilots call this the walk-around, and it’s a good habit to get into. When your up flying you don’t want anything obviously broken to make things worse, same when you’re out wheeling across a summit – you want to know and rely on your equipment and get to know it well. So get in the habit of having a walk around before you hit the trails.

Check your fluids

Check your radiator levels. 4×4 wheeling puts a lot of stress on your engine, and you want to make sure to have proper coolant levels. Coolant should be properly mixed and depending on your location may be seasonal mixtures. Follow what your car manufacturer recommends.

Check your windshield washer fluids & top off. Dirty windows are a sign of having fun on the trail, but seeing out the window is more important. Make sure your windshield wiper blades are in good shape too.

Check your oil. Some vehicles are notorious for burning oil. Top off. If its time for your oil change, get that done before you go off on any long trips.

Check Oil – verify its at right level and doesn’t look dirty
Check Coolant Levels – should be up to marked level
Check wiper fluid – top off
Verify No leaks, broken hoses, spills or oil spots

Check your vehicle

Walk around and inspect your vehicle. Make sure everything is secured, not leaking fluids, fastened down and sturdy.

Check your tires, make sure they’re up to recommended inflation for getting to your trails and if you’re so inclined, drop air pressure while on a trail or out crawling – just remember to “air up” when done. You do NOT want to drive highway speeds with under-inflated tires.

If you have to drive to your location, make sure your sway bar disconnects / quick disconnects are connected and locked. When you get to your off-roading location, depending on requirements, you can disconnect these. Just be SURE to reconnect before you head back out on highway speeds.

Make sure your headlights & taillights all function and work. Headlights should be adjusted for proper height.

Regular service – The list for checking your vehicle can go on forever. Make sure you have your vehicle regularly serviced according to the owners manual that is usually sitting in pristine condition in your glove box.

Plan for safety

Make sure all seats, seatbelts, restraints, and safety devices are fully functioning. If you take your doors off make it a habit of verifying everyone is belted in before you even put it in drive! If you’re driving without doors/roof make sure everyone in the vehicle has proper wind, eye, and ear protection as well as sunscreen and bug repellent.

East Bay Motorsports
21756 Foothill Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94541
510-889-7900
East Bay Motorsports