If you start to consider buying a car for off-roading but have no experience before, then knowing the following 10 steps will turn you into an off-roading expert. This only refers to an expert in theory, to become a real off-roading enthusiast, you still need to accumulate rich off-roading driving experience.
Step1: How will you drive?
1.Gentle Driving: If you are not specifically for off-roading driving, but merely because the roads that you cross are in bad condition, then it is recommended that you just need consider a SUV or a non-professional off-roader such as the Toyota RAV4, Ford Equinox, Geely Monjaro, etc. since these cars combines both capacity and comfort.
However, if it often rains or snows in your city, for the sake of safety, it is recommended that you at least purchase a four-wheel drive one.
2.Rugged off-roading:If you want to drive an off-road vehicle specifically to experience scenarios such as mud, deserts, swamps, climbing slopes, or even wading through water, then it is recommended to consider a real off-road vehicle. And there are several important factors for car selection as a reference below.
Step 2: Chose a vehicle that suits you most
1.Budget
Budget is surely your first consideration factor and there is no need to elaborate too much here. But please remember that In today’s market there are plenty of off-road vehicles for every budget level. Figure out how much you want to invest into these habit.
2.Gas,Diesel or Hybrid?
Diesel has a higher energy density compared to gasoline. Under the same driving conditions, it consumes less fuel and has stronger power, reducing the frequency of refueling during long trips.
However, diesel engines are relatively noisier, have higher exhaust emissions, and diesel supply is not as convenient as gasoline in some areas. So, the choice still depends on the situation in your region.
Nowadays, many automakers have begun to add an electric motor to increase higher torque. The most typical example is the Tank 500 launched by Great Wall Motors. BYD has also launched hybrid off-roader called Fang Cheng Bao 5(the Leopard 5). It adopts the four-wheel drive with a single-gear series-parallel electric drive mode on the front axle. Simply put, both the internal combustion engine and the battery participate in power generation simultaneously. Therefore, its power level is very stronger.
In addition to the quasi-constant power characteristics brought by the front and rear permanent magnet synchronous motors, the Fang Cheng Bao 5 is also equipped with a 4L gearbox on the rear axle to further amplify the torque. But you need to get used to some differences in driving habits of these kind of hybrid vehicles. It requires continuous accelerator pressing. Some motors do not have a particularly strong idle speed, however, there is no need to worry about the engine speed and gear shifts. It is more friendly to beginners, and the off-road mode can also be intelligent.
3.Differential lock, Part-time four-wheel drive, Electronic limited slip
It is very important whether an off-road vehicle has the above three performances:
(1) Differential lock:The role of the differential lock is to allow the left and right wheels of the vehicle to rotate at different speeds when turning to achieve a smooth steering. However, in some extreme road conditions, such as when one side of the wheel loses adhesion (such as getting stuck in a mud pit, icy road surface, etc.), the differential will distribute more power to the wheel that has lost adhesion, resulting in the wheel with adhesion not being able to obtain sufficient power and the vehicle being difficult to get out of the predicament.
(2)Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive is a four-wheel drive system where the driver can manually choose between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Cars such as the Jeep Wrangler, Suzuki Jimny, and Tank 300 are all equipped with part-time four-wheel drive systems. It has a simple structure and can provide strong torque output, allowing you to manually switch to the four-wheel drive mode in extreme road conditions and precisely control the power distribution of the vehicle.
Note:What is 4L& 4H ?
If the dashboard of your off-road vehicle shows 4L or 4H modes, what do they mean? “4L” represents Low Range Four Wheel Drive, and “4H” represents High Range Four Wheel Drive.
The 4L mode is usually used in extreme off-road conditions, such as steep slopes, muddy deep ditches, or situations where significant torque is needed to overcome obstacles. In this mode, the vehicle’s torque is amplified, the speed is low, but the driving force is strong, helping the vehicle pass through difficult terrain slowly and steadily.
The 4H mode is suitable for more complex but not extremely extreme off-road conditions, such as slippery roads, mild sand dunes, or uneven unpaved roads. In this mode, the vehicle can provide driving force to all four wheels while maintaining a certain speed, enhancing the vehicle’s maneuverability and stability.
(3)Electronic limited slip is an electronic control system of a vehicle, which is used to improve the driving stability and passability of the vehicle under complex road conditions.
4.Loading Capability
Apart from off-road performance, whether you decide to go on long-distance or short-distance off-roading, the loading capacity of the off-road vehicle is also an important reference factor.
5.Again,the proportion spent on off-roading:
Of course, unless you are an expert or player in off-roading, most people who buy off-road vehicles will not use them 100% for off-road scenarios. Besides the main off-road scenarios, some are also used on urban roads, highways, and other scenarios. Here, we need to consider what the proportion of other scenarios is in the entire vehicle usage to weigh the trade-off between ride comfort and off-road performance.
Step 3:Choosing Appropriate Tires Based on Condition
It is essential to choose the appropriate tires based on the off-road scenes and terrains. To some extent, Chose the right tires is much important than the functions and configurations of the off-road vehicle itself. Mainly, there are four types of tires:
HT Highway Tires: When most off-road vehicles leave the factory, for the consideration of fuel consumption and comfort, they will be equipped with highway tires, which can be applied to some mild off-roading.
AT all-terrain tires: They can cover most off-road scenarios and are mainly 18 inches in size. 20-inch ones are relatively rare, such as BFGoodrich KO2, etc.
MT Mud Terrain Tires: If you are an avid off-road enthusiast, it is recommended to use mud terrain tires.
