4X4 DRIVING TIPS AND ETIQUETTE

Willie Olivier

Heading off into the wilds is a great adventure and can be lots of fun. That’s until things go wrong and you get stuck or bogged down. Here are some tips to help you face some of the challenges you might encounter.

Ensure that you are familiar with the vehicle, how to engage four-wheel drive, its ground clearance, engaging the differential lock (if the vehicle has one) and its engine capacity, power and gear ratios.

Preparation is crucial to ensure that you enjoy your four-wheel-drive adventure. Ensure that you have the necessary maps, GPS coordinates, equipment, basic spares and tools and, most importantly, spare fuel and water and a second spare wheel.

Driving conditions vary greatly, depending on your destination - from steep, rocky ascents and descents, clouds of dust in the Khowarib Schlucht and soft, deep sand, to springs and marshy areas in the Ugab River. Decide on your approach, speed and the correct gear when you have to put your driving skills to the test.

The first rule is to always engage four-wheel drive and lock the hubs (if required) before you tackle long stretches of soft, deep sand, steep rocky inclines and descents, mud or any other obstacles.

The second rule is to never over-estimate your own skills (without compromising your confidence) or what you think the vehicle is capable of doing.

Here are some basic hints that will help you to negotiate difficult terrain.

ROCKS

·Stop and check for obstacles that might cause serious damage and get someone to guide you, if necessary.

·On a steep ascent, engage low-range first or second gear (depending on the incline) and accelerate just enough to keep the vehicle moving. Avoid too much power if the track is littered with loose rocks or boulders as this will cause wheel spin and possible damage to your tyres.

·Engage low-range first gear and let the vehicle ‘walk’ down a steep slope against its own engine compression.

SAND

·Deflate the tyres to increase the ‘footprint’.

·Avoid accelerating too much when the vehicle’s speed starts decreasing as this could cause wheel spin.

·If you do grind to a halt, don’t rely on engine power to get you out of trouble. Check whether the tyres have been deflated enough and clear sand in front of the wheels. First try to reverse in your tracks and get your fellow travellers to push the vehicle. Then, pull away slowly without accelerating too much.

MUD

·Select the right gear when you have to negotiate mud. Try second gear low range for small-engined vehicles and first gear high-ratio or third gear high-ratio for more powerful engines.

·Decelerate gently if wheel spin occurs without taking your foot off the accelerator and accelerate gently when there is traction.

·Do not leave existing tracks as you are more likely to get bogged down even though the ground might appear to be harder.

RIVERS

·Never cross a river that is flowing unless you can wade through. If necessary, wait till the level has subsided before crossing, rather than getting bogged down or swept away!

4 x 4 TRAIL ETIQUETTE

·Remain on existing tracks as Namibia’s wild areas are ecologically extremely sensitive. Blazing new tracks is not only unsightly, but you can also destroy lichens and other forms of life.

·In some areas you will be a visitor to what is home to others. Treat people in these areas with respect at all times.

·Never set up camp close to springs in the Kunene Region as you might deny elephant, rhino and other game the opportunity to quench their thirst after having walked long distances to get there.

·Take out what you take in.

·Use wood sparingly and keep fires small.

·Maintain a respectful distance between yourself and elephants at all times. Getting too close can have fatal consequences.