Contrary to popular belief that SUVs are only for off-roading, most 4-wheel drive vehicles are found on the roads. But let’s face it; your SUV wasn’t meant to be taken to the downtown grocery shop. So, how would you go about fulfilling its true purpose? Let’s take a look:
Off roaders worldwide know the pleasure of taking their vehicles to places most people can only dream of going to. Imagine driving through the A’Sharqiyah Sands of Oman, the Sir Agha Syed Village in Iran, Khor Al Udeid in Qatar or the beautiful Turkish Riviera. By now you’ve probably envisioned yourself off-roading in a mesmerising region of your own. Let’s look at some of the pre-requisites needed before you set forth on the adventure of a lifetime. Keep in mind that the most vital constituents of a memorable off road journey are good preparation and safety.
What You’ll Need
- A full gas tank
- Spare tyres
- Rope
- Air compressor
- Maps
- First Aid Kit
- Cellular device
- High lift jack
- Water for the radiator
- Extra fuel
- Two way radios (if you’re travelling in a team)
- Fire extinguishers
Tricks of the Trade
Off-Roading On The Trail
If you’re new to off-roading then you should go for trail driving. Before you head out, make sure you are comfortable with the difficulty level ahead. You can consult travel guides or tourists who have undergone the same journey. There are many off-road trails in the Middle East that you can choose from based on the level of difficulty. You should avoid steep climbs or crossing water of any sort the first couple of times around. Cappadocia, a historical region in Central Anatolia, is a delightful trail to start out your newly discovered hobby of off-roading.
Off-Roading in The Sand
The most important item on your checklist before you set out for off-roading in a sandy area would be to make sure it’s legal. That’s right! It is prohibited to go off-roading on some beaches and desert regions. However, they will be clearly marked as to whether or not the area is 4×4 accessible. The second most important thing to ensure is that the air pressure in tyres is deflated down to a range of 15 psi and 20 psi. This is because traction is not effortlessly obtained on a sandy terrain and we need to allow the tyres to be able to grip more surface area. Momentum is extremely crucial in this terrain. It can be tricky at times but you must remember not to slow down unless it cannot be avoided. If off-roading in the sand has caught your attention then you must pay a visit to the beach resort in the Peninsula Qatar.
Off-Roading in The Water
While driving in shallow water, do you tend to floor it, spin it and slide your vehicle around? If so, you are among 90% of the people who do it. This formula for getting through shallow water might sound wicked fun but is in fact quite risky. Without doubt, you’ll succeed in impressing your mates but they won’t fancy waking up on the hospital bed wrapped in a full body cast. Once you let your four wheeler slide, you lose all control over it. Achieving and maintaining momentum is crucial in this type of terrain too. If you feel like you’re getting stuck in the mud, follow these three simple steps:
- Turn the wheel left
- Turn the wheel right
- Repeat
And most importantly, do not, absolutely do NOT floor it and spin the tyres.
Overview
Be fully prepared for what you’re getting yourself into. Remember, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. It is also very important to have a medium for communication. It can be either cellular phones or two way radios. Furthermore, you must never go on such an adventure alone. Tag a few mates along for the ride of a lifetime.
Have fun off-roading!