Snow Tires: If you are in a cold and snowy season and the off-road road is deeply covered with snow, then snow tires with special patterns and materials will prevent the vehicle from slipping when climbing or turning by increasing friction.
The above are some tire suggestions. Besides, if you are on a long-distance trip, it is recommended that you’d better bring a spare tire.
Step 4:Modifications
In combination with the off-road scenes and the characteristics of your car,then you might decide to whether to do some targeted modifications. There are some important points are exemplified as follows:
(1)Suspension and Chassis:
Regarding the chassis and suspension, not all vehicles need to be modified. Many original vehicles have made many improvements to the chassis and suspension.
If you are going to a place with very complex road conditions, then you have to consider whether to increase the ground height by replacing the higher suspension system so that your car can cross larger obstacles and rough terrain more easily.
In addition, depending on the condition of the vehicle chassis, you can install a guard plate to protect key components such as the engine, gearbox, and battery pack from bumps and damages by stones, branches, etc.
（2)Snorkel
If the off-roading scenario you encounter involves passing through potholes with deepening water accumulation or even some shallow rivers, then you can consider appropriately raising the air intake of the off-road vehicle by installing a snorkel.
It should be particularly noted that even if a snorkel is installed, it does not mean that you can drive unlimitedly in deep water. Other parts of the vehicle such as the electrical system and transmission system may still be affected by water.
In addition, in some regions, there are strict legal restrictions on vehicle modifications, and the installation of a snorkel may be illegal.So you need to understand the relevant local regulations before decide to install it.
(3)Shock Absorbers
you can replace the shock absorbers and springs that are more sturdy and better adapted to severe bumps to improve the suspension support of the vehicle during off-roading, reduce body sway and jolting, and enhance handling stability and comfort.
For example, in off-roading in the desert, excellent suspension modifications can enable the vehicle to handle the undulating sand dunes more smoothly.
(4)Pedals
If the raised suspension of the car causes difficulties for you or your family members to get in the car, it is recommended that you can install car pedals. If possible,It would be better to consider models with original pedals when purchasing the car.
(5)Bumper Thickening
It is necessary to understand in advance whether local traffic regulations allow private modification of the bumper, and carry out bumper modification on the premise that regulations permit.
If you do not have relevant experience, it is recommended to consult a professional modification shop.
(6)Winch and Tow Hook
During off-roading, when the off-road vehicle gets stuck in difficult situations such as mud pits, deep ditches or steep slopes, the winch can pull the vehicle out through the steel cable to achieve self-rescue.
The winch is usually installed at the front of the vehicle.
The function of the tow hook is that when other vehicles get stuck, the vehicle in the predicament can be more conveniently towed and rescued through the tow hook.
The tow hook is usually installed at the rear of the vehicle.
(7)Top Luggage Rack
If the off-road vehicle you choose cannot provide enough interior space to accommodate your luggage, equipment or outdoor sports gear, you can choose to install a luggage rack to increase additional storage space.
For example, during long-distance off-road trips, large backpacks, sleeping bags, etc. can be placed on the luggage rack. However, installing a luggage rack may affect the center of gravity of the car, increase wind resistance and fuel consumption. It is recommended to add it only when necessary.
(8)Others
The above are some necessary modification parts. There are also some other modification parts that can be selected and installed according to individual needs.
It is recommended to consider adding modification parts in accordance with the principles of necessity, economy, and legality, such as lighting equipment, roll cages, side ladders, etc.
Step 5:Prepare for your cars
(1)Extra gasoline or charging facilities
(2) Tow rope, jack, wrench, screwdriver, spark plug
Step 6:Prepare for yourself!
(1)Water and food. Try to bring more than the planned amount to avoid unexpected needs. The reference given here is at least 2L or more per person per day.
(2)Medical devices.Such as a basic first aid kit, including band-aids, antiseptic lotion, bandages, painkillers, anti-allergic drugs, etc.
(3)Communication devices.Such as walkie-talkies and mobile phones to ensure smooth communication among peers and the team.
(4)Satellite phones for use in extreme cases, especially important in uninhabited areas and places without signals. It can save your life!
(5)Other outdoor equipment such as camping tents, sleeping bags, etc., and sun protection products such as sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen, which can be added according to personal needs.
Step 7:Never Go Alone!
When going to places like no man’s zone, it is necessary to go with two or more vehicles. In this way, when one vehicle is in danger, they can rescue each other.
At the same time, even if the vehicle is scrapped, you can take other vehicles to escape, and then find someone to tow the vehicle back.
Step 8: Study the Route
First, it is possible to know in advance about potentially dangerous sections, such as cliffs, deep ditches, and rapid rivers, so as to make adequate preparations and take preventive measures.
Second, plan the optimal driving route to save time and energy. And find the gas stations or charging stations along the way to avoid vehicle breakdowns.
Thirdly, try to go in good weather. Never confront against the nature.In case of extreme weather or even unexpected situations, you should respond calmly.
Step 9:Understand the Local Customs
If you are going to a new cultural area, it is recommended that you do the homework on the local culture in advance. In particular, be aware that some areas may have special cultural customs or environmental protection requirements. This can avoid unnecessary conflicts or damages caused by ignorance.
For example, there were once off-road enthusiasts who, without studying the route, strayed into an area undergoing ecological restoration, causing certain damage to the local ecology and at the same time bringing legal liability to themselves.
Step 10:Relax and Enjoy!
After completing the above steps, you can fully enjoy the pleasure of off-roading!
we should also be in awe of the car we are driving and the nature we are in, have full expectations for any emergencies, and remain calm in the face of danger.
