10 Pretty Basic Off-Roading Tips (And 10 No-Nos Guaranteed To Get People Stuck)

All they need to do is pack their bags, right? Wrong! Off-roading is not that straightforward since it is fraught with perils, and accidents are likely to happen. Safe driving is as important as the adrenaline rush is.

This list of tips comes in handy for off-roaders:

1. Driving slow: Speed is not advisable on rough terrains. Switching to the lowest gear is.

2. Lower the tyre pressure: The tyres of our vehicles are suitable for streets and highways. They can burst over perilous terrains. It's advisable to lower the pressure.

3. Follow the rules of the trail: Staying out of the designated wilderness areas, sticking to the trail marked, and following the etiquette are part of safe driving.

4. Get the vehicle ready: Take it to the service station and get the transmission fluid, oil, and gas levels checked.

5. Use a spotter: Asking someone to guide you from outside the vehicle assists in positioning the wheels for best traction.

6. Attending a training course helps one learn about safe driving tactics.

7. Be prepared for an emergency by keeping extra food, water, sleeping essentials, a torch, a first-aid kit, and warm clothes.

8. Read the owner's manual: Knowing your vehicle in and out is very important in case you have to fix something.

9. Be flexible: It's guaranteed that the unexpected would occur, and quickly changing the plan might be required. 

10. Knowing how traction works off-road: Learning about your vehicle's traction control and differentials is required.

 Here's a list of no-nos too:

1. Not checking the weather: Off-road terrains don't have well-built roads, and adverse conditions can affect the progress.

2. Using low-quality gear: As the gear is your friend, a cheaper quality one can get you stuck in a tough spot. 

3. Being too aggressive: Going overboard with acceleration is not advisable as it can lead to accidents. 

4. Not willing to turn around: The driver should know when to halt and call it a day and turn around instead of chasing a futile route.

5. Going off-road by yourself: It's important to have someone with you when going off-road as injuries and accidents might occur.

6. Obnoxious driving: Off-roads are not racing tracks where sports cars can be driven at unnatural speeds.

7. Not knowing ground clearance and approach angles: Driving on a winding road is not a cakewalk for amateurs. Experience and learning tips and tricks come in handy.

8. Loading up a lot: Heavier vehicles would find it tougher to get through. Pack light!

9. Not scoping out the route: GPS is our friend, and not using it to chart out the routes can be risky.

10. Not testing the water depth can get the vehicle immersed.