Four-wheel-driving tips for beginners

Always let someone know when you are going off-roading. Photo: Paul Kennedy

While many four-wheel-drive SUVs never leave the tarmac of our cities, New Zealand is fortunate to have plentiful areas to drive off-road.

With beach-accessible Muriwai beach a few minutes away, the Auckland Off Road Adventure at Woodhill Forest nearby and the 600acre farm of Parihoa, we at AutoMuse are spoilt for choice when it comes to off-roading.

But before any of us decide to spend the day getting our SUVs dirty, there are a few points you need to know, especially if you are a beginner.

Get to know your vehicle before you head out on any tracks. Photo: Liz Dobson

Before you head out, let someone know where you are going (I do this even when at Parihoa); or better still, go with friends with SUVs.

The best tip I had when I first began off-roading at car launches was not to tuck my thumb around the steering wheel, as an unexpected jolt could damage it.

Get to know your vehicle before you head off; read its manual and walk around it, noting any areas on that vehicle that may be susceptible to damage i.e. bumpers.

Checking your tyres at Woodhill is as easy as 1, 2 3 Photo: Auckland Off Road Adventure Park

Once off the beaten track on the dirt, if you encounter a particularly rough stretch, you might want to climb out of the cab and scout ahead on foot to get an idea of how to tackle the next section.

The Automobile Association of New Zealand also has some great pointers for newbies.

Make sure you have the right tools for the job!

Rescue kit

If your vehicle doesn’t have an electric winch on the front bumper to extract you from sticky situations, then don’t worry - you can still add a winch accessory kit to aid in recovery. A couple of recovery straps, some shackles and a jack can help you get out of most situations.

Recovery boards and shovels

If you find yourself in a tough situation with no help in sight, you can buy specialised nylon recovery boards from off-road retailers, designed to be placed under your tyres so you can easily drive out – whether in sand, mud or snow. The boards are lightweight and much easier to cart around than large planks of wood. They can also double as shovels to excavate your wheels.

Tyres work overtime on your 4x4 - always have a spare!

Spare tyre

They’re the most frequently damaged so it’s important to carry a spare tyre in your vehicle at all times, especially as they are the most important part of the SUV.

Don’t underestimate wet grass - it can be like driving on ice!

Air pump

When driving across rocks, dirt and sand, it's important off-roading vehicles reduce their tyre pressure to improve traction. You’ll need to purchase a quality 12V air pump, and then plug it in to your accessories socket and you’re set.

The pump also comes in handy if you happen to develop a slow leak in your tyre.

Always make sure you re-inflate your tyres before going back onto public roads.

Toolkit and emergency equipment

Items like duct tape, oil, rope, cable ties, spare fuses and a spare serpentine belt could be the difference between getting home for dinner and being stuck in the bush overnight. In the event of the latter happening, always make sure you carry warm clothing and a blanket in your vehicle. You never know what may happen whilst you are in an isolated situation so a safety kit with a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, water and a back-up phone are advisable.

Test your vehicle’s capacity - Roger from Auckland Off Road Adventure offers excellent facilities to put your 4x4 through its paces - see below.