4x4 Off-Road driving for beginners ...

We all have to start somewhere, and many of the older off-road drivers seem to forget that once, they too, were beginners. This page is aimed at the novice off-roader, and will hopefully show how things are done, including some hints, tips, and how to tackle the difficult situations. Off-road driving calls for higher than normal levels of concentration, but is well worth the extra effort. Contrary to popular belief, 4x4's are not necessarily "go-anywhere" vehicles. To avoid accidents, drivers need to know how handle the vehicle over varying off road conditions.

You will need to make sure that you vehicle is well maintained and able to cope with all the rigours of off-road use. There is nothing worse than having to undertake roadside repairs on a muddy Green lane, especially at night. Before setting out to the off-road site make sure that you have a reliable vehicle that will get you through the day without mishap.

• Clean and check brakes, filters, tyres, washer fluid, and coolant.
• Carry a First Aid Kit and learn how to use it properly in an emergency.
• Fit a Fire extinguisher.
• Carry essential Emergency tools.
• Carry something to eat and drink (Mars bars, Coke etc).
• Carry a water container with drinkable water. This can be used for the Suzuki if necessary.

Driving off-road is all about enjoyment, fun, and the ability to go where other vehicles can't, however there is a certain amount of responsibility that goes with it, to avoid spoling it for all.

The basics ...

In general
Before driving, make sure that all mirrors, and seats are adjusted so that you are comfortable. Be calm and sit comfortably in the seat. Don't lean forward, it doesn?t help in any way at all. Use the throttle and steering gently and drive smoothly.

Drive slowly
A slow speed will give you more time to re-act to any danger that presents itself. You will find you have more control over the vehicle. The main rule here is to drive as slow as possible, and as fast as necessary. It may be necessary to increase your speed to plow your way through a mud hole. Instead of using speed to get through heavy going, try using momentum. Watch the road ahead of you. If you?re coming to a muddy section, or steep hill, build up a bit of momentum, and use the weight and gentle speed of the SJ get you through the obstacle. By using momentum, you will be able to avoid all the slipping and sliding, and other inherent troubles. By driving slowly, you will be able to choose a smooth path to follow, and should you hit a rock or other outcrop, less damage will be caused to the vehicle. Driving at speed can cause the vehicle to slide, causing damage and greater wear to the car. Vary your speed to suit the prevailing road conditions and obstacles. It can be harder to stop on a gravel surface than on a tarmac surface. On bad roads, one needs to be constantly "driving with your eyes", deciding where to put the tires, how much speed is necessary, how to best use momentum, judging clearance, etc. Or in plain English, Stay FOCUSED

Terrain
At times, the terrain will try to drive your Suzuki for you! Feeling the steering wheel get pulled away from you can have dangerous repercussions. The tire will drop (or raise) and the steering wheel will turn shaply. It is important that you RESIST the urge to turn. Hold the the steering wheel true to course. There must be some input by you as you must remain in control of the vehicle.

Survey the route
When you come to any questionable ground (i.e. streams), survey the trail ahead on foot first to avoid any "surprises"". Make sure the trail goes beyond the obstacle, and doesn't just end abruptly. By walking the rough section of the route, you will get a good idea of where to place your tires and have a plan of approach. Don't stop in the middle of the challenge to check it out. Always follow though to beyond the obstacle. Try and use existing wheel tracks if possible. If in any doubt, don't do it!!

Climbing hills
Select a suitable gear and keep the throttle steady. Drive directly up and down hills. Traveling diagonally may result in a sideways slide, or in the worst case, a rolled vehicle. Approach at a right angle to the hill, and keep at this angle to preserve lateral stability. When driving along tracks on a hill, don't lose attention and climb up a rock or stump. An interseting fact is that most vVehicles will tend to slide sideways before rolling over. If it is clear downhill and a rollover is imminent, immediately turn the vehicle into the slide and drive it down. If that is not an option, and you are going over, turn the vehicle off and hold on to your seat-bottom and hope the seat belt works properly. Use enough momentum to get up and over the hill. Always get the rear wheels over the crest before stopping.
If a hill climb fails due to excessive wheelspin, Stop, select reverse gear (low range) and allow the vehicle to travel back under engine braking. Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel and remain in control at all times. If the vehicle stalls on the hill, do not attempt to restart and continue. Hold the vehicle on the footbrake, select reverse gear (low range) and release the clutch. Slowly release the footbrake until the vehicle is held on the engine. Allow the engine to do the braking on the way down, and hold on to the steering as it may lock.

