Planning On Going Off-Road - Everything You Need To Make Sure Your Vehicle Is Ready For The Dirt Track.
It's not hard to see why off-roading has become incredibly popular in recent years. With commercial air travel gaining momentum in the 60s, drivers have found it a lot easier to get an authentic dirt track experience whether at home or abroad. Some of the best outdoor vehicles are now more accessible than ever and whilst it may be classified as extreme, it's actually a lot safer than you think.
The most important part of your off-road adventure is being able to safely navigate through a multitude of different terrains. Your vehicle is your only protection from outside elements and needs to be properly taken care of.
Follow these expert steps to make sure that your vehicle is ready for the dirt track.
Vitals Checks
Start by checking the most basic components. It's a good idea to have some rudimentary knowledge about off-road vehicles before you set off but as a standard safety measure, check your fluids. Coolant oil, power steering fluid and brake fluid all need to be checked and adjusted before your dirt road adventure can begin. Make sure that there aren't any leaks and all of the levels are correct.
Ensure you carry spare fluids for the duration of your trip and check/adjust the levels throughout. It's best to check your vitals all least once a week.
Conduct A Tire Inspection
Off-road adventure trips can inevitably take their toll on your tires. Checking and servicing tires is something that a lot of people tend to forget about or put low down on their list of priorities. But, it's a fundamental step to ensure the safety of your loved ones.
Tires that are in good condition will not only give you peace of mind but will allow you to navigate through unexpected or harsh landscapes that would otherwise be impossible to drive through. Off-road vehicle dynamics are always changing so it's important to always carry a spare tire and make sure that they are inflated to the appropriate highway speed protocols.
Plan Your Trip Effectively
A well thought out trip should have a contingency plan in place. You never know what will happen on the open road and it's smart to plan for unexpected events. Constructively planning your trip could make all the difference and is a surefire way to protect yourself from sudden or unexpected danger.
Create an itinerary and send a copy to your friends and family. Communicate effectively and let people know where you'll be by providing them with regular updates and milestones of your overland route.
Watch Out For Bad Weather
Bad weather can be a real spirit dampener when it comes to off-road driving. You might have a trip planned or a certain amount of miles to cover but have to cancel due to severe blizzards, heavy rain or even snow.
Plan ahead for bad weather by looking at monthly forecasts. You can drive more during periods of good weather and hanker down through stormier conditions. Pack appropriate clothing including rain gear, hiking boots and protective clothing. You never know when the weather will force you to spend the night somewhere, so be sure to always carry a sleeping bag.
Invest In A Good GPS
Modern GPS navigation systems aren't expensive at all and are a good way of making sure you know where you're going at all times. A lot of people rely on their phones for navigation these days but it's a good idea to have a separate GPS in case of any accidents.
Phones can break, get lost or suffer battery shortages at any time, which will leave you without valuable navigation capabilities. The best and most well-equipped off-roaders always carry a GPS for those unexpected emergencies.
Handheld Family Radio Services (FRS)
If you're travelling in a group, then it's a good idea to have a FRS system in place. Cell phone signals in some of the more remote areas can be notoriously unreliable. Bad weather and storms can also play havoc with cell phone towers, so FRS are a valuable way of staying in contact with other members of your family or group.
Food & Gas
It probably goes without saying that having the appropriate amount of food and fuel is imperative to the success of your off-road experience. The last thing you want is to run out of gas in the middle of nowhere because of poor planning. Pack at least two canisters of gas and store them correctly in plastic containers.
Food is essential in keeping you safe and alert whilst on the road. You'll likely be navigating through difficult terrain and harsh environments, so eating enough balanced meals is crucial. Carry nutrient-rich food sources such as nuts, seeds and dried fruits/vegetables.
Recovery
You need to take your safety extremely seriously when off-roading for the first time. In some cases, you'll have to use your know-how to get yourself out of some tricky situations. Always have a jump strap and a high-lift jack to hand because you never know when you might need to perform your own mini rescue.
Conclusion
Off-road adventure driving is gaining more momentum every day, with more and more people from all over the world taking part in the extreme sport. It’s undeniably one of the fastest-growing pastimes there is and it allows people a fresh perspective on driving as a hobby.
The daring nature of off-roading is a big draw for newbies and professionals alike who thrive in the beauty of the natural world. An increasing number of people are going off-road to seek out their next thrill, discovering the magnificence of the biological landscape that we all take for granted.
Just remember to follow the steps we mentioned in our guide and you'll be enjoying your off-road adventure in no time at all!
