• Main Menu
    • Home Page
    • Secure Area
    • File a Claim
    • Make a Payment
    • Refer a Friend
    • Join our Newsletter
    • Important Links
    • Insurance Glossary
    • View our Blog
    • Location(s)
    • Employee Directory
    • Contact Us
    • Extra Page 1
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Automobile
    • Automobile Insurance Home
    • Auto Insurance Quote
    • Request ID Card for Auto Policy
    • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Auto Policy
    • Send Declaration and Coverages Information to Lien Holder
    • Add Vehicle to Existing Auto Policy
    • Remove Vehicle from Existing Auto Policy
    • Add Driver to Existing Auto Policy
    • Remove Driver from Existing Auto Policy
    • Mechanical Breakdown
  • Homeowners
    • Homeowners Insurance Home
    • Homeowners Insurance Quote
    • Request Declaration and Coverages for Existing Homeowners Insurance Coverage
  • Renters
    • Renters Insurance Home
    • Renters Insurance Quote
    • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Existing Renters Insurance Coverage
  • Motorcycle
    • Motorcycle Insurance Home
    • Motorcycle Insurance Quote
    • Request ID Card for Motorcycle Policy
    • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Motorcycle Policy
    • Add Motorcycle to Existing Policy
    • Remove Motorcycle from Existing Policy
    • Add Driver to Existing Motorcycle Policy
    • Remove Driver from Existing Motorcycle Policy
  • Business & Commercial
    • Business & Commercial Insurance Home
    • Commercial Auto Insurance Quote
    • Request ID Card for Commercial Auto Policy
    • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Commercial Auto Policy
    • Add Vehicle to Existing Commercial Auto Policy
    • Remove Vehicle from Existing Commercial Auto Policy
    • Add Driver to Existing Commercial Auto Policy
    • Remove Driver from Existing Commercial Auto Policy
    • General Liability Quote Form
    • Business Owners (BOP) Quote Form
    • Workers Compensation Quote
  • Health
    • Health Insurance Home
    • Health Insurance Quote
    • Disability Insurance Quote
    • Long Term Care Insurance Quote
  • Recreational Vehicle
    • Recreational Vehicle Insurance Home
    • Recreational Vehicle Insurance Quote
    • Request ID Card for Recreational Vehicle Policy
    • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Recreational Vehicle Policy
    • Add Recreational Vehicle to Existing Policy
    • Remove Recreational Vehicle from Existing Policy
    • Add Driver to Existing Recreational Vehicle Policy
    • Remove Driver from Existing Recreational Vehicle Policy
  • Life
    • Life Insurance Home
    • Life Insurance Quote
    • Term Life Insurance Quote
  • Earthquake
    • Earthquake Insurance Home
    • Earthquake Quote
    • Request Declaration and Coverages Page for Existing Earthquake Insurance
  • Locations
  • Video Library
    • Auto Insurance Videos
    • Homeowner's Insurance Videos
    • Mercury Insurance Videos
Auto Homeowners Umbrella Earthquake Commercial
Home > Blog > Off-Road Driving: 9 Tricks to Help You Not Wreck Your Vehicle
FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2017

Off-Road Driving: 9 Tricks to Help You Not Wreck Your Vehicle

Off-Road Driving: 9 Tricks to Help You Not Wreck Your Vehicle    off road tricks image

  • by: Micah Wright
  • ​
  • So the weekend is here, and you’ve got a brand new off-road beast in your possession that you can’t wait to unleash on Mother Nature. You’ve just slapped a fresh set of all-terrain tires on that mud machine, along with a full tank of fuel, a soundtrack to shake the heavens, and more enthusiasm than Lil Jon on eight kinds of “crunk juice.” So what’s missing?

    A lot of people think they’ve got what it takes to brave the great American off-road landscape, and with on-demand traction control settings, adjustable suspension, and modern advancements in differential technology, automobiles are more trail-ready than ever before.

