Oldfella - drivertechniques

Tyre pressures play an important part in off-road driving. Lowering tyre pressures helps in getting through. 140-180 kpa (20-26 psi) is a good tyre pressure for bush tracks.

Low tyre pressure = lower speed

Cross small ridges 'square on'

Cross ditches at a slight angle

Straddle ruts, however on slippery downhill sections, it's best to drop into them if they're not too deep. On uphill sections, stay out of them if possible. On deep rutted sections you may need to do some road building.

If you begin to lose traction going uphill, or along a rutted track, or in mud, turn the steering wheel from side to side. This may help you keep moving. Take care you don't career off to the right or left though!

ON STEEP HILLS

Low second or third gear is generally best for going up hill

Low first gear is best for steep downhill

Don't touch the clutch

Use the footbrake sparingly and with caution

Avoid turning the vehicle sideways on a hill

Allow any vehicle in front plenty of room

If the vehicle begins to slide sideways, very slight acceleration and steering into the slide will normally straighten your descent

If you stall going uphill, don't touch the clutch or accelerator. See the stall start technique for what to do.

Winching is the safest way to tackle steep slopes, when all else fails.

SAND DRIVING OLDFELLA - 4wd Rough

Speed and flotation are the keys to success. High ratio is best, if possible.

Lower the tyre pressure to 140kpa or 20psi. You may need to go lower (lower tyre pressure = lower speed). Remember to reinflate your tyres as soon as you're back on hard ground.

Stick to any existing wheel tracks - it's a lot easier.

Avoid sudden changes in direction or acceleration. Coast to a stop if at all possible.

Tackle dunes head on.

Avoid braking at all costs when descending a dune, Keep the nose of the vehicle pointing downhill. Don't go fast, but not so slow that the wheels stop rolling, or the vehicle begins to slide sideways. A touch on the throttle will keep the wheels moving and the vehicle pointing in the right direction.

If you get stuck, try and rock the vehicle backwards or forwards, building up a small stretch of hardpack sand that you can accelerate off from. Don't spin the wheels!

Have your recovery gear handy.

Wash your vehicle down after use.

SNOW DRIVING

Carry chains and fit them when required.

Prepare your vehicle and carry safety gear.

Keep to roads and tracks that are open to traffic.

Drive as if you have no brakes. Use gears instead.

Drive with low beam lights on.

Remember, vehicles travelling uphill have right of way. OLDFELLA - Water

Don't travel when visibility is poor.

Park only where directed and as close to the bank as possible.

Leave the vehicle in gear.

Don't use the handbrake - it could freeze on.

Lift the wiper blades off the windscreen.

Be patient. Watch out for other travellers and animals.

WATER CROSSINGS

Check the crossing including the exit before you plunge in.

Water depths of up to 30cm can be handled fairly easily, but will depend on the type of bottom and the current flow. Soft sand and/or a strong current can make even a shallow crossing a problem. A snorkel for deeper water may be required.

Spray electrical components with WD40 before entering the water.

Loosen the fan belt unless it has an auto clutch (auto clutch will still spin at higher RPM). A spinning fan can spray water onto the electrics.

In deeper water (over 30cm) remove fan belt and fit blind to help create a bow wave.

Keep speed down, but fast enough to create a bow wave - low second gear is best. OLDFELLA - Water 3

Do not disengage clutch or change gears.

Keep the engine running, even if you stop. If the engine does stop, DO NOT restart it. Winch or snatch out.

After crossing, dry your brakes out. Check all oils for contamination if you've been driving regular, deep crossings, or you've become stuck.

MUD

Speed and power are essential. Good tyres help.

Low second or third are probably the best gears.

Move the steering wheel from side to side rapidly to improve traction.

Keep a steady pace.

Stay out of ruts if possible.

If you do become stuck, rock the vehicle backwards or forwards by alternating between first and reverse. You'll be surprised at what perseverance can do.

THE STALL START or KEY START

When a vehicle stops on a steep hill, don't panic. Think and stay calm.

Brakes on - both foot and handbrake.

Switch engine off if not already stalled.

Ease clutch in.

Select low range, reverse gear. Clutch out.

Check to see if track is clear to reverse and that the wheels are pointing straight ahead, not on an angle.

Handbrake off.

Footbrake off - but keep it ready for action.

Keeping your foot away from the clutch, start the engine and proceed backwards slowly down the hill. Don't touch the clutch or the accelerator.

Slight 'feathering' of the brake is possible, but take care.

NB:

With autos, if the engine has stopped, you'll need to start the vehicle in neutral, or park, before reverse gear is engaged (step 4).

If at all in doubt, chock your vehicle and use a winch to aid the descent or ascent!

DOING THE RIGHT THING

Observe all the rules and regulations pertaining to the use of public land.

Keep to constructed vehicle tracks - never 'bush bash'.

Avoid areas which are easily damaged, such as swamps, alpine snow plains and vegetated sand dunes.

Carry out all the rubbish you take in.

Observe all fire restrictions.

Respect our wildlife.

Respect private land. Always ask permission before crossing pastoral land.

Leave gates as you find them.

Oldfella, 4WD, Caravan, Bikes & Leisure