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Handling Four Wheel Drive Cars on Different Terrains

Four wheel drive (4WD) cars are crafted in such a way that they can overcome different obstacles unlike conventional cars (2WD) that are unable to surmount the difficult driving situations. But driving a 4WD car needs a little knowledge about the mechanics and transmission and the effects of water and dust (common hindrance on off-roads) on the process of driving.

Therefore every driver should have a good understanding of handing a 4WD car. Small detailing will help to handle the driving conditions better. Before going for off-road driving the car owner should be aware of the fundamentals of a 4WD and practise them well.

As we know that every technology undergoes several changes and similarly this kind of vehicle has undergone series of transformation to meet the latest requirements. Although the first car of this kind was generally used as transportation to the moon, it has paved way to the modern day introduction. There are various advantages of four wheel drive and such kind of mechanism helps in performing better due to the other features that compliment the performance of the wheels.

Here are some of the 4WD car handling tips on different terrains that will surely help to control a car during an off-road drive.

Outback

Perhaps the most notorious challenge is bulldust. Initial instinct is to treat bulldust as if it were sand, but that could be a fatal mistake. Never deflate your tyres, for beneath those deep and powder-fine stretches lurks a rock hard base which pounds the chassis on impact and could split the sidewall of a partially inflated tyre. Choose high range and maintain a steady speed between 60 and 80km/h, correcting any sideways slews with both the steering wheel and more power.

Rock Climbing

It is always recommended to keep the tyres pointed to the high ground at the time of hill climbing. This allows the vehicle to maintain balance. While rock climbing more than power, torque plays an important role, therefore it is advisable to choose first or second gear low range to ease the vehicle over any obstructions. In order to prevent the slipping of tyres, use minimal power. It is better to stick to a recommended tyre pressure. Once the tyre pressure goes down, there is high risk of pinching the tyre in a narrow gap or even hitting the sidewall on a tree stake.

Mud Plugging

This kind of off-road driving experience is very challenging as it demands for accuracy, skill, planning, and also quick thinking in case of emergency. To avoid dragging through the mud, place the tyres on the high ground. But in case the car slips, keep the accelerator low and keep moving the steering wheel from side to side. This will help the tyre to gain a control over the ground. Check the mud guards, as heap of mud blocked on the guards will eradicate the tread pattern on the tyres. This will block the mobility of the car tyre, therefore it is important to clean the mud guard. To prevent this, bring down the tyres level as this increases traction. But if the mud is wet, raising the tyre pressure could increase the traction by making mud less likely to stick on the tyres. The general rule is to have a steady power on high ranges.

On the Beach

Everyone loves to go for a beach drive but it is not easy to drive on beaches. To maintain the speed always stay in high range four wheel drive. But as we all now, due to soft sand the tyres can be hinged in to the ground. High speed windblown in the seashores can also create problems. To drive smoothly on the sandy terrain, lower the pressure in all tyres. The softer the sand the lower the pressure needed. Moreover, maintain a slow and steady speed. If the tyres start to spin, accelerates slowly while moving forward. Additional tyre deflation may be necessary. Salt water and spray is highly corrosive. It is recommended to wash the vehicle after each outing.

Driving over a Ditch

Driving through a road having ditches and potholes needs extra care. Never drive at high speed while crossing this type of roads. Always move ahead with a complete control over the car. Immediate approach could lead to damaging the bumper or even the underneath of the car with the edge of the ditch. While crossing a ditch or gap, slowly enter the one tyre at a time. Steadily increase the accelerator till the tyres starts to pass the ditch and slowdown right after the tyres crosses the ditch. Repeat the same procedure for all the four tyres.

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