Descending steep slopes
Always use 1st gear in the low range. Keep your feet away from the foot pedals and allow the compression of the engine to slow the vehicle down. Drive down slowly, as this gives you much more control than braking, which always results in sliding. If you are coming down a steep slope and the car seems like it is going to dive into the terrain, resist the urge to turn out of the turn. Turn INTO the slope, keeping the SJ aimed to the downhill fall line. This is especially important when coming off an off-camber turn.

Once on the level straight section, correct the steering and make 
any necessary turns. Use minimal steering input, holding the wheel             Although the hill isn't steep, the principle's the same
without letting the terrain steer you. Always remember, 
NEVER MAKE A U-TURN WHEN ON A HILL. The vehicle has an unusually good chance of rolling. Always reverse down to the bottom and make the attempt again.

Traversing deep water
Keep the speed low to avoid water getting into the air intake and avoid flooding the electrics. Rev the engine slightly to create sufficient back pressure in the exhaust to prevent water from getting into the exhaust pipe. Always dry the brakes afterwards by applying slight pressure to the brake pedal. They will not be fully efficient until they are thoroughly dry.

Transversing objects
Cross ditches, rocks, or logs at an angle so that one wheel at a time goes over the obstacle. The other three wheels will help the one wheel to climb over. Be very deliberate and careful when transversing objects on a trail as logs and rocks can bounce up and catch the under carriage. Drive off these obstacles slowly and carefully. Also be careful not to allow one of the front tyres and one of the rear tyres to get in the ditch at the same time. If a tyre drops into a hole you didn?t see or couldn?t avoid, the rear of the vehicle may come up in the air with the possibility of flipping the vehicle. The most common mistake is to hit the brakes thinking it will stop the movement. Unfortunately this usually serves to magnify it immensely, creating a hazardous, and downright dangerous situation. Try and ANTICIPATE the action the SJ will make. MOST times it is better to go into the hole and feel the rear end come up, then right at the point of impact, give it a bit of throttle to help drive the 4x4 through. Let the SJ drive that next foot or so while holding onto and controling the steering wheel. Use the accelerator to give just enough power to keep the rear wheel down on the ground.
If you should get stuck, gently rock the Suzuki SJ back and forth until it gains enough momentum to get out. Spinning the tyres is futile and only digs the vehicle in deeper. As an extreme measure in slippery conditions, you can throw extra weight in the back. This extra weight adds to the power of the four-wheel drive and adds momentum to carry the SJ through the bad patch.

Emergency tools ...

Different people will tell you different thngs about the tools that you should take with you when you travel off-road. Here is a basic list that you can build on to meet your own specific needs as you gain experience

• Wheel Spanner
• High lift Jack
• Block for high lift jack
• Petrol Container with fresh petrol
• Tow rope
• A pair of good quality gloves
• Spade

Make sure that all recovery equipment is clean, and in good condition. Check it before you start and once again when you get home. Clean it often, as dry mud will wear it out - FAST.

Tyres ...

Tyre pressures
Reduce the tyre pressure slightly as this improves traction in all conditions, especially sand. Be careful however, not to turn too quickly as this may push the tyre off the bead. Remember also that the vehicle ground clearance has been compromised. Make sure that all tyre are properly re-inflated before driving on tarmac for any distance. If at all possible, carry a small compressor to re-inflate the tyres as soon as you have finished driving with the lowered tyre pressures.

For snow, both off and on tarred roads, it is recommended that you run the tyres a little hard. It allows the edges to grip better, especially if you are intending to use snow-chains.

Where to drive ...

Drive only in designated 4x4 playgrounds or recognised Green lanes - for more information on Green lanes and how to recognise them, read the Green Lane article. Respect other people's land and their rights to privacy. If you want to drive on private land, always ask for permission before driving on the private land, not after you have been caught. Above all, do not disturb or damage landscapes and natural habitats, especially in National Parks. Support your local Wildlife Trust. Always leave the area in the same or better condition than when you arrived. There are many people and organisations that are looking for excuses to stop 4x4 vehicles enjoying the English countryside. Let's not give them any ammunition to exclude us from the Green lanes of the UK.

Once again, please remember to do your homework first. Read up as much as you can about the project you have in mind, and remember to put SAFETY FIRST

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