Emma Radebaugh Off-roading is an adrenaline-inducing activity that can prove dangerous for those who go into it unprepared. It takes more than jumping into your 4×4 and driving around on anything that isn’t asphalt. That can lead to damage to your truck or can cause serious injury to yourself if everything goes wrong. Know what you need to go off-roading and keep yourself and your vehicle in one solid piece.
The Right Tires
Not all tires are created equal, and extraordinary conditions call for extraordinary tires. Depending on whether you are driving on mud, sand, or rock, your vehicle is going to need different tires depending on the environment. If you don’t have the right tires, you run the risk of losing traction or blowing a flat due to too much stress.
Know What You Need
Don’t go into your adventure ignorant of your tires, or else it’s going to be an embarrassingly short drive. Purchase the right tires the first time around and keep yourself on the move without needing to stop to put on a spare.
Recovery Gear
Even with the right tires, you still run the risk of problems wherever you go. Make sure you come prepared with a recovery kit in order to get yourself and your vehicle out of problematic situations. Patch kits, shovels, gloves, high-lift jacks, and snatch straps are must-have tools to get you out of tough and dangerous situations.
Emergency Gear for Yourself
Your vehicle isn’t the only thing that may need service while you’re out and about. You don’t know what can happen during your trips, so preparing for the worst is always crucial for your safety. Extra food and water, first-aid kits, a spare set of clothing, and even a seat belt cutter are all smart to keep nearby. Don’t neglect your own wellbeing.
Lights
Lastly, if you find yourself out at night, your stock headlights might not be enough to keep everything properly illuminated. Invest in some auxiliary lights to place on your front bumper to give yourself a clear view of everything in your path. You don’t need to add too many lights; more lights than necessary can just put a strain on your battery.
Be Prepared
Don’t show up to your off-roading site underprepared. At the very least, it’ll end in a wasted trip, and at worst, if you go out with the wrong equipment, it could mean totaling your vehicle and sending you to the ER. Know what you need to go off-roading before you go.
