Getting the most out of your four wheel drive

A lot of people purchase a four wheel drive and never take it off the bitumen. To me, that is sad. However, if you are one of the few that enjoy four wheel driving, you will know exactly how much fun there is to be had. Whether it's as simple as being able to get to the local surfing spot in your vehicle (without having to walk miles down the beach) or going for trips around the country, camping out the back of your four wheel drive there is something for everyone. Four wheel drives are all built differently, and behave differently to each other. However, when you are four wheel driving there are some key things to consider, which will help you get the most out of your four wheel drive.

The first that I would like to mention is the tire pressure that you are running. I believe in the 4 PSI rule (if you haven't heard of it, then it is worth doing some research on). Most people run too high pressures in their tires which causes premature wearing and ultimately costs you at the hip pocket. For off roading though, its important that you pick the right tire pressures. The more you let the tires down, the bigger surface area touches the ground and the more traction you will have. Contrary to belief, running high pressures actually increases your chances of getting a puncture. When you let the tires down a bit, they are able to mould around the rock rather than have a sharp bit go right through. If you haven't got a Tire Deflator [http://www.aaronschubert.com/4x4/tire-deflators/], its well worth investing in one!

Picking the right gear is another important step for four wheel driving. Don't over rev it, but by keeping the revs at around where peak torque is you will have the best chance of getting through. Most people believe having a huge amount of power and torque is needed in a four wheel drive, but that isn't correct. Rarely do you need a lot of power, and you will get through just fine with the right driving skills.

Picking the correct line is the last thing that I will mention. This is usually the killer, and means the difference between a bouncy ride up a hill with a high chance of breaking something compared to a smoother, more controlled ride. By thinking about where your wheels are going to go, you can avoid nasty side angles, wheels in the air and ensure that you get to the top safely, efficiently and with no damage.

Four wheel driving is a great sport, even if it just gets you to the place you want to be. There are many other things that you can learn, but this is a reasonable guide! Make sure that you always carry a full recovery set (including Maxtrax) and go with another vehicle if at all possible.