Fancy taking your 4×4 on a thrilling off road adventure, but aren’t sure what your vehicle’s capable of, or what off roading skills and experience are required?

At Avalanche Adventure, we have put together our beginners guide for you explaining everything you need to know about off road driving. So buckle up, as we dig out our top picks about off road driving.

Additionally, if you’re looking for an activity centre near Warwickshire, come here and indulge in our 4×4 pay and play days out to get first-hand off road experience!

Understand Your Vehicle and What It’s Capable Of

Not every 4×4 is the same, which is why it’s best not to assume what your vehicle is or isn’t capable of.

In order to have a safe yet adrenaline-filled experience, you have to fully understand the core features of your off road vehicle. You need to be aware of your 4×4’s dimensions and other parts like the position of its fuel tank.

It’s important to know your vehicle inside out to help you tackle tricky terrain while ensuring full safety of your 4×4. You also need to know the technology that’s installed because those additional buttons/features are there to help you.

Moreover, with all this information, you’ll be ready to take complete control of the features at your disposal.

If you’re struggling, speak with a professional and find out what your 4×4 is capable of.

Familiarise Yourself With the Entire Route

It’s good practice to familiarise yourself with the off road route or terrain you’re planning to hit and map out any obstacles beforehand. It is equally important to make sure your 4×4 can be driven on this type of terrain.

If you’re taking on this experience for the first time, make it a point not to try anything out of the ordinary.

As a beginner, you need to start slow and gradually build up your confidence and experience. Always make sure you’ve at least one person by your side and if possible, go with your adventure buddies.

This way you not only enjoy the summer weather but also ensure help is readily available if you find yourself in trouble or your vehicle gets stuck in the mud.

To find out more about what to do if your 4×4 gets stuck, click here!

Learn About Your 4×4’s Important Off Roading Functions

Every 4×4 off road has its own set of key functions that assist you in steering through almost any terrain. These include:

• Traction Control:

Many modern 4x4s are equipped with a certain degree of traction control. Based on the model, your vehicle may either have an on/off setting or an intricate electrical system with numerous settings.

Either way, you can use these systems to control your wheel slip thereby ensuring the torque is completely transferred from your tyre to the trail.

If you haven’t experienced your vehicle’s traction control kick in, know that it’s going to be a surprising feeling but you’ll realise when the system starts operating.

• 4WD High and Low:

When navigating through 4WD trails, you will require more torque than usual and that’s where 4WD Low can come to your aid. Remember, you won’t be able to drive faster when your 4×4 is in Low; so make sure you change the 4WD High and Low settings once you’re done off road driving.

• Locking Differential:

Locking differential, also called “locking diff” or “diff lock”, is one of the key systems of your 4×4 that controls the wheels’ speed. If your vehicle gets stuck, this makes sure all the wheels turn at the same speed to help you get out.

At Avalanche Adventure’s, off road experience, our specialist instructors will chat with you to ensure you understand the functions of the vehicle and use it in the safest way possible.

Book yourself a slot today to experience a healthy dose of blood-pumping adventure!

Equip Your 4×4 With the Right Tools

When it comes to off roading, your 4×4 is not the only tool that’s required. Here’s a list of other equipment that are a must while going for off road driving:

• First-aid kit
• Spare tyre with the tools to change it
• Portable air compressor
• Jerry can with extra fuel
• High-lift jack
• Shovel
• Tow rope
• Water to cool down the radiator, if and when it overheats

Along with these tools, you could also carry a two-way radio and fire extinguisher. A winch is yet another handy tool that can be carried to use during vehicle recovery.

Here, at our activity centre, all our ATVs are equipped with the right tools. Moreover, our off-roading experts will be there to assist you at every step of the way and ensure you have an unrivalled experience.

Learn How to Drive on Various Terrain

While it is important to fully understand your 4×4, you also need to be aware of the different techniques required to drive through different terrain. Some of the most common types of terrain include mud, rock, sand, and ice. Here at Avalanche, you’re unlikely to find much sand or ice, but we’ve plenty of mud and rock for you to tear up.

If you aren’t familiar with what it takes to drive through specific conditions, either do some research or speak with a professional.

Our experienced instructors will ensure that you know every trick in the book and help you enjoy your first-ever off roading experience to the fullest.

Always Have a Plan for Vehicle Recovery

While off roading, you need to have a plan in place for what you’ll do when your 4×4 gets stuck in the mud.

At the very least, you have to be aware of your 4×4’s recovery points since that’s where the strap and hook will be attached in order to pull out your vehicle. If you’ve no idea about vehicle recovery, be sure to speak with an experienced professional.

Get in Touch With Avalanche Adventure for Your First-Ever Off Roading Experience

At Avalanche Adventure, we’ve got everything it takes to give you the best and most memorable off roading experience. To make your fun-filled day even more adventurous, you can also sign up for other fun activities.

Contact us today to book your slots and we will set you right up to what would be an adventure of a lifetime!