We’re all beginners at first, no matter what it is. However, with certain activities, we can prepare ourselves for potential pitfalls when we’re still new. That goes for off-roading.
When the urge to explore arises, few drivers ever find their way off the beaten track. But to truly explore the wonders of Australia, you’ll have to take the road less travelled. No matter how capable or expensive an overland vehicle is, it’s only going to be as good off-road as the driver behind the wheel.
In this blog, we go through some off-roading tips for beginners so you can stay safe while exploring outback Australia this summer.
1) Do your research
Before you even get behind the wheel, make sure you fully understand what it means to go off-roading. The great part about your research phase is that there’s so much information online about it. Online forums that cater to off-roaders like you will be full of useful tips that others are sharing based on their personal experience. It is almost like having an experienced off-roader teach you tips that they learned from a life of off-roading personally. Join Facebook groups or subreddits, and sign up for newsletters from experts.
This way, you can pick up on some tips and tricks that others learned through their own trial and error. Going over a few brochures or pamphlets at the local tourist office is also a great idea to make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations involved with your destination.
2) Don’t do it alone
No matter what destination you decide on, it is always a good idea to have someone come with you. Maybe your partner wants to go for a ride in the bush with you, or maybe it’s a bunch of your friends. In addition to having someone else along for the ride, this will also prepare you for any off-roading emergencies that can happen.
Like most things in life, off-road driving is a learned skill that requires practice. Mistakes will be made. Getting stuck, getting lost, and sometimes breaking parts can happen. The last thing you want to worry about as a newbie is being alone in a remote place, unable to get back to safety.
3) Stay on the trails
Building driver skill takes time. That’s why you should start with easy trails and, over time, develop your driving skills and work your way up to more challenging tracks. If you find the easy tracks too easy, stop for the day and find a new location that’s more challenging.
If you have any doubt about your abilities, it’s best not to risk it by driving off-road at a speed at which you’re uncomfortable. So, if you’re a beginner and still learning the ropes, stay on the trails and keep your speed down while doing so. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
4) Lower your tire pressure
Not adjusting your tire pressure before going off-road is a rookie mistake. The great thing about off-roading is that the tracks can be rough and uneven, but the road itself is pretty flat. That means your tires will be taking the brunt of all of the bumps. The idea is that a tire at highway pressure won’t grab uneven surfaces as well as one that’s got lower pressure. Lowering the tire’s pressure also helps expand the tire’s footprint off-road, improving traction.
5) Get the right vehicle
While some people go off-roading in regular cars, it is best to get a vehicle designed for off-roading. A 4×4 is what you will need. The fact that different vehicles are perfect for different needs is why doing your research is so important. You need to know what kind of off-roading you will be doing. If you are doing only light to medium off-roading, you might not even need any modifications. However, if you plan on doing some serious off-roading, you might need to upgrade your vehicle. Take the time to make a decision so that you end up with the right vehicle for you.
There are some obvious tips when it comes to off-roading. If you’re a newbie, take them all into consideration before you go off-roading for the first time. Even though in most cases, this will be a fun experience and won’t turn into a nightmare, it is better to be safe than sorry.
