Off-roading can be a thrilling adventure for those looking to explore the great outdoors in their car.
It's an experience that really gets your heart racing and adrenaline pumping. You tackle rough, uneven terrain that the normal human brain would deem impassable, but not yours.
Driving off-road requires a lot of skill, patience, bravery, and the right off-road vehicle.
If you're looking to test the waters, you've come to the right place. In this blog, car leasing experts Nationwide Vehicle Contracts provide some top tips to ensure you're as prepared as possible when you head off-road.
We discuss:
Before you can begin your off-road adventure, you need the right lease vehicle. Although SUVs will be the initial port of call, you must be careful. Not all SUVs are created equal, and some are like sheep in wolf's clothing.
What you need is an absolute behemoth. Look for vehicles with four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and big tyres.
Here are five cars we'd recommend for off-roading:
- Land Rover Defender - Accommodating off-road adventures since the 1990s, the Land Rover Defender is arguably the GOAT off-road vehicle. It comes with a maximum ground clearance of 290mm, a wading depth of 900mm, and a fantastic Terrain Response system.
- Toyota Land Cruiser - The Land Cruiser is known for its reliability and performance. It features a powerful engine with four-wheel drive, loads of technology, and plenty of space inside for all your equipment.
- Jeep Wrangler - The Jeep Wrangler is an off-roader that will certainly get heads turning. Combining traditional off-roading with modern technology, the Wrangler can tackle anything thrown its way. It stands out for its low-range gearbox, ground clearance, and three differential locks.
- Ford Ranger - The Ford Ranger is a pickup truck that blends the practicality of a van with the capabilities of an off-roader. It comes with all-wheel drive, an Advanced Terrain Management System, and even a built-in workbench for those who like to get their hands dirty!
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class - If you want to travel off-road in luxury, look no further than the G-Class. It combines industry-leading interior quality with excellent off-road performance, such as a suspension with adaptive damping adjustment, a 3.4mm-thick ladder frame, and loads of power.
Not only do you need your chariot, but you also need gear to help you along the way. Although we'd all love to challenge our inner Bear Grylls and go completely rogue, we usually need a little help.
I'm not just talking about little gadgets here like your Garmin watch or portable charger. Off-roading gear includes extra fuel, recovery kits, a spare tyre, and of course, snacks.
We'd also recommend packing a spare change of clothes (just in case) and a shovel in case you need to dig your vehicle out of a mess.
Before setting off on your adventure, it's essential you plan ahead and find out what sort of terrain you'll be traversing. Whether it's muddy or snowy, there's specific driving techniques you need to learn:
- Mud - Mud can be one of the most challenging terrains for off-roading. It can become slippery if it rains and cause your vehicle to get stuck, which isn't fun. When driving in muddy conditions, it's essential to maintain a steady speed and avoid sudden stops or turns.
- Sand - Sand can be equally as challenging and has a lot of similarities to mud. When driving on sand, it's best to lower the tyre pressure, which increases the surface area of the tyre to increase traction.
- Rocks - Rocks require a lot of skill and precision to navigate. It's best to choose a line and stick to it while driving on rocks. Once again, try to avoid sudden turns or movements that could damage the vehicle.
- Snow - Snow can be initially exciting to drive on, but it's also very dangerous. Drive slowly and carefully and avoid sudden jolts of the steering wheel that could cause you to skid or spin.
If you're looking for more advice on this sort of thing, check out our blog, Preparing Your Car for Unexpected Weather Events.
It's also important that you understand these techniques when off-roading. It's about knowing when to gun it and when to crawl. Always take your time to assess the situation.
If you find yourself in a spot of bother, get out of the car (if safe) and use your detective skills to come up with the best strategy.
Off-roading is an exciting experience, but it's also dangerous. It's not the time to channel your inner stunt double. Here's some advice for staying safe:
- Always wear your seatbelt - This may seem obvious, but it's crucial to wear your seatbelt at all times when driving off-road. It can save your life in the event of an accident.
- Check your vehicle - Before heading out, check your vehicle's oil, brakes, tyres, and suspension to ensure everything works. You don't want an issue to crop up during your adventure, so prevent it before setting off.
- Choose the right gear - When driving off-road, it's essential to drive in the correct gear to maintain control of the vehicle. For example, when it's snowy, use second gear when taking off from a stop to reduce wheel spin.
- Know your limits - Although the adrenaline might be pumping, you need to understand you and your vehicle's limits. Don't attempt to drive on terrain beyond your skill level or vehicle's capacity. Remember, off-roading can be dangerous, so don't push your luck.
For more information on road safety, check out our comprehensive leasing guide, UK Road Law.
Remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Off-road vehicles are incredibly powerful machines, so it's essential that you respect your surroundings to keep Mother Nature in tip-top condition.
We'd recommend sticking to marked trails for as long as possible. If you do need to take destiny into your own hands, remember to avoid squashing the flora and fauna.
So, there you have it, adventure seekers. Your quick guide to making a splash in the off-roading world.
Remember, choose the right vehicle, take all the necessary precautions, and enjoy!
If you're looking for a 4x4 lease car, don't hesitate to contact Nationwide Vehicle Contracts. We offer a range of lease deals to suit your every need.
For more information, check out our latest lease deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.
