How To Prevent Accidents From Happening Whenever You Use Your 4WD Vehicle
Owning a 4WD vehicle can be extremely liberating. With regular cars, you can go only as far as a paved road takes you and maybe a little bit further.
With 4WD vehicles, especially ones that are made for serious off-roading, you can go wherever you please. That being said, driving off-road can be dangerous. Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of accidents while driving off-road.
Understand your Limits
Driving, in general, is a skill that you develop over time. Driving off-road is a whole different ball game. Many people have a false sense of security when they purchase their first 4WD vehicle. Some think that all you need to do is point the car where you want to go and press the accelerator.
Needless to say, that’s not the case. The best way to stay out of trouble with your new 4WD vehicle is to understand how far you can push things without losing control.
Understand the Limits of your Vehicle
On a similar note, one should always know the limits of their car, no matter what kind of vehicle it is. The same applies to 4WD vehicles. For one, not all 4WD are the same. Your regular SUV isn’t all that capable off-road in its factory form. Additionally, your choice of tires will dictate where you can or can’t go.
Understanding how far your vehicle can go is imperative. Legal experts over at https://www.noogalaw.com/ argue that far too many drivers think that a 4-wheel drive system gives them the ability to race down the highway in heavy rain or snowstorms. Just because your car is driven on all four wheels doesn’t mean it can defeat mother nature at its worst.
Walk the Trail Before Driving It
If you’re a diehard rock crawler who just loves exploring new off-road tracks, do yourself a favor and walk the track first. Of course, this applies to tracks that aren’t too long. Walking the track will let you know whether your vehicle can pass through there, where good turn-around points are, whether you have winch points along the way, and more.
Safety First - Call It In
Off-roading is best done in groups. Not only is it a great way to have fun with your friends, but you also have people nearby who can help you get out of a bind. If you insist on going alone, the least you can do is call a friend or a family member and let them know where you’re going and how long you plan on staying there.
You’d be surprised how easy you can snap a tie-rod, leaving you stuck in an area with no reception. Having someone know where you’re at is a contingency you most likely won’t need, but will greatly appreciate it if you do.
Driving a 4WD is fun. However, you need to be smart with your vehicle. It is too easy to become complacent because of that 4WD system. This applies to experienced drivers as well. Follow all the tips we’ve listed above, and you’ll become a safer driver.