Tips for 4x4 Beginners by Thailand's top 4x4 Exporter of diesel 4x4 vehicles as Toyota Hilux Vigo, Mitsubishi L200 Triton, Nissan Navara, Chevy Colorado and

If you are new to 4 wheel driving, here are some tips to get you started in the wonderful world of four wheel driving.

Go Slow!

Many times newbies think hitting the gas hard will get you out of trouble. While gas can help in some situations, it can also get you into a lot of trouble fast. It is also easier on your truck to go slow and take your time. When you go slow it helps to keep traction. Traction is your friend. When you're spinning your tires, you have decreased traction. Let the tires work for you and go slow.

Along with that is momentum

Momentum will help you get up some ledges, hills, and mud holes. This means starting farther back from an obstacle. This comes with experience. Knowing how much momentum you need without going too fast depends on the obstacle. When in doubt watch someone else and learn from their mistakes or experience. Try hitting it with a little momentum and then decide if you need a little more if that doesn't work.

Know Your Limits!

Especially when alone and/or you decide to do some hardcore 4wding before you are due at work! Best to only test your limits when 4wding with another rig or more. If your truck won't clear an obstacle, hitting it harder is just going to damage the truck and give other people something to laugh about. Don't try to bite off more then you can chew. It could just cost you your rig.

Mud

Test the mud first if you have never crossed the hole. Get a stick or something to see if the bottom is 2' down or 6' down, or if the bottom feels soft or hard. Mud holes can be deceiving. A soft base can swallow your truck. When entering a mud hole get a little momentum. As you enter the hole if you feel yourself getting stuck, start turning the front wheel left to right. This can help gain you some traction. Go as far as you can forward if you can't get out. Once forward momentum is stopped try reverse, also moving the front tires left to right. Sometimes you can back out of a hole. Of course your friends will still want to see you hit it again... NOTE: Keep your windows up when mud boggin'. Its sucks getting sprayed in the face or having to clean the inside of your windshield, dash etc.

Hills

After guessing on how much momentum you need, try to hit a hill straight on as much as possible. Keeping all wheels on the ground will increase traction. Keep on the gas and keep forward momentum unless you sense your truck getting sideways or going over backwards. If so, let off the gas and regain some control. If you ever feel you are going over backwards, let off the brakes to allow the front end to come down and the truck to slowly roll down till you can stop again. Sometimes putting the truck in reverse and letting out the clutch can help keep things under control.

 

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