Going off-road this season...

When using 4WD or AWD, maintain steering wheel control at all times... especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel from the outside of the wheel (rather than the spokes - this gives you better control).

• Try to avoid excessive speed when going off-road, vehicle momentum can work against you and cause the vehicle to become stuck to the point that assistance may be required from another vehicle. Remember, you may be able to back out the same way you came in if you proceed with caution.

• Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks, stumps, etc. You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before trying to conquer the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle... you must have all four wheels on the ground and rolling - not sliding or spinning.

Before hittin' the bush, always remember to pack:

The Necessities - Tools, Parts, food, clothing, water
The Essentials - First Aid Kit, flashlight, sunscreen, bug repellent, gloves
Navigation/Assistance - Maps, compass, cell phone, jumper cables, shovel, axe, winch, tow strap, chains
Repairs/Parts - Wrench, duct tape, pliers, zap straps, tire repair kit, basic tool kit, spare parts Check List »
Camping - Tent/Tarp, sleeping bags, extra clothes, extra food
Fluids - Plenty of Water! For you and your truck (leave the booze at home)
Tools - if something breaks... you are going to need to fix it. Jumper cables, flares, flashlights
Parts - carry basic equipment & parts
Useful Items - shovel, bungee cords, spare lug nuts, fire extinguisher, spare batteries
Fluids - plenty of water - for you and your truck! (leave the booze at home)
Extra Clothing - blankets, leather gloves

• SAND - Try to keep all 4 wheels on the most solid area of the trail. Avoid reducing tire pressure. Instead, shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain.

• SNOW - 4WD & AWD vehicles are unique in that they can be driven in deep snow that would stop a conventional 2WD vehicle. Shift to a low gear and maintain steady pressure on the accelerator. This will hep prevent spinning the wheels while maintaining sufficient momentum to keep the vehicle from bogging down. Tires chains also help.

• MUD - Be cautious of sudden changes in vehicle speed or direction when you are driving in mud. Even 4WD vehicles can loose traction in slick mud. If the vehicle does start to slide...
Steer in the direction of the slide until you regain control of the vehicle.
After driving through mud - clean off residue stuck to rotating driveshafts and tires.
Excess mud caked on tires and rotating driveshafts causes an imbalance that could damage vehicle components. Not to mention - may also prove to be quite costly and/or cause factory warranties to be nil & void if you do not maintain & clean rotating components.

• WATER - Before driving through water:
Determine the depth.
Avoid water higher than the bottom of the wheel hubs.
Avoid splashing... if the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall.
Once through the water safely, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. You can dry the brakes faster by driving the vehicle slowly while applying light pressure on the brake pedal.