Driving off-road can be a really great and fun experience, especially when you are going camping with family. After all, you don't get to drive on rocky or dusty terrains every day if you live in the suburbs. However, off road driving could have its challenges. Are you going on your first off road drive? Well, it's important to be prepared. The terrain could be rougher than you think it is. Here are a few important things you need to work on beforehand.
Get 4WD suspensions with higher ride height
Out there, your suspension can make the difference between a fun journey and total frustration. You want to get something that is not too bouncy but will still absorb enough shock for extra comfort. Your auto mechanic can recommend some great options. Additionally, make sure you increase your ride height a bit. A higher suspension height will enable your vehicle to maintain its normal ride height when fully loaded. Get strong and stiffer 4WD suspensions if you do this. The last thing you want is a broken suspension in the wild.
Install skid plates
Skid plates are crucial for securing the underside of your car. Some terrains could have many rocks that could scratch or even damage the underside of your car. Steel skid plates are a great option that you could try. Not only are they stronger, but they are durable as well. They can be a little bit heavy though. That's why some people prefer plastic plates instead. However, these ones wear out faster. Aluminium skid plates are the perfect balance between steel and plastic. Even though they are not as light as plastic nor as durable as steel, they will serve you well.
Retune your gears
Always be prepared to climb up some pretty steep slopes when driving off road. What you want is short shifting gears. Therefore, you'll need to have a low range transfer case installed for you so that you can increase your vehicle's engine torque. Remember, you can save a whole lot of fuel with low range gears, especially on slopes. This is because the engine uses less power to cover more distance.
Use the right tires
The types of tires you use are really critical, depending on the type of terrain you are driving on. Begin by getting bigger and wider tires first. More surface area on tires means more stability for your vehicle. Moreover, make sure you get tires with deep threads for rocky terrains so that your vehicle can get a good grip when braking.
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