    But just because you’ve got a badass Jeep and a vague idea of where to find the most hardcore trail, doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re ready to take it on head first. Off-roading can be a tedious, technical, and extremely dangerous undertaking, and should never be taken lightly, regardless of how ready you may feel.

    In order to get a better grasp of what all goes into preparing, driving, and enjoying one of America’s most iconic pastimes, we contacted the professional Jeep builder and off-road industry experts at All-Terrain Outfitters for a few tips on how to properly go about getting muddy. With dozens of years of experience on file, and countless trails, hill climbs, and rock crawls completed, turning to an experienced group of “all-wheel drive Jedis” proved to be a very rewarding decision.

    Naturally, there are always a few odds and ends that veteran trail guides will likely add to this list, but as a whole, these next nine off-road cheats are words to live by, as they can be the determining factor between having a fun-filled weekend and being air-lifted to safety via chopper.

  • ​

    1. Never wheel alone

    Nobody likes to be the only one having all the fun, and the same is true for off-road enthusiasts. Following an experienced “trail buddy” will help you determine what line is best to take, and they can help winch you out in case you get stuck. Riding in a caravan also offers drivers peace of mind in knowing that a “trail-mate” is always there in case of an emergency, and can double as a spotter for when things get a bit technical. Plus, if you’re wheeling alone, who’s going to take all those amazing pictures of you conquering that massive mountain of mud?

    2. Prep your ride

    Nothing says “ruined weekend” quite like an ill-prepared automobile. If you plan to go deeply enough off-road, you are going to need some basic modifications, which is where shops like All-Terrain Outfitters come in. Even if you aren’t doing any suspension or wheel upgrades to your vehicle, always invest in recovery equipment like tow hooks and a winch, tools for fixing anything that might break, a fire extinguisher, and a tire repair kit for when Mother Nature decides to fight back.

    3. Prep yourself

    Outside of mentally preparing yourself for the nerve-racking, sweat-inducing adventure you are about embark upon, getting a few things together that will keep you alive is important. Naturally, a first aid kit should be one of the top things on your well-being checklist, as well as toiletries, a change of clothes, emergency flares, a rain suit, some non-perishable food, and plenty of water. Remember, you’re more than likely going to wind up far away from any sign of civilization, so always prepare for the worst, because things can go sour real quick.

    4. Check the weather

    Simply put: Heavy rain can make a 4 trail turn into an 8 real quick. There are limits to what even the most hardcore vehicle can handle, and getting stuck can mean the difference between an afternoon of 4×4 fun and a weekend of waiting on a rescue.

    5. Find throttle equilibrium

    This is one of those “practice makes perfect” tips, and the only real way of perfecting your driving technique is by getting out there and doing it. Feathering the throttle in just the right amounts, with the proper gear selected, is one of the most important notes the guys at All-Terrain Outfitters tell rock-climbing rookies. Too much and you’ll break something or hurt yourself. Too little and you’re just spinning your wheels. Finding an equilibrium between the two is a fine line that every 4×4 fanatic has to learn to tightrope-walk across.

    6. Have a trail plan

    Don’t just Google search the most hardcore trail near you and go hit it with Rambo-grade vengeance. Take your time and familiarize yourself with an aerial map, or better yet, do a ride-along with someone who is familiar with the trail in question. This way you aren’t going in blind, you know exactly how much time it will likely take to complete, and you have a plan as to where you’re heading so that someone can notify a search squad in case shit goes south.

    7. Install communication devices

    Cell service can be spotty at best when you’re stuck in the middle of no where, so don’t always assume that you can dial 911 if something happens. Plus, if you’re in the lead, being able to radio back to the rest of your convoy about finding another route saves time, energy, and a lot of frustration. Having a CB, HAM, or race radio is typically the preferred choice by most enthusiasts.

    8. Air down for traction

    By lowering the PSI in your tires, you’re giving your vehicle a larger footprint, which in turn rewards you with more grip. While people typically associate grip with being able to power through a quagmire, or across the top of a boulder, an increase in stopping prowess is often the difference between decisiveness and disaster.

