There are times when you will need to veer of the tarmac and drive a car on rough roads and murky waters. It is for this reason that off-road vehicles were designed. Northside driving schools gives their students instructions on how to drive safely and properly on rough terrain. However, before you drive off the pavement, here are a few tips for off-road driving for every possible road and season.

• Know your vehicle

There are a number of vehicles that are specifically designed for off-road driving. A lot of manufacturers boast about all the things that their vehicles can do. However, before driving on rough roads, it is important for the driver to know their vehicle’s capabilities and limits. This is because even the best off-road vehicles are not immune to everything. Always check the vehicle before driving on rough terrain to ensure that it will serve you well. Also, read the manufacturer’s manual and follow their instructions on how to handle the car on rough roads. It is also important to know the height and the width of the vehicle before driving with it off-road.

• Know your terrain

Off road driving involves driving on snow, rough roads, sand and even mud. A driver should know the type of terrain that they will drive on before venturing off the road. My driving school often gives instructions on the basics of off-road driving on different types of roads. There are also a lot of terrain-specific tips that will guide the driver when driving off-road. The driver should get maps of the area that they will be driving through. They should also ask about the weather conditions for the specific day that they intend to drive on the rough roads so that harsh weather does not catch them by surprise.

• Do not travel alone

Anyone who ventures on tough terrain is advised to travel with someone who can help them whenever they get stuck. The driving partner will share the experience as well as provide a helping hand in situations where the vehicle needs to be pushed out of a tough spot. You could also choose to travel in separate cars, but always keep a close distance. This way, one driver can help to tow the stuck driver, or to advise them on how to drive out of the sticky situation.

• Learn how to drive off-road  

Driving off-road is very different from driving on smooth tarmac. The driver should learn the tricks of manoeuvring through slippery surfaces, as well as the tips for climbing and descending steep slopes. They should also learn the tricks of how to transverse a slope, how to cross ridges and how to cross ditches. Different gears are engaged in each situation, and it is always important to know all of this information before heading off road.

Off road driving is both challenging and exhilarating. However, it is always important for the driver to follow this guide, or else they may end up ruining their car, or worse, getting stuck alone in the middle of nowhere.

About the Author

Mark Long is a very passionate researcher and writer. He has researched and written on a number of topics, especially driving guides from my driving school and Northside driving schools. He is always happy to share the tips and guidelines in his various articles.