Before going off-roading, consult with your local governmental agencies to determine designated off-road trails and recreation areas. Also, be sure to understand any off-road vehicle registration requirements for the area in which you plan on driving.
Before taking your vehicle off-roading, a basic vehicle inspection should be done to make sure that the vehicle is in top working condition.
Basic Off-road Driving Techniques
  • Grip the steering wheel with thumbs on the outside of the rim. This reduces the risk of injury due to abrupt steering wheel motions that occur when negotiating rough terrain. Do not grip the steering wheel with thumbs inside the rim.
  • Look ahead on your route noting upcoming obstacles, surface texture or color changes or any other factors which may indicate a change in available traction, and adjust the vehicle speed and route accordingly.
  • Always keep available ground clearance in mind and pick a route that minimizes the risk of catching the underside of the vehicle on an obstacle.
  • When negotiating low speed obstacles, applying light brake pressure in conjunction with the throttle helps prevent the vehicle from jerking and allows you to negotiate the obstacle in a more controlled manner. Using 4L also helps with this.
Crossing Obstacles
  • Review the path ahead before attempting to cross any obstacle. It is best if the obstacle is reviewed from outside the vehicle so that there is a good understanding of terrain condition both in front of and behind the obstacle.
  • If a large obstacle such as a rock cannot be avoided, choose a path that places the rock directly under the tire rather than the undercarriage of the vehicle. This helps prevent damage to your vehicle.
Hill Climbing
WARNING   WARNING:  Extreme care should be used when steering the vehicle in reverse down a slope so as not to cause the vehicle to swerve out of control.

  • Always attempt to climb a steep hill along the fall line of the slope and not diagonally.
  • If the vehicle is unable to make it up the hill, DO NOT attempt to turn back down the slope. Place the vehicle in low range and slowly back down in reverse.
  • When descending a steep slope, select low gear and activate hill descent control. Use the throttle and brake pedals to control your descent speed as described earlier in this section using hill descent control. Hill descent control is functional in reverse (R) and should be used in this situation.
After Off-Road Driving
It is important to complete a full vehicle inspection after off-road driving. Some items to check include:
  • Check the wheels and undercarriage for a buildup of mud or debris, which can cause vehicle vibration.
  • Make sure that the grille and radiator are clear of any obstructions that may affect cooling.
  • Make sure that the brakes are in proper working order and free of any mud, stones and debris, which can become trapped around the brake rotor, backing plate and caliper.
  • Check that the air filter is clean and dry.
  • Inspect for torn or punctured boots on ball joints, half shafts, steering gears.
  • Inspect exhaust system for damage or looseness.
  • Inspect undercarriage fasteners. If any are loose or damaged, tighten or replace and make sure that you use the proper torque specification.
  • Inspect the wheels for dents, cracks, or other damage.
  • Clear any debris from the exhaust components. For example, grass or hay.

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