We looked through our blogs recently and realised that despite our vast collection of content, we haven’t yet put together a guide for off-road driving.
For many Land Rover owners, off-roading is what it is all about. Whether for a hobby or necessity, driving a Land Rover off the beaten track is why they chose the Land Rover they did.
So, in this edition of our blog, we’ve put together what we think are the best tips for enjoying your off-road driving experience in a Land Rover.
What to do before you take a Land Rover off-road
Before you indulge in some off-roading, you’ll need to give your Land Rover a thorough inspection and ensure it is suitable for off-road driving. Ultimately, you want to have fun, stay safe, and get your vehicle back home in as close to one piece as possible.
So, before you head out, look over the vehicle, especially its underside, to see where any vulnerable or fragile parts may lie.
Look for the fuel tank, gearbox, and engine sump. Having a clear idea of where they are located will almost certainly help you avoid causing them any damage as you traverse the rough terrain.
Then, research the following five aspects of your Land Rover to see how they may cope with what you are about to put it through.
- Ground clearance. Find out the distance between the bodywork of your Land Rover and the ground. This will give you an indication of what height of terrain you can breach.
- Wading depth. When heading off-road, you might encounter plenty of water. The wading depth will show the maximum depth of water you’ll be able to drive through without causing any damage to the engine or seeing your Land Rover floating.
- Breakover angle. Your breakover angle is the maximum height of peak you can summit before you get stuck like a seesaw.
- Approach angle. The approach angle tells you what gradient your Land Rover will be able to drive up before its front bumper hits the ground before the tyres can touch the slope.
- Departure angle. This is basically the opposite of the approach angle. The gradient you can drive down without your rear bumper hitting the ground as you leave the slope.
What equipment do I need for off-road driving?
With checks on your vehicle complete, you prepare what you’ll take with you to ensure the adventure goes without a hitch. Some of these items may sound a little pointless or seem like we are stating the obvious, but you’ll be surprised how many off roaders soon realise they didn’t pack sufficient gear for the terrain they are encountering.
With Land Rovers providing great storage space, you’ll have plenty of room for the following essentials:
- Food & water
- A shovel
- Spare clothing for changing weather conditions
- Tow rope
- Spare fuel
- Power bank
- Mobile phone
- Blankets
- Maps
Luckily, many Land Rover models come with built-in GPS. Should yours not, ensure you either have your own system installed or utilise the features on your phone.
What tyres do I need for off-road driving?
There are some fantastic all-terrain tyres available for various Range Rover models. Each tyre type is created with specific surfaces in mind, giving you a safer and more comfortable ride.
Mud, sand and winter tyres are all currently available. It simply comes down to equipping your Rover with the ones that suit the conditions best.
Mud tyres, for example, have a deep and wide tread to give you much better traction in wet and muddy conditions. With the British climate, these could often be your best bet when off-roading.
Sand tyres are made of a soft rubber and have a tread pattern that optimises surface area, allowing for a wider distribution of vehicle weight. Rather than dig deep into the surface, they glide, leading to more driving and less being beached! Pick these if your off-road experience is taking you on a desert expedition or some beach driving.
How should I drive off-road?
Driving off-road can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be challenging. As a result, how you drive will need to be adjusted for different types of terrain.
As a rule, drive as slowly as possible, but as fast as necessary. This may sound a little vague, but it’ll stop you from getting stuck and also stop you skidding and possibly overturning.
- In mud, drive steadily and in a medium-high gear. This will stop wheel spin.
- In sand, drive steadily, like in mud, but stick to a lower gear.
- Always use the throttle gently. Too much power and you could see your wheels spinning so much they dig into the ground and get you stuck.
- Only brake when you need to. Too much braking could see you get stuck.
- Always keep both hands on the wheel; sudden changes in terrain can lead to a lack of control.
- Approach any logs or rocks at a diagonal angle; this way, you’ll keep three wheels on the ground and have much better stability.
- If approaching water, accelerate until a bow wave forms. Then keep your speed consistent enough to keep the wave flowing in front of the bumper.
- Do not attempt to make turns when on steep slopes. Doing so could lead to your vehicle overturning or sliding down the slope.
How does your Land Rover help you with off-road driving?
Many models, such as the Range Rover, Discovery and Defender, come equipped with a Terrain Response System. This technology automatically adjusts the vehicle’s settings to match the ground conditions.
The All-Terrain Progress Control ensures a steady speed and makes use of any available traction, allowing you to maintain optimal control.
The Terrain Response Modes for Land Rovers include:
- Mud Ruts Mode: Perfect for uneven or soft ground that is muddy or deeply rutted.
- Sand Mode: A mode built to help you cross soft dry sand where wheels would normally sink easily.
- Rock Crawl Mode: When solid but varied terrain is encountered, this mode optimises high suspension and more careful control.
- Grass/Gravel/Snow Mode: This mode is there to help assist you when the ground is firm but may have a loose or slippery surface.
You’ll also find the use of hill descent control useful as it will keep you facing the right way, at the right speed!
If you have recently returned from an off-road adventure and need your Land Rover to be looked over, speak to our team. Our expert Land Rover technicians have years of experience in Land Rover servicing and can ensure your vehicle is back to its best. We are the leading Land Rover specialists in Kent but provide services for Land Rover owners from all over the country. We’ll also do your Land Rover MOT too! Get in touch today to find out more.