Off-road driving is one of the best forms of recreation usually enjoyed along with friends and family. In the Gulf, it is even more popular owing to the extensive desert terrains available which serve as a perfect ground for this ancient sport. However, as with all other sports, there are serious risks involved with off-roading and compromising on safety can prove to be fatal.
Today, we are going to look at some of the tips that will help to better prepare you for your adventurous ride and will make your driving experience in the desert a memorable one.
Getting Prepared
There is a lot of stuff that you need to do before you hop onto your wagon and hit your favourite track. Beginners are always recommended to see through their vehicle’s user manual and study what their SUVs are capable of. You then have to decide on things you should carry for this special drive.
Things you MUST carry!
– A full gas tank
– Navigational aids
– Tow rope (be sure it is rated heavy enough for your vehicle)
– Portable air compressor
– Spare tire and everything needed to make a change in the field
– Hydraulic jack
– First aid kit
– Mobile phone
– Water
A few other Extras:
– Vehicle mounted winch
– Spare fuel
– Shovel
– Walkie Talkies
– Fire extinguisher
Train yourself
Get some basic training before you venture out for the expedition. Off-road driving cannot be accurately done by an amateur driver and this is why so many each year get involved in tragic off-roading accidents.
The easiest way to learn the basics is to join a club or forum. They are in abundance in the UAE and its neighbouring countries. If you want an even more convenient option, stick out on track with a buddy who normally goes for off-roading. You are sure to learn a lot using your observational skills.
Prepare your vehicle for the exercise
Off-road driving stretches your vehicle to its very limits, so it has to be finely tuned to endure the excruciating demands you make of it at the dunes. The secret to perfect tuning is maintenance; maintaining your car by regularly checking its fuel and replacing faulty parts will ensure you a steady partner out there in the desert.
Find a Group
Off-road driving is a perfect break from work if you’re looking for things to do with your friends on your day off. Avoid venturing out alone; find yourself a partner to take the ride with you. Try finding a convoy and make sure you maintain visual contact with the other vehicles in it and decide a meeting spot in case you get separated along the way. Having a Walkie Talkie onboard will help you stay in contact with the convoy in case you get separated from it.
Stay relaxed
On the driver’s seat you need to adopt an upright and relaxed position with a loose grip on the steering wheel. Make sure your thumb is off the centre of the wheel, because broken thumbs are common from steering wheel kick-backs. Absorb your surroundings and take pleasure in what you are doing. Try to enjoy yourself, because that’s what you’re here for!
Don’t get over-adventurous
Being adventurous is good but taking bigger risks can often prove fatal. Offroading experts in the Gulf suggest that you restrain from going off-track into areas that appear risky; there can be serious dangers lying out there. Instead, retain your defined route, and survey the terrain as you move forward, pacing according to the rest of your caravan.
Go camping
Once you have your off-road driving thirst quenched, spend the night camping. If you are with a club, they will most likely make all arrangements of food and other entertainment waiting for you at the campsight. However, you need to ensure your safety by not wandering off the campsight alone. Snakes, scorpions and other insects are very common in the dunes. Maintaining the bonfire will also keep insects away from the camp all night.
Off-roading pumps your adrenaline like no other sport manages to, but some moderation is required to make it risk-free and more enjoyable.