Off-road driving is one of the biggest perks of living near the desert. Few experiences can compare to the exhilaration of speeding through sand dunes or some other off-road obstacle in a lifted truck. While desert off-road driving may look simple to the average individual, it is actually a complicated process that requires attention to detail and off-road experience. There are a number of techniques and tips to master before becoming an off-roading expert, and the team at Audiosport in Escondido provides some of the most essential tips below.
1. Only Drive Straight Up and Down Sand Dunes
Driving up and down sand dunes is one of the most thrilling parts of any off-road adventure, but it is important to be strategic when driving on a dune. Only go up and down sand dunes in a straight line, avoiding any turns or other maneuvers. One slight turn of the wheel can be enough to flip your truck on its side and leave you tumbling down the dune. If for any reason you are stuck, simply put your car into reverse and drive straight backward.
2. Mark Your Vehicle
When you are driving away from the safety of a paved road, you need to make sure all people and vehicles in the area can easily see your truck. That is why we suggest some kind of marking on your vehicle that can be seen from a distance deep within sand dunes. Most go for a simple flag that will fly high above your truck, using a bright color that any passersby can easily see.
3. Wear Sunglasses
It can get very sunny out in the desert, and the glare can make it difficult to see. Wear sunglasses to block out the sun, using a polarized pair so you are never at risk of being temporarily blinded by the sun.
4. Do Not Aggressively Accelerate
When driving up a sand dune, it is important to try to keep a steady speed. If you hit the accelerator too hard, you risk getting some dangerous airtime at the top of a dune or traveling too fast downhill. You also risk drowning yourself in the sand if you push the accelerator too aggressively. Keep a steady speed, especially when climbing up hills or rolling down them.
5. Check Your Tire Pressure
The key to driving on sand is an even distribution of the vehicle’s weight to all 4 tires. If your tires are overinflated, you risk an uneven distribution of weight that can cause you to get bogged down in soft sand. Let a little air out of your tires for even weight distribution and to increase tire traction.
6. Always Have a Shovel Handy
Part of off-roading in the desert is getting stuck in some deep sand. You need to make sure you have all of the tools you need to pull your way out of the sand, and that is where a shovel can come in handy. If you are stuck, stop hitting the accelerator and instead use the shovel to place sand in front of your tires, as this will create a makeshift ramp to get you out of the hole.
Get Desert Off-Road Ready at Audiosport in Escondido
If you are interested in hitting the desert for an off-road adventure, you need to make sure your car or truck is up to the task. Audiosport in Escondido specializes in custom lift kits, helping get your vehicle ready to hit the sand dunes. Audiosport also specializes in other off-road upgrades, such as LED lights and off-road wheels and tires.
If you are interested in learning more about off-roading or would like to request a quote on the cost of a custom lift kit, contact Audiosport today by calling (760) 743-2333.