    9. Know when to back off

    Just like with drinking, it’s always a good idea to know when to stop. Too often the guys at All-Terrain Outfitters find macho morons rolling their rides or snapping suspension arms just because they didn’t want to see their man-card in jeopardy because they played it safe. This isn’t some sort of supreme pissing contest in which contestants get to see who can go the furthest; take a deep breath, step back, and survey the situation. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of your vehicle is just as important as being able to tell when you are getting in over your head.

Posted 7:29 PM

Tags: off-road driving tricks
Share |


No Comments


Post a Comment
Required
Required (Not Displayed)
Required


All comments are moderated and stripped of HTML.

NOTICE: This blog and website are made available by the publisher for educational and informational purposes only. It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional in your state. By using this blog site you understand that there is no broker client relationship between you and the blog and website publisher.
Blog Archive
  • 2019
  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2010

  • 5 tips to protect your possessions with valuable items insurance coverage(3)
  • spring driving tips(3)
  • john o'leary monday motivation: would you do it again?(2)
  • preventing slips and falls in your home(2)
  • crime spikes on halloween: fictional ghost story or factual concern?(2)
  • 3 easy ways to get rid of fruit flies(2)
  • why 2 experts say you should clean your medicine cabinet — and their 5 key tips(2)
  • john o'leary monday motivation: what do you see?(2)
  • help keep your teens safe behind the wheel(2)
  • 10 best places to get a deal on glasses(2)
  • motivational monday(2)
  • things burglars look for before breaking into a home (and what keeps them away)(2)
  • grilling safety tips(2)
  • ez-prep (severe weather: emergency preparedness and response planning)(1)
  • false facts you believe about money(1)
  • motivational monday with john o'leary: how heroes are made(1)
  • home safety tips(1)
  • john o'leary monday motivation: leave it all behind(1)
  • the flu is a bad souvenir. here’s how a pilot stays healthy while flying(1)
  • are you protecting your family from harmful uv rays?(1)
  • why you might want to wrap your car key fob in foil(1)
  • 10 smartphone camera features that make you feel like a professional photographer(1)
  • life insurance misconceptions(1)
  • should you pay off your mortgage?(1)
  • 19 discounts seniors didn’t know they could get(1)
  • 10 simple & sustainable tips for a healthier you in 2019(1)
  • confessions of a car salesman(1)
  • 6 simple spring car care tips(1)
  • car cleaning tricks that your body shop won’t tell you about(1)
  • drinking coffee won't improve your metabolism — here's what actually works(1)
  • ridiculously simple and free ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle(1)
  • financial book clubs make learning about money more social(1)
  • 6 ways to secure your home when you're away(1)
  • monday motivation with john o’leary: a small act of caring(1)
  • family fire safety tips(1)
  • 9 healthy holiday-eating strategies(1)
  • monday motivation with john o'leary: will you see it?(1)
  • how times of trouble remind us to be grateful “if the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you(1)
  • tips to keep your house plants happy and healthy(1)
  • small money moves to change your financial future(1)
  • john o’leary motivation: it’s not about you(1)
  • always bloated(1)
  • 15 times you should definitely be washing your hands and aren’t(1)
  • john o'leary monday motivation: redefining perfect(1)
  • john o'leary monday motivation: slow down and enjoy life(1)
  • john o'leary monday motivation: where do i belong(1)
  • what to do when you're hacked(1)
  • 20 ways to save money(1)
  • focus on safety all year long(1)
  • power outages(1)

View Mobile Version
QUICK LINKS

Home
About
Get a Quote
Contact

Refer a Friend Leave A Review
                          R.L. Thomas Insurance Service, Inc.

                              21021Ventura Blvd., Suite 215                         
                              Woodland Hills, CA  91364                    
                              Phone: (818) 380-1700                            
                              Fax: (818) 906-0667                                
             

                               License#: 0601754
Powered by Insurance Website Builder