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4x4 driving tips: get to know your vehicle better

No two vehicles are exactly the same, whether they come straight from the factory or from your own workshop. Likewise, no two drivers have the same level of experience or skill. That’s why getting to know your vehicle inside and out is one of the best ways to prepare for the challenges you’ll face when driving off-road for leisure.

GET TO KNOW YOUR 4X4 INSIDE AND OUT

To start, there’s nothing better than taking an off-road driving course near you. You’ll learn how a 4x4 works and receive expert advice on how to get the most out of your vehicle away from paved roads. In the 4x4 (4WD) world, knowledge is power — and reading your owner’s manual is a great way to build that knowledge.

BRING OUT YOUR PROTRACTORS! PREPARE YOUR TRIP WELL!

Those geometry lessons from school aren’t wasted after all! Before heading off on an adventure, you need to get familiar with a few basic angles, which will help you identify challenging obstacles and difficult terrain that your vehicle cannot tackle.

PRO TIP

To accurately assess your 4x4’s angles, position your vehicle in front of an obstacle, then get out and take a close look. Compare what you see from outside with what you saw from the driver’s seat. With experience, you’ll be able to visualise what your vehicle can actually handle based on what you observe from behind the wheel.

APPROACH ANGLE

The maximum angle at which a 4x4 can begin climbing a slope without the front of the vehicle hitting the ground.

BREAKOVER ANGLE

The maximum angle at which a vehicle can pass over a crest or obstacle without the underbody making contact. This angle is measured by drawing two lines from the lowest point of the chassis to where the front and rear wheels touch the ground.

DEPARTURE ANGLE

The maximum angle at which a 4x4 can descend a slope without the rear of the vehicle touching the ground.

GROUND CLEARANCE

The distance between the lowest part of the vehicle and the ground or obstacle to be crossed.

WADING DEPTH

The maximum depth of water a 4x4 can cross at a given speed without water entering the engine. Not all manufacturers provide this information in the owner’s manual. When in doubt, the wheel hub level is usually a reliable reference.

TIP-OVER ANGLE

This is the maximum angle at which a 4x4 driver can climb a hillside without the vehicle tipping over. This angle varies depending on the vehicle; modifications such as a lift kit, larger tyres, or a heavily loaded roof rack can significantly increase the risk of tipping. The situation becomes particularly critical when the bottom of the uphill tyre is level with the top of the downhill tyre.