As a seasoned 4 wheel driver, you pride yourself on your skills and knowledge of the great outdoors. But even the most experienced drivers can find themselves in sticky situations. Whether it's a sudden storm, a mechanical failure, or simply taking a wrong turn, the last thing you want is to get stranded in the middle of nowhere. As a novice your chances of getting stranded increase. That's why it's essential to always be prepared for whatever may come your way.

Equipment to carry

• tyre deflator
• air compressor
• shovel
• recovery boards

Before you head off-track

• Make sure that your vehicle is equipped for off-road driving.
• Avoid situations that will get you bogged in the first place.
• When driving on the beach, drop the tyre pressure to suit the vehicle and load being carried.
• Avoid sudden braking or acceleration and sharp turns.
• Assess locations that may prove tricky before driving on them.
• Avoid routes where the risk to your passengers and yourself (or the vehicle) is too high.

You & Your Vehicle

• Take four-wheel driver training with a reputable trainer.
• Re-learn skills needed off road skills if using latest model vehicles.
• Equip your vehicle with good quality all-terrain tyres.
• Ensure your vehicle has adequate clearance.
• Looking into getting a suspension upgrade if you intend to off-road more.
• Ensure you have rated recovery points on front & rear of vehicle, in case you have to be winched out.
• Engage four-wheel drive.

Driving on the Beach

Before taking to sand you need to take into account the weight, type of vehicle, cargo, conditions & terrain, all need to be considered. Cool, damp or wet sand absorbs more force from your vehicle. Whereas, hot days reduce the sand’s water content, requiring a lower pressure to drive over it.